OCTOBER 2001

SILK ROAD TV SERIES LAUNCHED

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 NOVEMBER 2001 – The first of a seven episode television series on the recent Silk Road Adventure airs tonight at 11.00 p.m. on TV3. Episode one is entitled “The Adventure Begins“.

The programme was jointly launched this morning by Adventure Sports’ Managing Director, Halim Abd Rahman and PETRONAS Motorsports’ Senior Manager, Puan Norhayati bt Hj Md Ali and the guest of honour, Encik Hashim Dato' Abdul Rahman, Managing Director of STMB.

In conjunction with the launch, two cars and a bike that took part in the expedition were on display at the Bintang Terrace, Lot 10 Shopping Complex, Kuala Lumpur. Part of the launch included a 4WD being driven up a stage to relive the spirit of the Karakoram Highway.Such extreme challenges and the incredible heritage of the Silk Road are captured in the documentary.

According to Halim, the concept of the documentary is different from that of previous programmes featuring the team’s expeditions. Apart from the thrills and spills, the new series also examines cultural and historical aspects which are key to the ancient Silk Road.

The documentary is part of a programme to share the PETRONAS Adventure Team’s experiences with all Malaysians. In the pipeline are VCDs, a book and a CD ROM on the Silk Road Adventure for release in January 2002. Regarding future plans he disclosed that Stiven Sim will lead a team of eight members in four vehicles at the Rainforest Challenge 2001 later this month.

This morning’s launch was well attended by members of the PETRONAS Adventure Team, the press, and members of the public.

“PETRONAS Silk Road Adventure 2001” is produced by Novista Sdn Bhd ( www.novista.tv ) for the Petronas Adventure Team. Directed by Harun Rahman, the series comprises seven 60 minute episodes. The programme airs on TV3 every Wednesday and Thursday until12 December 2001.

SILK ROAD in LOT 10, Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 Novemebr 2001 – Make a date with the PETRONAS Adventure Team on Thursday, 15 November 2001 at Lot 10, Kuala Lumpur.

From 10 a.m to 10 p.m., cars and bikes that successfully completed the team’s 20,000 km journey from Istanbul to Putrajaya will be on display. You can check out the vehicles and experience the magnificence of the Karakoram Highway which will be recreated for the event. Also, meet the participants and find out more about their recent experience.

In the evening, witness the launch of a new television series on the team’s Silk Road Adventure, premiering on Thursday 15 November 2001 at 11.00 p.m. on TV3. The seven episode documentary airs every Wednesday and Thursday. Be sure to tune in!

PETRONAS Staff Taste Hardcore 4 Wheel-Driving

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 October 2001 - What was promised as a simple picnic by a river turned out to be a full-fledged 4 wheel drive challenge. Such is the unpredictability of PETRONAS Adventure Team's trip into the rainforests of Johore. 20 staff, including 4 brave ladies, took the challenge and joined the team on Friday for the three day trip. After lunch and Friday prayers in Segamat, the team got straight to business and into the rainforest!

DAY ONE
Leaving KL at 9.00 a.m. the group arrived in Segamat by noon, in time for lunch and prayers. They then drove through a palm oil estate at Sg Pukin. By 3.00 p.m. they were ready to enter the jungle for the campsite at Sg Terjun Pukih, 8 km away.

The journey was slow. Heavy rain the night before had caused trees to fall. The group had to cross nine rivers with log bridges. 15 cars overcame the obstacles successfully and the first four in the advance party reached camp at 10.00 p.m.

By 2.00 am. the last car came through safely.Three Ninjas didn't manage to cross the last river because of the slippery condition of the bridge.It was 1.00 a.m. before most participants had dinner. No one went to bed until 3 in the morning.

DAY TWO
Breakfast was served at 8.00 a.m. After a briefing by Expedition Leader Halim Rahman, the group cleared the campsite at 9.00 a.m.

