The other day, a stage of one of the most difficult races in the North Caucasus ended world — RFC Russia Caucasus 2024. Twelve best trophy racers from Cherkessk, Makhachkala, Nalchik, Vladivostok, St. Petersburg, Nartan, Krasnokholmsky took part in it in three categories.
Since 2013, the Rainforest Challenge has been officially held in Russia. Last year, the VOLGA-Oil brand became a partner of the Russian racing series.
The first four days of the race took place in a picturesque place on the banks of the Beshenka River in the vicinity of the capital of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic — the city of Nalchik.
On the first day of the race, May 25, it was pouring rain, which, according to one of the organizers, head of the 4×4 club Oleg Khuzhokov, pleased the participants of the race: “Such weather conditions are ideal for the format and name of the race (Rainforest Challenge — tropical forest test) . The stages include slopes, swampy and rocky areas. There are special sections — short, but of increased difficulty: the crew is given only 15 minutes for them. This, of course, requires preparation of both the vehicle itself and the crew. Among the participants are experienced racers,” noted Oleg Khuzhokov.
On the second day the trails became more difficult and therefore more interesting. Some sections were located on wooded mountain slopes, others ran along the bed of a mountain river. Steep ascents and descents, huge rocks, water, fallen trees and winding routes are all RFC classics.
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On the third day, the route ran along rivers in the foothills, and it rained most of the time. During the most difficult stage, the cars suffered hydraulic shocks, damaged wheels and bodies, and tore cables while trying to overcome obstacles. As a result, some of the cars were pulled out by a tow truck. At times, it seemed that the race was over for some crews. But no! Only crews ready to overcome any obstacles come to RFC. Between stages, the teams repaired their cars and continued the race, fighting for victory.
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After three days of racing across the territory of Kabardino-Balkaria, the participants of RFC Caucasus 2024 moved to the Stavropol Territory, setting up camp near the village of Essentukskaya. Before the new stages, someone went on a tourist tour to the most colorful places in the Caucasus, and most of the crews spent their free time repairing cars.
The last three days of the race the weather surprised with sudden changes from scorching heat to downpours. The sections were located in forest thickets, in swamps and on steep slopes near the river. One day it got sharply colder, and hail the size of a quail egg began, accompanied by rain and strong wind. But, despite the vagaries of the weather, the crews continued to pass the route.
At RFC Caucasus a world record was set for the number of sections within one competition — there were 47 of them in just 8 days! Unfortunately, not all participants were able to complete this journey; three crews dropped out just before the finish due to severe damage to their cars.
Based on the results of seven competitive days, the strongest crews in their categories were determined. Until the end of the year, several more stages of RFC Russia will take place, following which the team that will represent Russia at the RFC finals, which traditionally takes place in Malaysia, will be determined.
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Rainforest Challenge is one of the most difficult races in the world, consisting of short sections that can be push the limits of modern sport utility vehicles. Typically, less than half of the starting crews complete it. The final race involves the most experienced crews from dozens of countries.
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