RFC India 2026 Day 1: Team Hyderabad Takes Early Lead as 20 Teams Fail to Finish Opening Stage

Heavy rain, deep water crossings and multiple winch failures make for one of the toughest opening days in Rainforest Challenge India history.

Quepem, Goa | July 28, 2026

The 12th edition of Rainforest Challenge (RFC) India began with a brutal test of man and machine. Relentless rain and unforgiving terrain pushed competitors to their limits on Day 1. Twenty teams recorded a Did Not Finish (DNF) in Special Stage 1. The country’s toughest off-road motorsport event lived up to its reputation from the opening stage.

After four of the 26 special stages, Kranthi Kumar Vengala and co-driver Rajeev Lal PM from Team Hyderabad led the provisional 4×4 Extreme standings. The duo scored 355 points out of a possible 400.

Ujjal Namshum and co-driver Chethan Chengappa of MOCA Arunachal finished second with 334 points. Kerala’s Anand Manjooran and Vishnu Raj claimed third place with 331 points. Vishnu Santhosh and Rahul finished fourth. Viddesh Madgaonkar and Sahil Sadekar of Team 4×4 Addictz Goa secured fifth place.

Winch failures dominate opening stage

Special Stage 1 proved to be the biggest challenge of the day. Featuring three demanding winching sections, the stage caught out several competitors as winch failures forced 20 teams to retire. Only well-prepared vehicles with reliable recovery equipment managed to complete the stage successfully.

Rain and water crossings raise the difficulty

Special Stage 2 featured fewer winching points. However, teams had to rely on ground anchors because there were no trees. Heavy rainfall made the stage even more challenging. Rising water levels submerged vehicles almost to their roofs during deep water crossings.

Special Stages 3 and 4 continued to test competitors. Fast sections and multiple recovery points pushed teams to their limits. Co-drivers repeatedly carried and secured heavy ground anchors throughout the day.

4×4 Modified category begins tomorrow

A total of 25 teams are competing in the 4×4 Extreme category this year. Meanwhile, scrutiny for the 4×4 Modifiedcategory has been completed, with its 16 teams set to begin competition on Day 2.

With 22 special stages still remaining, RFC India 2026 has already delivered one of the toughest starts in the event’s history, setting the stage for an intense week of off-road action in Goa.

Stay tuned for more updates as RFC India 2026 unfolds!

Also read :https://fly-wheel.com/goa-gears-up-for-indias-toughest-off-road-race-rainforest-challenge-2026-kicks-off-july-26/