The 2018 Isuzu Rainforest Challenge (RFC) India was back in action following a rest day, giving the participants a chance to recuperate. Day 3 consisted of four Special Stages (SS) of varying difficulty levels running at Suquerbag in Quepem, Goa.
The leaderboard remains unchanged at the front. Gerrari Offroaders’ Sanbir Singh Dhaliwal and co-driver Gurpartap Singh Sandhu lead the standings, having accumulated 687 points out of a maximum of 900.
“There is no pressure on me whatsoever to retain the top position,” said Dhaliwal. “I am just happy with how things have gone for me so far. I am not taking the rankings seriously as a large part of the competition is still remaining. My agenda in the coming days would be to complete all the stages without breaking my vehicle and enjoy the sport. I am hoping that my vehicle endures all the stress that I am putting on it.”
Jagat Nanjappa and Chetan Changappa also continue to hold on to 2nd place with 669 points. Malaysian driver Mervyn Lim and co-driver Alex Tan, driving for Team G.O.A. Fairmont, made a big leap in the standings, having jumped up 11 positions slotting into 3rd place with 567 points. Meanwhile, reigning RFC India champions, Gurmeet Virdi and Kirpal Singh Tung are just two points adrift in 4th place.
Making their RFC India debut, Chow Ujjal Namshum and co-driver Inpeng Mein were initially 3rd in the standings after the first five stages, but dropped down to 6th place after Day 3. “I had nothing to lose on the first day of the competition as nobody had any expectations from me. So there was no pressure to perform. That really helped me to be me and do well,” said Namshum. “Going forward, I want to run every stage and try to get as less penalties as possible. I would play it safe for another day or two after which I will try to bring more speed in my efforts.”
Dipan Sur
