NOVEMBER 2001

Latest Update from Azman Baharuddin in jungles of Pahang.

26 November – Lots of thrills and spills on the first day of International Rainforest Challenge 2001, flagged-off at Genting Highlands went without a hitch. 600 participants from 30 countries in 135 cars. Straight into the interior of Pahang, the PETRONAS Adventure Team was faced with their first crisis - Voo and James had problems with their axle. However the team managed to repair the car and is in the thick of things. In yesterdays special stage, Zin injured his eye during the tyre change. He is okay to continue and is in the safe hands of team doctor Dr. Avtar Singh.

For the next 10 days the IRC 2001 will cover 800 kilometers ending at Balok Beach, Kuantan. Conditions are expected to be the tough as more rain is forecast to fall in the next week.

PETRONAS Adventure Team gets ready for the International Rainforest Challenge 2001.

Under the expert eye of Team Manager, Steven Sim, the team is well prepared for the challenges ahead. Expecting the worst conditions the Malaysian rainforest can muster, every piece of equipment is checked and double checked. Team members Ng and Andy are confident of their car and equipment and they are definitely one of the favourites in this year's challenge. The IRC 2001 will start on the 24th of November in Genting Highlands and end at Balok, Pahang, on the 5th of December 2001.

After the scruteneering session, Team Manager, Steven Sim says he is quietly confident of the teams, "...with their years of experience in 4wd and their individual skills, I am sure we are going to give the rest a run for their money."

Also following the ranforest challenge this year will be several vehicles in PAT colors, among them a Mitsubishi Storm just back for the Silk Road. Driven by Azman Baharuddin, the Storm will be there backing up the competition team. According to Azman, "The Storm is a perfect backup vehicle, its strong, lots of space and has the power to tame the challenge this year, and best of all its performance has been proven on the Silk Road earlier this year.

South African Team joins PAT in IRC 2001

Representing PETRONAS/Engen a South African Team joins PAT in the IRC 2001 in a show of solidarity among PETRONAS teams. The team comprising of Travis Krause, Trevor and Tony Yeo (the 3 T's) will be competing along side the other 4 PAT cars in a consolidated challenge for glory.

TV : SILK ROAD OPENS TO ACCLAIM

KUALA LUMPUR, November 25, 2001 - he Silk Road TV series which premiered on 15 July has recerived excellent response. A large number of viewers e-mailed or phoned to congratulate PETRONAS Adventure Sports and the producers, Novista Sdn. Bhd. There were numerous enquiries on when the subsequenr episodes would be aired.

TV3 has rescheduled Episodes 2 and 3 for 11.00 pm, Wednesday and Thursday, 28/29 November respectively. Here are the synopses :

EPISODE TWO : "ANCIENT CIVILISATIONS"
The Malaysians gain a new perspective of Turkey, from hot air balloons over Cappadocia. Stunning rock formations, cave dwellings and ancient carvings form lasting impressions. The scenic route winds through orchards and villagers where Turkish hospitality is returned with Malaysian charity. The team heads for the Iranian border, passing legendary Mount Ararat.

Neighbouring Iran offers a host af new experiences. Breathtaking scenery matches human warmth and curiosity. The team camps out, Iranian style. Extreme temperatures and desert take their toll on man and machine. Iran turns on its charm - astounding with treasures from its ancient past. From superb carpets of wool or silk to magnificient mosques and palaces.

EPISODE THREE : "DESERT STORMS"
In the heat of the desert, the Malaysians discover great cities that line the old Silk Road - from acient ruins to magnificient centres of art, architecture, and learning. These include Yazd, Persepolis, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Bam, before the Pakistani border.

Pakistan's Balochistan Province welcomes them at Mirjaveh. The route leads to the frontier towns of Dalbandain and Quetta, then Sukkur by the mighty Indus and the province of Sind, before reaching the historic Mughal cities of Lahore and Peshawar in the Indus Valley. From Peshawar, the historic Khyber Pass beckons.

Thanks for your support and happy viewing!