Off roaders to race in Malaysia

JAKARTA: Indonesian off roaders from the Cheetah Off-road Club will participate in the 2001 Rain Forest Challenge slated to take place from Nov. 25 until Dec. 5 in the Malaysian state of Pahang.

"There are four Indonesian four-wheel drive vehicles taking part, each manned by two people. We are also sending a mechanic and an observer," team manager Justinus Sjahlim told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

"The organizers said there are 60 vehicles from 18 countries taking part in the annual event," he added.

Participants will cross the thick rain forest through several places of interest including the Taman Negara national park and the Sungai Lembing tin mine. The event will end at Kuantan Beach on the peninsular west coast.

Justinus will drive a 1965 Toyota Landcruiser with Junaidi M. Jusuf. Other participants are Ismail Johan and Eric Dominic in a 1980 Toyota Landcruiser; Syamsir Alam and Rusgianto in a 1997 Daihatsu Taft GT; and Purwitono and Zulkarnaen Supriadi in a 1997 Daihatsu Hiline pickup.

The team will be accompanied by mechanic Rohaniawan and observer Hendrik Badu and are scheduled to leave for Malaysia on Monday. -- JP