The Rainforest Challenge
For a long time, I thought that the King of the Hammers was the ultimate off-road race. It pits man against an ever-changing environment, unforgiving rocks, and the high speeds of the desert. After searching for other off-road races around the world, I came across this. It is the Rainforest Challenge, and I dare say, I’m reconsidering my metric of what makes the ultimate off-road race.
The Rainforest Challenge has been taking place since 1997, and you face off against the tropical environment of Malaysia. You not only deal with the humidity of the southern Pan-Asian country, but also river crossings, mud, downed trees, the jungle of Malaysia, and more for 10 days. This year, the Rainforest Challenge features two new classes: Modified Pickup 4×4 and Production Pickup Truck 4×4. This allows for OEM trucks to get representation on the challenge on their own stage, but also allows for newer drivers to get involved in the challenge. You can get a peek at what these drivers will face in the videos below.
35-Minute Documentary of 2012 Rainforest Challenge
Highlights of the 2013 Rainforest Challenge