RFC India 2026: Ujjal Namshum Takes 4×4 Extreme Lead as Championship Battle Intensifies

The Rainforest Challenge (RFC) India 2026 witnessed a dramatic shake-up on Day 4, with Ujjal Namshum and co-driver Chethan Chengappa climbing to the top of the 4×4 Extreme standings after 19 of the 26 Special Stages (SS). The day also saw changes in the 4×4 Modified and 4×4 Stock categories as the competition entered its final stages.

With just seven Special Stages remaining in the premier category, the battle for overall honours remains wide open.

4×4 Extreme

After the completion of SS 1 to 19, Ujjal Namshum and Chethan Chengappa moved into the overall lead with 1,637 points out of a possible 1,900.

Kranthi Kumar Vengala and Rajeev Lal PM, who had led the category since the opening day, slipped to second with 1,598 points.

Viddesh Madgaonkar and Sahil Sadekar retained third place on 1,523 points.

Speaking after taking the lead, Ujjal credited the team’s resilience after overcoming mechanical issues and setbacks earlier in the week, saying they approached every day as a fresh challenge rather than dwelling on previous results.

4×4 Modified

The 4×4 Modified category saw Sarjerao Kawade and co-driver Rushikesh Patil strengthen their advantage after 13 Special Stages. The duo now leads with 1,137 points out of 1,300.

Gagan Karumbaiah and Bopanna Maleyanda climbed to second with 1,067 points, narrowly ahead of Suraksha BS and Sanoj S on 1,065 points.

Kawade revealed he incurred a 30-point penalty on the previous day to avoid rolling his larger vehicle, but said he intends to continue pushing despite minor engine issues.

4×4 Stock

The lead also changed hands in the 4×4 Stock category.

Naku Hage Chada and co-driver Loda Punyo moved to the top of the standings with 704 points after eight Special Stages.

Athul Thomas and Binil Babu remained second on 689 points, while overnight leader Sabu Xavier and Halvin Appanna dropped to third with 677 points.

Despite slipping down the order, Xavier said the vehicle remained undamaged and expressed confidence of recovering over the remaining six stages.

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Final Take

With the competition entering its closing stages, all three categories remain closely contested. Ujjal Namshum’s charge to the top of the 4×4 Extreme standings has added fresh intrigue to the battle for the overall title, while the Modified and Stock categories also remain too close to call heading into the final day of RFC India 2026.