The 11th edition of Rainforest Challenge (RFC) India, the country’s most grueling off-road motorsport event, officially roared to life in Goa on Monday, drawing a record 77 teams from 11 Indian states.
Organized by Cougar Motorsport, RFC India is the official India chapter of the world-renowned Rainforest Challenge of Malaysia, which ranks among the globe’s top five toughest off-road races. Since its debut in 2014, RFC India has become the most prestigious event of its kind in the country.
In a significant format expansion, the 2025 edition has introduced two new competition categories — ‘4X4 Modified’ and ‘4X4 Stock’, alongside the flagship ‘4X4 Extreme’ category — to accommodate a wider range of 4X4 enthusiasts.
For the first time, Meghalaya is represented in the competition, marking a milestone for the event’s reach. All three categories will feature women participants, further promoting inclusivity in motorsports.
Goa, the host state, is represented by nine teams, while Karnataka (24 teams) and Maharashtra (18 teams) lead in terms of participation.
“Congratulations to all the participants for being winners at the start of RFC India 2025,” said Luis J.A. Wee, Founder of the Rainforest Challenge. “You will be tested in mind, body and machine — a true initiation into the global RFC community.”
This year’s 77 teams have been divided into:
‘4X4 Extreme’ – 25 teams
‘4X4 Modified’ – 22 teams
‘4X4 Stock’ – 30 teams
Each category will face a tailored set of Special Stages (SS) designed to challenge driving precision, mechanical recovery, endurance, and teamwork:
Extreme: 26 SS
Modified: 20 SS
Stock: 14 SS
Scrutiny for the ‘Extreme’ category was completed on July 28, with action beginning July 29. Scrutiny for the other two categories will take place on July 29 and 30.
The top Indian driver in the ‘Extreme’ category will secure a free entry into the RFC Global Grand Finale in Malaysia later this year — one of the most coveted titles in international off-road racing.
“RFC India has always been about pushing the boundaries — both mechanical and human,” said Ashish Gupta, Founder & Director of Cougar Motorsport. “The introduction of new categories and the arrival of teams from new regions like Meghalaya show how off-roading is growing as a national sport.”
The week-long event will conclude on August 3, with winners from each category to be announced after what promises to be an intense contest through Goa’s rugged, rain-soaked terrain.