Offroading on the Farm enjoyed one of its biggest stagings yet as enthusiasts from across the island converged on its Brighton River, St Elizabeth, venue for two days of outdoor activities over the Labour Day holiday weekend.

“The event went smoothly. Everyone came and enjoyed themselves while spectators, competitors and even the sponsors got in on the action,” Troy Bernard, event organiser, told the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine.

The event started in earnest on the Sunday with an overnight camping session. Patrons and more competitors piled in on Monday with the aim of tackling the multiple off-road obstacles. In all, 27 drivers faced the several challenges strung together for a full course. They had a set amount of time to complete each as the sizeable crowd looked on at the wide variety of off-road vehicles attempting the course. From pickups to luxury off-roaders, to all out V8-powered beasts, the obstacles like the mud-filled Hell Hole gave no quarter. Onlookers were glued to the action cheering on their favourites. At the end of the day it was Stephen Whiteman who was crowned winner, the Portland native taking his 2006 Range Rover to the top of the leader board.

“I’m very pleased to have won. I feel very fortunate that I was able to compete incident free. I’m grateful for Troy, the event organiser, and Craig Powell of Adventure Masters for their respective contributions to the sport in Jamaica,” said Whiteman.

According to Whiteman, he only purchased the vehicle last year and had made two minor upgrades for off-roading.

“The air suspension has Lucky8 sensor linkages, and I would like to thank Chad Ad Distributors for their excellent customer service and equally excellent Maxxis Razr tyres,” he said.

This was his first time in the heat of competition in the Range Rover and participating in Offroading on the Farm. He explained there was a bit of luck involved as he survived the Hell Hole, which lived up to its name, as many competitors drove into the mud-filled pit and were unable to get out.

“This was my first time but will not be my last. I had a great time. Great vibes.”

Completing the top-three finishers was 2018 victor Bobby Stewart in his Volkswagen Amarok and consistent Offroading on the Farm 2019 winner Cheval Derby in his 1995 Nissan Patrol. So interesting was the event that it even swayed sponsors ARB Jamaica and their fleet of Toyota Jamaica display vehicles to take to the course.

“It was a nice event run by a very friendly bunch of people. There was a great atmosphere and good chat between the many off-road enthusiasts that were there. It was also a good idea to have a camping option the night before the main event. I’m sure the organisers will build on the event and make the next one bigger and better than the one we just had,” praised Tom Connor, managing director — Toyota Jamaica Limited.

Bernard says a second Offroading on the Farm is in the works for later in the year given the excellent reaction to this one. He stated that driver and competitor feedback has been nothing but positive as both parties have already asked him when will be the next one.

“The Balance Bridge was big hit,” said Bernard.

For the next staging, Bernard plans to add even more excitement with a mud drag strip.