Monsoon Challenge 1996.

The Monsoon Challenge (TransPen) is run by the 4x4 Adventure Club of Kuala Lumpur. It makes use of jungle logging tracks during the wet season. If you think this makes conditions about as difficult as possible, you are dead right! Logging stops during the rainy season because conditions are too bad. Needless to say, the logging trucks have carved the tracks up a treat and the monsoon then makes them impassable to general traffic. These conditions provide the essence of the Challenge - mud, water, heat, humidity and insects. The effects left on the landscape by the passing of the competitors are insignificant compared to those inflicted by nature itself.

There are four classes in the Challenge: Class A Production, SWB and LWB, and Class B Production modified, SWB and LWB. Modified vehicles are permitted 35" diameter tyres, suspension upgrades, diff' locks, and various engine changes. Competitors carry their own supplies, cooking and survival gear, and spares. Points are awarded for driving skill, not just outright speed, at a number of special stages and obstacles. As well as awards for each class, there is a Jungleman Trophy and a Best Team Spirit Trophy.

16 cars competed in the 1995 Challenge. Voo Ken Yen and James Wong came first overall in a modified Toyota LandCruiser BJ43 turbo diesel. Mike Smith and Chris Hummer were second overall in a modified Range Rover. Gordon Trigg and Michael Price came third overall in a modified Toyota 4-Runner. Isuzus, Land Rovers and a Nissan Patrol were also entered.

The 1996 Challenge was won by Francis Khoo and Yow Long See. Eddy Wong and Nelson Wong came second and Australians Roger Smith and Jim Patterson third. The event travelled through the east coast states of Peninsula Malaysia, Pahang, Trengganu, and Kelantan.

The competition is a Camel Trophy style expedition with special tasks. The first two days involve special tasks performed by the various teams. These are followed by four days of expedition through the jungle heart-land, finishing on 9 November.

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