Force Motors won the first ever Rainforest Challenge in 2014 by occupying the top two positions on the podium. They are back with their Gurkha to defend the title. RFC is a back wrenching competition for the drivers as they have to go through some of the toughest off road terrains.
The competition includes heavily tweaked vehicles with special suspension systems and a roll cage which protects the occupants in case the car tumbles. Force’s entry into the 40 team competition is its beloved Gurkha which has received major changes to survive the brutality of the forest without taking much time to complete the challenge.
The new Gurkha sports the same Mercedes derived TD 2200 engine which produces 140 bhp and 320 Nm. The suspension system has received changes and now both the rear and front sport an all-coil suspension mated to very long shock absorbers to take on the topsy-turvy terrains. Rainforest rides often needs the vehicle to winch out of a pit. That is why the Pune based manufacturer has upgraded the winch system and now it has two powerful motors.
The company will make three entries into the competition and all of them will be Gurkhas. One will be piloted by defending champion Tan Eng Joo who will be guided by Tan Choon Hong in the navigator position. An all Indian team will also take part with Sanjiv Singh on the wheel and Jay Sridhar as navigator. The third team will comprise of last year’s runner ups. Mervyn will be on the wheel and he will be supported by Hamizan Abdul Hamid in navigator’s position.
Force Motors feel that though are the defending champions of the event, they have an even better chance this year. Mr. Prasan Firodia, MD, has wished everyone participant good luck and hopes that they will produce the same result as last year.
