This year’s RFC Tiger Trail was held in the height of the northern hemisphere summer at Bolshoy Kamen, 106km from Vladivostok. Competitors ran in three classes: R1 (prototype)R2 (modified production) and R3 (standard). In the Russian events the Suzuki Vitara and Jimny are popular for their light weight, excellent approach and departure angles and reliable drivetrain. There are also a handful of Mistubishi Pajeros, Jeeps and Toyota Land Cruisers, along with one or two Lada Nivas.

One of the Jimny drivers is also the tallest competitor in any RFC championship: Dannill Soloviev is 2.12m tall. This year he finished sixth in the R2 class.

Like other RFC events, the competitive sections are organised in special stages and performance is measured by points for each section.

The event, which ran from August 12-15, placed heavy emphasis on crew skills and communication rather than speed. Each stage was plotted to maximise difficult twists and turns, winching left, right and centre across undulating terrain, rocks, ruts, undulating and soggy terrain.

For the R1 competitors, the ‘Tiger Trail RFC’ is also a qualifying round for the Malaysian event being held this month.