The Rainforest Challenge started way back in the late 1990s in Malaysia.

It expanded from its single-event origins to a global event series managed by RFC International and draws the toughest of the tough to compete in their national RFC events with the aim of selecting the participants for the international final.

Though not strictly a ‘race’ the RFC is ranked among the top five toughest off-road races in the world. That ranking puts it ahead of the Baja 1000 and the Dakar rally. Some might disagree.

To Kiwis, the events more resemble a blend of winch challenge and trials disciplines. New Zealand drivers have contested these events in past years though it seems recently we’ve decided to rest on our laurels. In the 1990s we had a winch challenge series that ran at Horopito near Ohakune and spread from there, though the tough and gritty nature of the RFC was watered down a little.

The RFC circuit of events is expanding and events are now held in 60 countries. Both New Zealand and Australia are affiliated members of the RFC network, though we don’t have an event based in-country.
Check out this spread of action from Luis Wee, shot at the RFC Mongolia event in early July.