The Rainforest Challenge (RFC) India 2026 completed its third day of action in Goa, with the competition intensifying across all three categories. While the 4×4 Extreme class crossed the halfway mark with 14 of its 26 Special Stages (SS) completed, the 4×4 Modified category finished eight stages, and the 4×4 Stock class kicked off its campaign with the first four stages.
Kranthi Kumar Vengala and co-driver Rajeev Lal PM maintained their advantage in the premier category, while the Modified class produced a tie for the top spot on the leaderboard.
After completing SS 1 to 14, Kranthi Kumar Vengala and Rajeev Lal PM continued to lead the standings with 1,204 points out of a possible 1,400.
Anand Manjooran and co-driver Vishnu Raj remained second with 1,141 points, while Ujjal Namshum and Chethan Chengappa were close behind in third on 1,137 points.
Vengala, who has been competing in RFC India since 2015, said the 2026 edition has been more technical than previous years and that the team is focused on delivering consistent performances rather than tracking the leaderboard.
The fight for victory tightened considerably after SS 1 to 8.
Sarjerao Kawade and co-driver Rushikesh Patil shared the lead with Suraksha BS and co-driver Sanoj S, with both crews scoring 652 points out of a possible 800.
Shehinsha TP and Muhammed Nabeel occupied third place with 648 points, while Gagan Karumbaiah and Bopanna Maleyanda followed in fourth on 626 points.
The Stock category got underway on Thursday, with competitors completing the opening four Special Stages.
Sabu Xavier and co-driver Halvin Appanna topped the provisional standings with 348 points out of 400.
Athul Thomas and Binil Babu were second on 336 points, while Naku Hage Chada and Loda Punyo completed the top three with 332 points.
Defending champion Mihir Dharkar, competing in a Toyota Hilux instead of his usual Maruti Gypsy, ended the day fourth with 300 points. He said the Hilux had exceeded expectations despite being at a disadvantage in tighter obstacles, adding that the rain-soaked stages this year have been more demanding than the 2025 edition.
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With the 4×4 Extreme category entering the second half of the competition and the Modified and Stock classes still wide open, the battle for honours at RFC India 2026 remains closely contested as competitors prepare for the remaining Special Stages.
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