Taprobana 4x4 Challenge 2012 flags off on 19 October

Taprobana 4x4 Challenge 2012 known internationally as RFC Sri Lanka is expected to be flag off on 19 October with a ceremonial start at Independence Square in Colombo.

Taprobana 4x4 Challenge will roll out the convoy for the ninth consecutive year at Independence Square and proceed towards Embilipitiya. The event is organised by the Four Wheel Drive club along with the Army Engineering Corps, under the sanction of the International Rain Forest Challenge format. The Ceylon Motor Sports Club officiates the event with their state of the art timing equipment and shall observe the International Motor sport Safety Standards.

The Prologue on 20 October will be held at Sappers, in front of the capacity 10,000 spectators. The Sappers 4x4 track is the only dual 4x4 track with a military style track with looping obstacles that simulates off road scenarios. It also has a 360 degree view from which any part of the track can be seen from a safe distance. The circuit was designed by the Four Wheel Drive Club of Sri Lanka with the prowess of the Sri Lanka Army Engineering Corps.

After the military style Prologue track, the competitors are off the jungle from 21 to 24 October where they will have to survive without back up assistance. Yala will be the temporary residence for the participants for the three nights. They will have to navigate the Kumbukkan River avoiding the elephant corridors before exiting via the Kumana bird sanctuary on 24 October.

The final stage on 25 October will be worked off in the morning. A 300km journey await from east coast of Sri Lanka to the west coast for the awards ceremony in Colombo. The 4x4 winds down at the Colombo Motor show. The convoys will be on display until 28 October.

The event is sponsored by the national carrier SriLankan Airlines, to add to the tourism spectrum of Sri Lanka by identifying our destination for 4x4 adventure tourism. The event is Co Sponsored by, Toyota Lanka, Jeep Division of DIMO’s, MBSL Insurance, Avonsmart Engineering, Central Investments and Finance Ltd, Wurth Lanka, IPC Holdings, Mobil Lubricants and with Logistics Partner GAC Shipping, Communication Partner Etisalat, Travel Partner Lanka Sprortsrizen, Official Drink Red Bull and Recovery Partner Dave Tractors supplying John Deere Tractors.