The RFC-winning Force Gurkha is the epitome of rough terrain dominance that makes other off-roaders look like bullock-carts. We drove the extreme competition Gurkha
Story: Ravi Chandnani
Photography: Sanjay Raikar
In August three very special Force Gurkhas entered the jungles of Goa on an expedition to claim victory in one of the most extreme off-roading events in the world – the Rain Forest Challenge (RFC). It is an extreme off-roading competition that involves a lot of courage, dedication, skill and, most importantly, a highly competent off-roader. This was a perfect opportunity for Force Motors to show the world what their off-roaders can do when the road simply disappears. Two of the three Gurkhas that entered the competition emerged victorious. These were in the hands of some of the most talented drivers from Malaysia who made Prasan Firodia’s dream of winning the inaugural RFC a reality.
Therefore, the company decided to show their excellent works of art to the world. Hence we headed to their plant at Akurdi, near Pune, for a preview of the amazing talent that the RFC Gurkha possesses.
I could see three red-and-black Gurkhas that dwarfed everything else in sight, even the throng of people surrounding them as I approached the testing area. These three RFC challengers looked intimidating because of their tall stature, thanks to the raised suspension, exposed drive axles, wide extreme off-roading tyres and a very special steering system. The RFC-winning Gurkha of Tan Eng Joo was put up on a special ramp that showed the superior articulation of the RFC Gurkha. I was amazed that the bonnet of the stationary RFC Gurkha next to it was almost four feet from the ground.
After coming to terms with the sheer size of these three monsters I was given a guided tour of the most extreme obstacles of the specially prepared course by Force Motors Team. It consisted of a deep pit, a steep climb and a series of downhill sections that were not in a straight line. There was a lot more to this extreme course as I discovered later.
