Meghalaya lads take on prestigious RFC challenge
By Roshan Rai
Rolling and conquering the inhospitable terrains since the world world era are the Jeeps. What started off as a tactical mobile unit to get to places quickly beyond enemy lines has made quite a legacy for itself with its liking for its off-road capabilities and durability ever increasing globally.
Although the battle lines have now changed with the advent of new technologies and jeeps have transformed drastically in name, shape, size and technology, it still remains the favourite choice for the armed forces, various combat groups and civilians alike for its adaptability and maneuverability in unforgiving terrains.
Shillong too shares this legacy of history and it has been an integral part of it as a means of transportation over the years. Some still hold it as prized possession while many have gone beyond using it as just a means of transportation to explore and optimise its off-road capabilities and conquer the hostile terrains as a part time activity or a hobby.
This shared experience over the years coupled with passion has ignited a new bunch of motor enthusiasts for whom celebration of life resides in the joy off roading.
Off roading events have come up over the years and are gaining much ground in the State. Leading from the front among others is Vicky Kharkongor who has been organising the Shillong Endurance Motorsport Championship or SEMC for since 2016. The event has attracted a lot of participants from the region and sometimes from other parts of the country also. More importantly, it has also given more leverage to
motorsport enthusiasts by providing them a platform to hone their skills and shine in what they love to do.
Following his pursuit to levitate off roading, he aimed high and wanted to leave footprints of Meghalaya off roaders in the national arena and he sure has done it.
He managed to get a team together belonging to various clubs and individuals within the Meghalaya 4×4 community.
Under the umbrella of Kmstshillong (Kharkongor MotorSports Team) and ripped through the endless challenges of financial constraints and technology has made it to the toughest and most prestigious off road motorsport event of the World- The Rain Forest Challenge (RFC) Goa, the Indian edition this year held on 30 July 2025.
A feat in itself for the small timers to even participate at such a gala event.
The planning goes back to years of hard work and endless discussions and setbacks. However, finally this year with much needed financial help from the Tourism and Sports Department, they were able to realise their dreams.
After all the get go was completed, it was time for them to get things rolling and hit the road. The team of eleven members included VICKY. V. KHARKONGOR – Team Director , VIANNEY B. NONGRUM – Driver
ARLAN M. KHARUMNUID – Co Driver
ALBINUS H.L. LASKOR – Service Team
AMBET N KHONGLAH – Service Team
BABITDOR J KHARKAMNI – Service Team
OVERCOME SHADAP – Service Team
PATSHA KHARKONGOR – Service Team
GILL NONGRUM – Service Team
BANIAIDSHAPHRANG L. NONGBRI – Media Team
GABRIEL MARWEIN – Media Team.
The rig, a modified Mahindra MM 540 was built sourcing parts from Guwahati and Kerala under the supervision of the co-driver Arlan M Kharumuid at his garage in Mawblei. No acclaimed experts or technically sound pundits but just skills and hard work acquired through years of experience.
It took them almost a month to redesign the Mahindra MM 540 to compete in the modified class of DIESEL 1611 CC Upto 3010 CC.
With all the preps done and things seemingly in order now the next challenge was transporting the vehicle to Goa. Hiring a cargo truck meant a huge financial dent on their limited trinkets of finance. Eureka! They struck upon an idea to build their own trailer and pull it by another jeep all the way to Goa.
Three vehicles, one lead, one tow and one service vehicle drove all the way gobbling up kilometers after kilometers for six consecutive days to reach Goa. No fancy hotels for rest, just the parking bay of petrol pumps along the highways where they called it a night. Alongside, they made themselves dinner.
Upon arriving, their biggest fear – will their vehicle pass the test.
“It was an anxious moment for us, passing the scrutiny was of utmost importance. RFC is known for following stringent safety protocols, guided by their Rule book. Ours was the first vehicle at RFC, from Meghalaya built @Skarlan Garage by our Co driver – Arlan at his garage,” said Vicky.
But, their fears almost came true as the organisers raised concerns about the positioning of the safety seat belt hooks.
“We headed to a nearby fabrication shop, the service team got to work, opened the seats, changed the positions of the hooks as designated by the marshals and headed back for inspection.Yes, this time we have the, all OK sticker, we can now begin our campaign,” he said with a smile.
