BEAUFORD HARVEST 4X4 CHALLENGE
30 April - 1 May 2008

Story and pictures submitted by Fred Leong 2.5.2008.

 KOTA KINABALU: The just concluded 4x4 Challenge to coincide with the launching of the State Harvest Festival in Beaufort (April 30-May 1) was indeed a real success – thousands of people from all walks of life were able to witness the all round THRILLS and SPILLS over two days.

Organised by the Kinabalu Four Wheel Drive Club (KFWDC) upon the Invitation of the government through its organising committee Advisor Datuk Sri Panglima Lajim Haji Ukin and District Officer Sidek Haji Jubar, the event managed to attract thousands of 4x4 enthusiasts from all corners.

The DO, representing Lajim, who is also the Member of Parliament for Beaufort and Deputy Minister of Transport, officially officiated at the launching of the 4x4 challenge that offered cash prizes was held at the proposed Sports Complex site.

Earlier the DO also flagged-off the Buffalo Race, which was one of the highlights of the celebrations prior to the 4x4 challenge, where KFWDC members with their 50 vehicles were given the honour to join in the Chief Minister’s convoy around the Beaufort Township during the official launching of the celebrations on May 1.

A dozen of KFWDC regular members and seasoned off-road hardcores took part in the challenge including several past champions in past annual International Borneo Safaris, where spectators who have braved the rain and scorching heat for two days were able to witness the competitive driving skill, recovery and winching techniques from obstacles in five tough special stages.

It was a neck to neck battle among the highly competitive participants with their souped up four wheel drives on Day One despite of few break downs and mild turned over (normal for off-roaders with all round safety features), and on Day Two, the race was on without any incident.

At the end of the day, it was 2007 Borneo Safari champion in Chong Horng Ru and Minion Kotidis in their modified Suzuki (5L engine) emerged as the overall champion with a total of 227 points, followed by past champion team of Yong See Long (Fah Ku) and Pang Ken Vui in their highly upgraded Daihatsu with 178 points, while experienced Keningau team of Liew Fui Kong and Tham Vun Pin in their TUD-powered Nissan Patrol came in third with 170 points.

The prizes were given away by one of KFWDC Exco-members Hiew Min Kiyun and organising chairman Andy Wong at the end of the day.

Meanwhile, organising committee chairman Atun Goh of Keningau 4x4 team for the upcoming annual KFWDC annual family-like outing 4x4 Jamboree is scheduled to be held over three days two nights from May 17-19.

He announced that they have identified few suitable camp site in Ranau and Tenom districts that could easily accommodate more than 100 vehicles, with both sites having scenic and crystal clear rivers.

He said, his recce team is expected to make a final rounds this week end to ascertain and finalise the actual site for the event, before the KFWDC Exo-committee, headed by president James Wong sits and decides on the venue.

Members would be duly informed on the actual site where he thinks the most suitable campsite with a waterfall and clean river in the Tenom area would most likely be the committee’s choice.

Among numerous family games and competitions, recreational activities (like, campfire, mountain biking and hash runs competitions), the event would also see another 4x4 challenge, which would also offer attractive cash prizes and other goodies.

For more information, interested participants can call Atun Goh at 013-8730555.

	Officials Lim Sin Tet, Atun Goh, Hiew Min Kiyun, Andy Wong and James Jaiko posing with the top three winners – Chong Horng Ru/Minion Kotidis (seated on centre car), Yong See Long/Pang Ken Vui (far right) and Liew Fui Kong/Tham Vun Pin with their trophies.
	CASH AND TROPHIES FOR THE CHAMPION…Atun Goh assisting Andy Wong (2nd from left) in handing over the prizes to Chong Horng Ru and Minion Kotidis.
	THROUGH THE MUD…The champion Suzuki of Chong Horng Ru/Minion Kotidis showing off their raving engine power over a steep hill climb in one of the SS.
	RANAU REGULAR HARDCORE…Pendek with his newly upgraded Renegade Jeep, fitted with an Isuzu 3.1 engine trying to restart his vehicle after a flipped over on Day One.
	Mud Ploughing in action - Sabah Style