Maverick Martins/ Team Café
Herald Cafe: Tell us a little bit about your early association in
bringing the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) to India.
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Ashish Gupta: Being a motorsport enthusiast, I have participated in
numerous domestic events. Then in November 2013, I went for the Rainforest
Challenge in Malaysia where the levels of difficulty, the kind of team spirit
and the adrenalin rush was incomparable. When I realised that RFC is an
international event with numerous editions worldwide, I decided to bring it to
India.
HC: What brings Cougar Motorsport to Goa and why was Goa chosen to host
the RFC?
AG: We required a particular type of terrain as well as constant rain
in order to maintain the global RFC standards. From all the locations
evaluated, Goa fitted all our requirements perfectly. Also, being a tourism
hub, it is very well connected which was an additional incentive for the
participants as well as the touring adventurers.
HC: What route will the race be covering?
AG: The first two days of the event will be around the International
Centre Goa in Dona Paula. Thereafter, the participants will cover 250kms from
South to North Goa before coming back to Dona Paula for the closing and prize
distribution ceremony.
HC: Is the government providing any assistance?
AG: The Government of Goa has been very supportive and Goa Tourism has
become the Tourism Partner for the event.
HC: How many teams are you expecting for the first edition? Have the
teams already registered?
AG: We are expecting over 30 teams for the event. 25 teams have already
registered and we are still receiving a lot of inquiries. We are also trying
for 3 international teams but their participation is subject to their carnet
and shipping being sorted.
HC: What are the steps taken to make the race environment friendly?
AG: Since we are strongly committed to preserving Goa’s flora and
fauna, we have hired a Goa based Environment Consultant V T Thomas, Ex Forest
Ranger, with whose help the route has been designed away from protected forest
territory and wildlife sanctuaries, on a combination of private and government
land.
HC: Motor racing is not promoted enough even though it has a massive
fan following.
AG: Motor racing is an expensive sport. Therefore, it really does not
require mass promotion or publicity. Those who are passionate about it and can
afford to indulge in the sport have joined the relevant communities, clubs and
forums where they meet like-minded people and participate in various events.
HC: Considering it’s an expensive sport, do you feel that Government or
corporate support is a must for the sport?
AG: The Government has other priorities and towards sports that are
more mass centric. Corporate support will only be there if the sport gives
visibility to the brand and is popular among the masses. Automobile
manufacturers can make a big difference by adopting these initiatives.
