AD: 2017 Rainforest Challenge Grand Final sponsored by Petron wraps up with Malaysian team taking victory

The 2017 Rainforest Challenge Grand Final, sponsored by Petron, wrapped up on December, closing the chapter on yet another successful edition – now in its 21st year – of the globally recognised and reputable 4×4 off-road obstacle racing and adventure event.

As the finale event of the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) Global Series, which consists of 45 events worldwide, Malaysia hosted winners from 30 countries battling it out for the overall title. The competition saw plenty of thrills and spills as Malaysia’s infamous monsoon rains swept over the area in Pahang.

Morning showers meant that even the opening Prologue leg, taking place at Pantai Balok, Kuantan on November 25, was full of excitement, with one person even flipping their vehicle on Special Stage 7 (SS7). The downpour worsened the next day, leading to rising water levels at the entrance to the Predator leg in Sungai Lembing.

At some stages, it became practically impossible to pass through until the river levels dropped, and the continuing downpour made the next Terminator stage in Jeram Buluh on November 29 a wild and muddy affair. Eventually, the rainstorm became so heavy that the entrance to the extremely challenging Twilight Zone in Hulu Pukin, slated for late November 30, had to be delayed until the next morning.

Even so, the course was treacherous for even the most experienced teams, with light rain in the morning followed by heavier showers later in the afternoon. Finally, after 10 days of intense and gruelling off-road driving, the competitors reached Pekan on Monday, where the challenge officially ended.

In the end, it was the Maxxis Sabah Malaysia team that scooped up the overall win, with the top five consisting of three Russian teams and another Malaysian group. Petron is proud to be the official sponsor of the 2017 Rainforest Challenge Grand Final, having started its involvement in the event last year as part of the launch of Petron Turbo Diesel fuel.

AD: 2017 Rainforest Challenge Grand Final sponsored by Petron wraps up with Malaysian team taking victory

Petron Turbo Diesel Euro 5 is an ultra low sulfur premium diesel that meets the stringent requirements of Euro 5-compliant diesel engines, with 50 times less sulfur than Euro 2M diesel fuels. Its unique fuel conditioner also contributes to a more efficient combustion, while its advanced additive technology provides excellent cleaning action in modern direct-injected diesel engines.

Furthermore, the fuel contains a higher cetane number that results in smoother and quieter engine operation, along with a TriAction Advantage advanced additive system to provide more power, greater engine protection and increased mileage. You also get improved ignition quality and cold start performance, excellent protection against corrosion and fuel foaming, increased oxidation stability and better fuel economy.