Defending champions retain titles at Terengganu 4x4 Merdeka Challenge

Tougher challenges and scorching, hazy weather fail to stop Rubber Tipper and Andak TXV @ AJFIX from claiming back-to-back titles at the Terengganu 4x4 Merdeka Challenge.

KUALA TERENGGANU: Tougher terrain and more demanding obstacles failed to stop Rubber Tipper and Andak TXV @ AJFIX from retaining their respective titles at the sixth Terengganu 4×4 Merdeka Challenge.

Rubber Tipper emerged victorious in the Short Wheel Base (SWB) category after completing all eight Special Stages (SS) with 441 points, finishing ahead of 26 other competitors.

The Pahang team from Merapoh once again relied on its Daihatsu Feroza 1.6 SE, driven by Mohd Fadly Deraman and navigated by Mohd Fadil Mat Ayub.

Team manager Noor Ashrol Mohd Noor said the weather was among the biggest challenges faced by the team throughout the competition.

“Last year we competed in wet conditions and even had to wrap the carburettor with plastic, but this time we had to contend with scorching and hazy weather,” he said.

“The Kuala Nerus track also forced us to work harder compared with last year. The competition has become increasingly intense, with some competitors managing to score maximum points and overtake us in several SS.”

In the Long Wheel Base (LWB) category, Selangor-based Andak TXV @ AJFIX retained its title after collecting 761 points.

The team fielded three competition vehicles, as it did in the previous edition, with its Jeep Cherokee once again delivering the winning performance.

Driver Mohd Foudzi Samat said the LWB category presented its own challenges, particularly as the nature of the course required teams to push their vehicles to their limits.

“Competing in the LWB category is more challenging than competing in SWB. The nature of the course can give an advantage to vehicles in other categories, but we are grateful that we managed to secure maximum points in four Special Stages,” he said.

The sixth edition of the Terengganu 4×4 Merdeka Challenge, held from Sept 4 to 5 at Bandar Baru Kuala Nerus, featured 56 competition vehicles across the Super Novice Litecore, Short Wheel Base and Long Wheel Base categories.

The organisers introduced additional obstacles this year to make the course more challenging and reduce the advantage enjoyed by competitors familiar with the venue.

Competition director Muhammad Muzammil Mokhetar said the eight-SS format remained unchanged from the previous edition, although the course had been made more demanding.

“The eight SS over the two days remain the same as in the previous edition, but this time we have added more obstacles for every competitor to tackle,” he said.

“The number of categories also remains the same to give more people an opportunity to compete, especially those who are new to the sport.”

Muzammil said Bandar Baru Kuala Nerus was retained as the venue following positive feedback from last year’s event.

He said the location offered suitable facilities and infrastructure, while nearby accommodation made it convenient for competitors travelling with their families.

Established teams from Kedah and Perak returned for this year’s competition, while Terengganu was represented by Kelab Terjoh! 4×4, UT 4×4 and GG 4×4, along with several new teams.

Competitors from Melaka and Johor, however, were forced to withdraw at the last minute because of technical issues.

Among those taking part was 28-year-old Nur Izzati Zonkifli of Laluan Rimba 4X4 in Kedah, who competed as the main driver in the Super Novice Litecore and SWB categories, with Muhammad Amir Hakimi Awang as her navigator. She drove a Suzuki Jimny SJ410.

Nur Izzati, who began racing at the age of 25, said her four years in the sport had given her valuable experience and greater confidence to compete in a field largely dominated by male drivers.

“I almost gave up after my first 4×4 race four years ago in Sik, Kedah, when I was involved in an accident that badly damaged the team’s race car,” she said.

“If it had not been for my father, who was also my co-pilot at the time and encouraged me to continue racing, I would not have continued.”

“Laluan Rimba 4×4 has also given us many opportunities to race across the country and compete several times in neighbouring countries.”

She added that without the team’s support and encouragement, she might have travelled to Terengganu only as a spectator.

The annual competition was organised by Kelab Sukan Pacuan Empat Roda Ummah (UT 4×4), in collaboration with Kelab Terjoh! 4×4 Kuala Terengganu as the technical partner.

The event was supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia 4 Wheel Drive Association (MFWDA) and the Terengganu state government.

Winners in each category received RM3,000, while the second- and third-placed competitors received RM1,500 and RM1,000. The top five finishers also received trophies and prizes.