He added, “The Competition vehicle was praised as “Wonderfully Made Vehicle” by the Marshals.
Later we attended the Drivers Briefing ceremony with the team”.
And thus begins the competition. It was an experience carved out of grit and hard work pitted against polished skills and advanced technology of the mainlanders.
On the first day, the team managed to get an overall position of 14. On day two the team narrowed the gap and rose to an overall position of 7.
However, on day three the good run for the team changed and all it took was a nasty bump that broke the propeller shaft costing them time finally finishing dripping down to overall standing of 11 from the previous 7.
The fourth day started on a good note but things changed, the vehicle toppled and windshield glass broke. In the second last stage of the day, the vehicle bellied in one of the climbs. During the last stage of the day, the vehicle toppled again at the first climb which was quite steep and they ended with position 14.
Fuelled by the spirit of the competition and sportsmanship, the team completed the fifth day after an entire night of repair work.
“Our first time participation in this mega event has come to an end. The end result read like this: Overall Position – No 11, Class: DIESEL 1611 CC Upto 3010 CC – No 7,” said Vicky.
Sharing his experience, he said,” We begin our campaign on a positive note.The game is fast and the positions differ in Milliseconds. We gave it all and we will continue to push harder”.
“The team was recognised for its effort in reaching Goa and participating in this event. We vow to return again and will challenge ourselves to win again next year,” he added.
He said,”On the track, the experience was incredible and truly tested our endurance, teamwork, and determination. We faced breakdowns and even toppled twice, but each setback only pushed us to bounce back stronger”.
He thanked and appreciated the help of Meghalaya Tourism and Sports and Youth Affairs department and the hardworking service crew, and all the supporters.
Meanwhile, Driver, Vianney B Nongrum said,
“Competing against some of the best and most advanced teams from India and abroad was inspiring. Their professionalism and skill motivated us to raise our own standards, and we are proud to say that we still managed to finish 7th in our class – diesel up to 3010cc. For a debut team from Meghalaya, that result means a lot,” he added .
Talking about their machine and how it was built, he said,”Our machine, a modified Mahindra 540, was specially prepared for the rainforest’s extreme conditions. The chassis and suspension were reinforced, the drivetrain was upgraded for better torque, and heavy-duty off-road tires gave us the grip needed to tackle mud, rocks, and steep climbs”.
“What makes it even more special is that the build was done here in Meghalaya, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of our own team,” he said with a sense of pride.
Talking about the overall experience, he said,”This journey has only strengthened our passion for motorsport. We are determined to participate again, aim for a better result, and make Meghalaya even prouder”.
On what it takes to win RFC, he said,”To reach that winning level, we believe greater resources, advanced technical support, and stronger backing from sponsors and the state will be key. The talent and spirit are already here — what we need now is the support to take it to the next stage”.
Co- driver, Arlan M Kharumuid said,”The terrain and conditions were extremely tough—steep mud, water crossings, and rocks tested both our vehicle and our team.”
“The trails were very challenging, requiring precise driving, teamwork, and quick thinking. It’s unlike anything we usually see back home,” he added.
On the skills of local drivers, he said,”Drivers from Meghalaya and the North East are skilled and determined. With preparation, we can definitely compete internationally and aim for the top.”
Lifeline of the team, Service crew member, Albinus H L Laskor, said “RainForest Challenge India 25 held at Goa tested us and our vehicle to the absolute limit. Our biggest difficulties were mechanical stress, frequent breakdown risks, and terrain-specific challenges where the vehicle struggled to match the intensity of the obstacles”.
Stating that in terms of skill and preparation, they are at a developing stage he said,”We have the drive and ability, but our machine and planning still need refinement to compete with the top teams. Compared to others, where their vehicles are highly customised with extreme modifications, while ours was a more basic setup, making us rely heavily on teamwork and technique”.
“Going forward, for participants from Shillong to truly win the RFC, we must invest in better-prepared vehicles, more rigorous training, and collaborative practice so that we can match skill with machines,”he added.
Although the team could not make it to the top spot, it was one wheel of a ride, testifying that the grit and skills of the local lads can shine bright with a little more guidance and all the help required.
The Team of Kmstshillong (Kharkongor MotorSports Team) has now left its tyre tracks or prints on the RFC challenge for many to be inspired and follow suit.