To reach the next campsite, they had to double back half way along previous day’s route. The first obstacle presented itself - a 20 ft long “bridge” of just two logs. The second day proved equally challenging as it started to rain again. Unable to reach Camp Sebarau, they might have to camp near a river. They reached Sg Pukin at 1.00 p.m. and the first 4 vehicles crossed safely. The kitchen crew started to prepare lunch. Eventually, a decision was made to camp there because crossing the river would pose a problem since the last vehicle had still not turned up by 3.00 p.m. The car made it safely an hour later.

The participants had fun setting up camp while a BBQ was being prepared. Exhausted, everyone had an early night after the excellent meal.

DAY THREE
At 5 the next morning, a heavy downpour flooded the campsite. Luckily it caused no serious damage. After breakfast at 8.00 a.m. the team broke camp. One by one, the cars crossed the river. By noon, all had made it across and the convoy began moving out of the jungle.

They reached the palm oil estate at 3.00 p.m., heading home via the Bahau - Seremban Highway - to arrive in KL at 8.00 p.m.

The experience proved to be a real challenge for Petronas Staff. But they enjoyed it and got to learn a bit more about real four wheel driving and rescue skills.

PETRONAS Adventure Team announces drivers for International Rainforest Challenge

The PETRONAS Adventure Team ( PAT ) will play a major role in the forthcoming Rainforest Challenge. While promoting 4x4 activities in Malaysia, PAT’s involvement also enhances PETRONAS’ exposure in Motorsports while developing young potential talents for future international 4x4 events.

Four teams comprising eight drivers will represent PAT in the Competition.

They are :

1. VOO KEN YING & CO DRIVER JAMES WONG TOYOTA FJ 43
Partners for more than 6 years, Voo and Wong aim to finish among the top 5 this year. Since 1999, both have been involved in event management and organisation. They were also officials in past Rainforest Challenges.

Achievements :

1991 Champion Trans Borneo
1992 Champion Borneo Safari
1995 Overall Champion Silverstone Trans Pen Malaysia
International Jungle Challenge
1996 1st Runner Up Borneo Safari
1997 1st Runner Up Silverstone – Asian Rally
1998 Overall Champion Borneo Circuit

2. NG GEE KUN & CO DRIVER ANDY CHOCK SUZUKI 1.3 TWIN CAM 16V EPI
Close friends, Ng and Chock form a relatively new team. Both are young, with good potential to finish in the top 10. Ng is experienced in circuit and off road competitions while Chock is a hardcore 4WD enthusiast.

Achievements:

Ng Gee Kun 1996 Team Champion National Challenge
1998 Champion 300 km Endurance Race (Saloon)
1995 Champion 300 km Endurance Race (Saloon)
1995 Champion Merdeka Day Millennium race category 1.6 (Saloon)

Andy Chock

1995 Champion Cameron Highlands 4x4 Mid Year Challenge
1996 3rd in Silverstone Jamboree competition

3. MALIK@UJANG B. HASHIM & CO DRIVER MOHD ARIFF OTHMAN MITSUBISHI PAJERO V-34
Teaming up for the first time but both are experienced off roaders. Ariff is a mechanic and should prove an asset as co driver. Being first timers, they stand to gain valuable exposure with potential to be in the top ten.

4. MOHD ZIN PILUS & CO DRIVER ABD KARIM B. ABD JALIL TOYOTA LWB LAND CRUISER II
Both are veteran 4x4 enthusiasts but first time competitors. Knowledge and good team work should be an advantage because of past experience together.

Support for the event also comes from non competing PAT members who will participate as observers or officials.

RAINFOREST CHALLENGE 2001

PETRONAS Adventure Team recently announced their participation in the International Rainforest Challenge 2001 in November. Details of the drivers and back up crew will be finalised soon. PAT has also called on members to act as back up for the competing teams.

There will be 4 competing teams, one from Sabah and 3 from Kuala Lumpur. The first year in the Rainforest Challenge, the PETRONAS Adventure Team hopes to do well as the drivers are all experienced and well equipped.

The competing cars are - Toyota BJ40, Toyota Land Cruiser II, Mitsubishi Pajero and Suzuki SJ410. More details soon on the drivers and back up teams.