Larry Mendiola to Challenge China RFC for 2011 with LR Philippines

Land Rover Philippines believes in Filipino world class and excellent capabilities in off-roading sport, thus forming Team Land Rover Philippines to join once again the upcoming Rainforest Challenge in Sanya, China dubbed as the China International Rainforest Challenge (CIRFC).

The 3rd edition of the China International Rainforest Challenge (CIRFC) aka the Summer RFC will be held on 18-24 August 2011 at Hainan Island, China. This unique off-road attraction, which was launched in 2009 in Sanya has now grown to become the world's most renowned 4x4 event globally. More than 500 participants, teams, spectators, and media from over 15 countries have registered for the event.

The competition this year will be tougher as off-road champions from across the region are expected to participate in the event. The organizer has decided to up the ante this year by offering a RMB50,000 for the winning team.

Team Land Rover Philippines led by the multi-awarded off-roading father and son duo, "Typhoon" Larry Mendiola (driver) and Hirryan Mendiola (co-driver / winchman), will now field the upcoming RFC competition using a Land Rover Defender 90. The Land Rover Defender 90 is powered by a 3.9 liter V8 petrol engine. The Defender 90 is designed with brilliant simplicity and is known worldwide for its unrivaled strength and legendary off-roading ability.

Team Land Rover Philippines had previously joined a total of 4 international competitions, 2 from the "China International Rainforest Challenge" and 2 from the "Rainforest Challenge of Malaysia." Team Land Rover Philippines grabbed the first-runner up finish at the recent Malaysian RFC 2010, one of the world's longest and toughest 4x4 off-road extreme competition.

"Larry and Hirryan achieved a Pinoy off-roading record when they garnered first runner-up in RFC Malaysia last year, 2010. Larry has been consistently moving up the standings in the RFC races in China and Malaysia over the years.

Team Land Rover Philippines is also in their top condition to give their very best. "My son and I have learned more from each other last year in RFC, we know better what to do in the heat of special stages, and we shall do our very best to represent our country," said Larry Mendiola. Team Land Rover Philippines underwent extensive training for three months as it is expected for the competition to become more intense and fierce. Team Land Rover Philippines continued to participate in various local races perfecting techniques such as strategic winching in silt and muddy water.

Land Rover Philippines is the first automotive distributor in the Philippines to sponsor a competitor team for an International off-road race. It is the only importer distributor who consistently sponsors national motorsports as it believes "FILIPINOS CAN EXCEL GLOBALLY"

"Unlike other motorsports, off-roading is a sport in which Filipinos can dominate. We are extremely happy with the performance of our Land Rover Defender 90, and our Team Land Rover Philippines, Larry and Hirryan who have already proven what they can do in this field. It requires special skills to compete, and these two, who will represent our country will surely show the world our excellence in off-roading, making the Philippines stand out once again!" noted Mr. Marc Soong, Executive Director of LRPhils Motors Inc.

Team Land Rover Philippines was made possible through the support of LRPHILS MOTORS INC., Timberland and MAA General Assurance Phils., Inc.