Lankan duo-Indika and Navin fancied in Malaysian Rain Forest Challenge

by Ranjan Anandappa

MOTOR RACING: Sri Lanka duo Indika Sanjeeva (Driver) and Navin Marapana (Co-driver) are set to conquer all obstacles in the 10th Malaysian Rain Forest Challenge 2007 and return home triumphant.

The two competitors are sponsored by Frontier Automotives (Pvt) Ltd. and it's Director/CEO Sheran Fernando handed over the cheque to the competitors. Sanjeeva and Marapana will leave for Malaysia to participate in the 800 km world best off road competition (diesel) category which will be held from November 26 to December 5.

The competition seems to be as tough as climbing Mount Everest, but the experience and the better knowledge of terrain vehicle optimation needed for the competition have given confidence for the two competitors this year. Last year, they won the runners-up position.

The competition is an internationally acclaimed one which is held in the 'Amazon'jungle of Asia. About 50 teams from about 35 countries, including England, Australia and the USA will participate.

The Malaysian Rain Forest is the most arduous and gruelling test for both man and machine. It will take place during the North East Monsoonal rains over a period of 10 days amidst sleepless nights and a treacherous drive specially created in a route spanning over 800km.

Navin Marapona - a Barrister-at-Law, at a press briefing said that the Malaysian Rainforest competition which celebrates its tenth year, is one of the most challenging sport in the world. The winners will be ascertained by a point system.

"In Malaysia, the event is considered to be a national one and journalists from other countries are being invited. It's a tremendous boost for tourism. Sri Lanka is ideally suited to conduct an event of this nature, with plenty of rivers and jungles in places like Yala etc., but unfortunately the security situation doesn't permit to do so', said Marapona.

"In the first five years, England and Australia dominated, but thereafter Malaysia, having a better knowledge of the conditions, being the host country dominated. However, Australia could pose a big challenge," he said.