Team Philippines competed and completed the toughest off-road motorsport in the world: the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) Grand Finals 2018 in Kota Bahru, Kelantan, Malaysia.

The RFC is one of the Top Ten Toughest Motor Races in the World.  This annual event is staged in the treacherous jungles of Malaysia where driving skills and 4x4 off-road vehicles are put to the test.

The Philippine team composed of driver, Eduardo “Randy” Sobrepeña and co-driver, Boxy Malonzo, both from San Fernando City, Pampanga, raced against 28 country teams from Russia, China, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Czech Republic, Korea, Ecuador, Vietnam, and Thailand last November 23 to December 4, 2018.

They competed in a modified Land Cruiser FJ40 in the Modified Production Category with 14 competitors. Sobrepeña and Malonzo showed the Filipino spirit and strength in the grueling competition which tested their skills in off-road driving.


After finishing 32 Special Stages and 2 Twilight Zone Transport Stages, Team Philippines earned a total score of 1,642 points and landed in the 5th place Modified Production Category. The Team finished with top bracket standings in 12 out of 32 Special Stages.

The Team received the special award and distinction as the “Most Up & Coming Team” for demonstrating great winning potential for a first timer to enter the race.

All in all, the Filipino racers demonstrated guts, grit and determination to compete and complete the RFC Grand Finals putting the Filipinos in the international arena of off-road motorsport.

Here’s a list of the RFC Grand Finals Winners:

Modified Production Category

• 1st Place Champion – Team 117, Malaysia Vietnam; 3,285 points total
• 2nd Place – Team 125, Malaysia Team Terbang; 3,093 points 
• 3rd Place – Team 118, Malaysia Team KJSM; 2,726 points 
• 4th Place – Team 122, Malaysia Kelantan Thailand; 2,447 points
• 5th Place – Team 123, Philippines; 1,642 points

Prototype Category

• 1st Place Champion – Team 104, Russia Vladivostok; 3,095 points total
• 2nd Place – Team 105, Russia Ussuriysk; 3,056 points 
• 3rd Place – Team 138, Malaysia Team GT 4x4; 2,967 points 
• 4th Place – Team 103, Russia Sakhalin; 2,902 points
• 5th Place – Team 111, Russia Caucassus;  2,723 points