| Achong Tanjong |
LOCAL and international 4×4 enthusiasts flocked to Tanah Jambu in Jalan Muara/Salambigar yesterday as the roars of more than 60 vehicles reverberated across the 4WD track, signalling the beginning of the 4th Suzuki 4×4 Challenge Cup 2016.
The annual event, jointly organised by Boustead Sdn Bhd and Four Wheel Drive Association (PKTLB), was flagged off by Dato Paduka Lim Beng Thai, Managing Director of Boustead.
This year, for the first time, the challenge has attracted foreign participants coming from neighbouring states of Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan.
More than 60 vehicles and drivers are competing in the two-day challenge which is testament to how far the tournament has come in terms of exposure, said Haji Ahmad bin Haji Abdul Razak, co-chairman of the organising committee.
According to him, the challenge aims to foster better relationship between members of PKTLB and the staff of Boustead, promote 4×4 as a popular sport in the Sultanate and contribute to the state’s tourism industry.
Dato Lim Beng Thai, Managing Director of Boustead Sdn Bhd, flagging off the Suzuki challenge yesterday. – ACGONG TANJONG
It also seeks to enhance awareness on road safety, regulations and defensive driving among the general public as well as to promote Suzuki vehicles, he added.
The competition was initially held to reward the loyal customers of Suzuki who are interested in off-road activities. However, since the inaugural event, the event expanded on a yearly basis due to the overwhelming response from the public and the event’s growing reputation, Haji Ahmad noted.
Meanwhile, local participant Awang Bandang bin Perayam, a 4×4 enthusiast from Kg Limau Manis, said he had participated in similar challenges organised locally for more than eight times. He won first place in the Open category of the Suzuki Challenge Cup last year and second place in the same category in the Tutong 4×4 Challenge.
“We do our own modification to the vehicle by gathering all the experience and skills as well as information from other 4×4 vehicle friends in the country,” he said.
Awang Bandang hopes to give his best of skills during the challenge.
The event is divided into three categories: Standard, Open Modified and Team Relay.
The Standard category primarily aims to attract novice drivers who are new to off-roading as the tracks are less demanding compared to other categories.
Seasoned 4WD enthusiasts with modified vehicles are mostly enrolled in the Open Modified category where the tracks are designed to push the limits of the vehicles’ capabilities as well as to test participants’ skills.
The organisers have also introduced a ‘Super Stage’ (SS) category this year to provide participants with a more challenging mental and physical experience. The SS category participants will be contesting along with those in the Modified category.
This year, 15 vehicles are competing in Standard category, 34 vehicles in Modified category and 18 vehicles in Team Relay category. The Suzuki Cup Challenge trophy will be given to the winner of the Modified category.
The event is open exclusively for vehicles under Suzuki flagship regardless of models.
Suzuki is always proud of the durability and reliability of its vehicles and this event serves as a platform to test the vehicles’ competence in extreme road conditions.
Apart from indulging in the exciting challenge, the winners in each category will bring home attractive prizes.
In the Standard category, the champion will receive $800, trophy and a set of Nexen (H/T) tyres while the first runner-up will get $400 and a trophy and the second runner-up $200 and trophy.
The other prizes are the following: Open Modified category – champion: $2,000, trophy and a set of Yokohama (M/T) tyres; first runner-up: $1,500 and a trophy; second runner-up: $1,000 and a trophy.
Team Relay category – champion: $1,800, medal and a set of Kenda (A/T) tyres; first runner-up: $1,200 and medal; second runner-up: $900 and medal.
The prizes will be distributed tomorrow during a gala night at Suzuki Boustead Showroom in Beribi at 7pm.
Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, is expected to attend the event as the guest of honour.
The post Vrooming start to 4th Suzuki 4×4 Challenge appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.