THE 7th Penampang Kaamatan 4x4 Challenge is back with a bang, two years after the Covid-19 pandemic had put a hold on gatherings and many outdoor activities.
The event, organised by the Penampang Four Wheel Drive Recreation Club, was held at Kampung Duvanson, Putatan, Sabah, on May 13-15.
Club president Alex Leong said the number of participants in the event was the largest ever.
The competition attracted 11 cars in the Hardcore Class, 16 in the Amateur Class and 26 in the Novice Class. There was also a RC Fun Race Category for Rock Crawlers 1:10 scale models.
Day 1 saw the preparation of the SS (special stages) tracks and registration of competitors.
A large crowd of supporters, enthusiast and spectators had arrived before dark to witness the night SS for the Hardcore and Amateur segments.
Penampang member of parliament Datuk Darell Leiking officiated the flag-off on Day 2. He also met club members and participants at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association.
At the end of the three-day event, Chang Ket Kiun and Alexander Chang won the Hardcore Class, followed by Lee Thau Loi-William Thien and Suprapin-Beckhem Tan in second and third, respectively.
The Amateur Class was won by Max Ben and Lee Jun, with Aliudin-Mohd Fazlan and Laurence-Albert coming in at second and third spots, respectively.
In the Novice Class, Saiful Amri and Rablie took top spot, followed by Nixon Leong-Ung Kok Chiang and Jason Chong-Kyen Wong Chung in second and third spots, respectively.
Three special awards were given out at the event.
Grace and Jasmine Padan from Lawas received an award for being the only female competitors.
The "Grit and Determination" prize went to Anderson Amping who participated in the Novice race despite having only one arm.
Edison "Ton Ton" from the Philippines received a special award for having travelled the furthest to participate in the event.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai officiated the closing ceremony.
He thanked the club for organising the event during the month of Kaamatan to promote the domestic tourism sector.
Also present was Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association president Faez Nordin.