Athul Thomas and Binil Babu from Kerala have made history by clinching the championship title in the 4X4 Stock class at the Rainforest Challenge India,a prestigious off-road motorsport event held annually in Goa. The competition, which concluded on August 1,is renowned for its extreme conditions and challenging terrain,making this victory particularly significant for the duo,who compete under the team name Killerbull.
This year’s Rainforest Challenge attracted participants from across the country, showcasing their skills in a grueling four-day format that included 14 stages. Athul and Binil,driving a Maruti Jimny, scored an impressive 1,247 points out of a possible 1,400. The event is recognized as one of the top ten toughest motor races globally,and the Indian edition is supported by the State Government of Goa.
While Athul is a seasoned competitor with over 300 motorsport events under his belt, Binil is relatively new to car racing,having previously focused on motorbike racing. He joined Athul as a co-driver,bringing his experience from bike racing circuit to the four-wheeled challenge. Binil described the experience as intense, stating, “The terrain is tough; you are literally driving through forests with uneven paths. There are no roads, just cones marking the way.”
The duo’s triumph is particularly noteworthy as no other team from Kerala has previously won in this category. Other Kerala teams also performed well,securing victories in the Extreme and Modified categories,highlighting the region's growing prowess in motorsport.
Despite their success,Binil expressed concerns about the financial challenges faced by motorsport participants. He revealed that preparing for the race cost them nearly ₹6 lakh, sum they had to finance from their savings. “If we get sponsors,it lightens the financial burden considerably,” he noted, emphasizing the need for local sponsorship to support aspiring drivers in Kerala.
Binil pointed out that while the winners in the 4X4 Extreme class,representing Arunachal Pradesh, received a hero’s welcome, the support for local competitors remains limited. “We are not looking for that kind of support, but something from local sponsors would be helpful for those of us who are into motorsports,” he said. He believes that motorsport can serve as a valuable outlet for young people passionate about speed,transforming their perspective on racing into a healthier pursuit .
As the Rainforest Challenge continues to grow in popularity,the hope is that increased sponsorship and support will allow more talented drivers and riders from Kerala to pursue their passion for motorsport without the heavy financial burden currently faced. Athul and Binil’s victory not only adds to their personal achievements but also shines a light on the potential of motorsport in the region.
