Rainforest Challenge India 2025 kicks off with 77 teams competing teams in Goa

The 11th edition of India’s most formidable and challenging off-road motorsport event, the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) India, officially commenced today in Goa. A total of 77 teams from across the nation have gathered to compete in this high-octane event, which is a key part of the globally renowned Rainforest Challenge series.

Organised by Cougar Motorsport, RFC India is the Indian counterpart of the iconic Rainforest Challenge of Malaysia, widely regarded as one of the top 10 toughest motor races in the world and a benchmark for off-road endurance competitions. Since its debut in 2014, RFC India has grown to be recognised as the nation’s premier off-road motorsport event.

This year, RFC India has expanded its format by introducing two new categories: the ‘4X4 Modified’ and ‘4X4 Stock’, alongside the flagship ‘4X4 Extreme’ category. These additions aim to diversify the competition, making it more inclusive for a broader spectrum of India’s expanding 4X4 community.

Mr. Luis J.A. Wee, Founder of The Rainforest Challenge, congratulated all participants, stating, “Congratulations to all the participants for being winners at the start of Rainforest Challenge India 2025. You will be challenged in mind, body and machines in the coming days, which will surely uplift your experience in India’s premier 4×4 off-road event and be qualified as a 4×4 warrior in the international standard of RFC Global Series!”

This year’s competition has attracted teams from across 11 states in India, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Goa, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Karnataka leads the charge with 24 teams, followed by Maharashtra with 18 teams. Goa, the host state, has nine teams participating. For the first time, a team from Meghalaya will compete in the ‘4X4 Modified’ category, a significant milestone in the expansion of off-roading culture in India. Furthermore, women participants are set to make their mark in all three categories, marking an exciting development for gender inclusivity in the sport.

Mr. Ashish Gupta, Founder & Director of Cougar Motorsport, remarked, “RFC India has always been about pushing boundaries – of vehicles and of human capability. With the introduction of new categories this year, we are excited to welcome a more diverse range of participants. The entry of teams from newer regions like Meghalaya is a sign that off-roading culture is growing deeper roots across the country. We look forward to an intense and inspiring week of competition.”

The 77 teams have been divided into three categories based on their vehicle modification levels and off-road preparedness. In the ‘4X4 Extreme’ category, 25 teams will tackle the toughest terrains, with 26 Special Stages (SS) designed to test their driving skills, vehicle recovery techniques, and physical and mental endurance. Meanwhile, the ‘4X4 Modified’ category will feature 22 teams, and the ‘4X4 Stock’ category, which is reserved for near-factory-spec vehicles, has attracted the most entries, with 30 teams participating.

The competition will run until August 3, with each category facing a distinct set of challenges. Participants in the ‘4X4 Extreme’ category began vehicle scrutiny today and will face a series of grueling Special Stages, while teams in the ‘4X4 Modified’ and ‘4X4 Stock’ categories will undergo scrutiny on July 29 and 30 respectively.

The stakes are particularly high in the ‘Extreme’ category, as the top Indian driver will earn a coveted automatic entry to the Rainforest Challenge Global Grand Finale, which will take place in Malaysia later this year.

The winners in all three categories will be announced at the conclusion of the event on August 3, following what promises to be an action-packed week set against the backdrop of Goa’s rugged, rain-drenched landscapes.