Why India's ultimate off-road showdown prefers Goa

• 75 teams will compete across three categories overcoming 26 stages.

• RFC India is a 6-day event that pushes drivers' physical and mental health.

• RFC India winner gets a direct ticket to Global RFC final held in Malaysia.

DURGESH PARMAR

Every year, as the monsoon rain lashes Goa’s hinterlands, a different kind of storm brews, this one powered by revving engines, screaming winches, and the unshakable will of India’s toughest off-roaders.

This is RFC India, the country’s most gruelling off-roadmotorsport event, held annually in the treacherous monsoon terrain of Goa.

Goa gears up for India’s ultimate off-road battle

Launched in 2014 as part of the global Rainforest Challenge series, RFC India has grown in scale, skill, and stature with each passing year.

“RFC India is not just a motorsport event. It’s a mental, physical and mechanical battle against nature,” says Ashish Gupta, Founder and Director of Cougar Motorsport, which organises the event in India.

Ashish Gupta, Founder and Director, Cougar MotorsportRFC India is not just a motorsport event. It’s a mental, physical and mechanical battle against nature

"It pushes competitors to their limits and often beyond. And yet, most of them come back, year after year, for the sheer challenge and the unmatched thrill,” Gupta adds.

The event takes place over six days, comprising 26 Special Stages (SS) that are designed to test every facet of off-road competence, from precision driving to winching, recovery, and navigation.

Off-roading in Goa in the monsoons? It’s mud, madness, magic

The locations change yearly, but are typically tucked deep into South Goa’s hinterlands, across areas like Quepem, Verna and Loutolim. Goa’s unforgiving monsoon adds its own layer of unpredictability, turning gentle slopes into slick inclines, and paths into mud traps.

Physically, participants endure long hours of vehicle recovery, often waist-deep in slush. Psychologically, they must navigate exhaustion, team dynamics, and split-second decision-making.

“You get little sleep. You're wet most of the time. Your machine is being battered constantly. But, the mental high is unmatched,” says Gupta.

Despite, or because of, its punishing nature, the event is considered a badge of honour within the off-road community. Many describe it as the most exhausting, yet fulfilling, week of their year.

Despite, or because of, its punishing nature, the event is considered a badge of honour within the off-road community. Many describe it as the most exhausting, yet fulfilling, week of their year.

This year marks a major milestone: the 11th edition of RFC India. The 2025 event will introduce two new categories: ‘Modified’ and ‘Stock’, in addition to the long-standing ‘Extreme’ category.

MAKING OF A CHAMP: Each participating team goes through 26 special challenges, accumulating points to be crowned the overall champion.

A record 75 teams will compete across these three formats, making it the biggest edition yet.

“The increase in categories reflects how much the off-road community in India has matured,” Gupta notes. “Earlier, only heavily modified vehicles could participate. Now, we’re seeing a growing interest in production-class vehicles and newer drivers, which is great for the sport’s future.”

Ashish Gupta, Founder and Director, Cougar MotorsportEarlier, only heavily modified vehicles could participate. Now, we’re seeing a growing interest in production-class vehicles and newer drivers, which is great for the sport’s future.

The level of preparation has evolved, too. Off-roaders now spend months training, physically and strategically, while their vehicles undergo serious upgrades.

“From roll cages and snorkels to winches, diff locks, and custom suspension systems, each machine is a beast built for war,” Gupta explains. “And, the drivers? They’re athletes in their own right.”

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While RFC India is an elite motorsport event, it also offers global exposure. The top Indian team earns a direct entry into the RFC Grand Finale in Malaysia, widely regarded as one of the top five off-road competitions globally.

Past winners have gone on to become brand ambassadors for the likes of Mountain Dew and Tata Motors.

ULTIMATE CHALLENGE: Goa's tough landscapes and extreme monsoon showers set the perfect battle ground.

Goa has remained the constant in this fast-evolving journey.

“Goa gives us everything from insane terrain to dependable infrastructure, great connectivity, and a culture that embraces adventure,” Gupta says. “We’ve built long-standing relationships with local landowners, communities, and authorities. It's the perfect blend of challenge and convenience.”

The event is hosted on leased private estates and Comunidade properties, never in protected forests or sanctuaries. All activities follow a strict environmental charter, signed by every participant.

Indeed, the event is hosted on leased private estates and Comunidade properties, never in protected forests or sanctuaries. All activities follow a strict environmental charter, signed by every participant.

“There is a leave-no-trace policy. No tree cutting, no garbage. We also have an Environment Steward who ensures that we restore every site to its original condition,” Gupta affirms.

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RFC India also benefits the localeconomy. The week-long event brings in hundreds of participants, crew members, and spectators, resulting in a significant boost to the travel, hospitality, and F&B sectors.

“We’ve also seen more Goans competing in RFC India over the years, which is fantastic,” Gupta adds. Notably, Cedrick Jordan D’Silva, a Goan off-roader, was crowned the overall champion in 2023, a win that thrilled local fans.

CAMARADERIE: It's all about coordination, communication, and understanding, wherein the driver steers through the path led by the co-driver.

As the engines roar back to life this July, RFC India, once again, promises not just a motorsport competition, but a visceral, unforgettable experience.

“This event is raw, real, and deeply rewarding,” Gupta says. “You may leave exhausted, but you leave stronger, and that’s what keeps people coming back.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What is RFC India?

RFC India is a gruelling off-road motorsport event that tests competitors' driving and vehicle recovery skills, physical and mental resilience, and teamwork in extreme off-road conditions.

When and where will RFC India 2025 take place?

The event will be held in Goa from July 28, 2025 to August 3, 2025.

What are the categories in RFC India 2025?

There are three categories: '4X4 Extreme', '4X4 Modified', and '4X4 Stock', each with its own set of challenges and requirements.

How many teams will participate in RFC India 2025?

A record 75 teams will compete across the three categories.

What benefits does RFC India bring to Goa?

The event boosts the local economy, promotes adventure tourism, and provides a platform for local off-roaders to showcase their skills.