THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A record seven teams from Kerala will participate in the fourth edition of the Force Gurkha Rainforest Challenge (RFC) to be held from July 22 to 30 in Goa -- the annual stop in India for the off-road motorsport event considered one of the most grueling in the world.
Sam Kurian Kalarickal with co-driver Arun Padipoyil, Anand V Manjooran with Vishnu Raj, Shemy Mustafa with Naveen Narayanan, Shibu Varghese with Jose Cheeramkuzhy, Robish M K with Koyan Althani M J, Raju Paul with Kevin Jose and Sujeesh Kolothody with Nithin M will represent Kerala at RFC.
As many as 40 teams will participate in RFC India 2017 where they will compete in around 26 special stages or challenges that will test the contestants' driving and vehicle recovery skills, team spirit and physical and mental strength under extreme off-road conditions.
The top Indian driver will win an amount of USD 8,000 as well as a direct free entry to the RFC main event to be held in Malaysia later this year. While Sam, Anand and Raju were part of RFC India 2016, it will be a debut for the other four teams from Kerala in the RFC.
"Participating in RFC is a dream for off-roaders in India. I am excited as well as nervous, but my co-driver Nithin has some RFC experience which will be very helpful for us," said 33-year-old Sujeesh who will drive for Team Flywheel - Kerala Adventure Sports Club.
Shibu, another debutant, felt RFC has been a game changer when it comes to off-roading in the country. "Over the last few years, the organisational framework and rule book of RFC have become benchmarks for other events in India," said Shibu, a retired computer engineer.
Shemy Mustafa, a category winner at the Raid-de-Himalaya, will make his debut with his trusted Gypsy. "I have participated in many competitions in South India during the last five years. I think I am ready for this level of extreme competition and hence decided to participate in RFC India," said Shemy.