The MediaCorp “Subaru Challenge 2013 – The Asian Face-Off” came to a spectacular end recently, with 43-year-old Singaporean Mr. Yusman Wright emerging as champion after a grueling 75 hours 01 minute face-off, beating seven-time contestant, also from Singapore, Mr. Sunawr Ali. Up against fellow local contestant in the final 5 hours of the Challenge, Mr. Wright walks away with the title of overall winner, and the grand prize of an all-new Subaru Forester 2.0i Premium worth S$85,000 (without COE).
Exceeding his previous best time of 73 hours, an extremely worn-out Mr. Wright was proud he had set a new personal record for himself and finally won the Challenge. “It’s not easy competing in this every year, but I’m glad that I made the decision to join again. I’m extremely happy that all my determination has paid off,” said the real-estate agent.
Supporting her father throughout the four days, Novell Erysha, 18, said that her father had signed up to participate in the Challenge again this year without her mother’s knowledge. “He decided to secretly try again this year, and he definitely made the right decision. I’m very proud that he finally won. It’s been torturous watching him compete every year without winning,” she said.
The runner-up Mr. Sunawr Ali, 35, was disqualified at the 75-hour mark as officials noticed that his palm was raised slightly from the car. “In the final hours of the Challenge, the rules are very strict. It’s quite unfortunate that this happened, but I’m also very proud of my dear friend Yusman, whom I have known over the years just by participating in the MediaCorp Subaru Challenge. I wish him the best, and I’m happy for his win,” said the SMRT train officer. He walks away with a S$5,000 cash prize.
The MediaCorp Subaru Challenge 2013 proved to be the most dramatic in the Challenge’s 12-year history. Three contestants dropped out after fainting in the arena and the Challenge was suspended for 66 minutes on the third day due to thunderstorms. Contestants this year are considered to be the toughest the Challenge has seen. The atmosphere throughout the final day of the competition was electric as supporters for the remaining contestants rallied from early morning, cheering the remaining contestants on and holding up banners in an effort to keep spirits high at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza.
Glenn Tan, Executive Director, Tan Chong International Ltd and Ms Florence Lian, Managing Director, Radio Division, MediaCorp presented the coveted prize, the all-new Subaru Forester 2.0i Premium worth S$85,000 (without COE) to an extremely tired but excited Yusman Wright.
“The contestants this year demonstrated great determination. I’m amazed at how the two local contestants pulled through the final hours of the Challenge as they went head-to-head. Yusman’s great persistence to hold on paid off and I congratulate him for winning the Challenge after his fifth attempt,” said Mr Glenn Tan, Executive Director, Tan Chong International Limited. In recognition of the regional contestants’ efforts, the title of Country Winner and a cash prize of S$1,000 went to the last standing representative from each country. (Please refer to Annex A for the list of Country Winners)
The last-standing regional contestant, 31-year-old Mr. Alex Neblasca from the Philippines walked away with S$5,000 in cash and the title of Asian Winner. He was also the second runner-up with a timing of 70 hours 53 minutes. The Country Team Winner title – with a cash prize of S$10,000, was awarded to the Philippines team who achieved the longest combined standing time of 518 hours 41 minutes (the total time of all 10 representatives from the same country).
Erina Cook, Organising Committee Chairperson from MediaCorp said, “Closing the 12th year of the MediaCorp Subaru Challenge, we are happy to declare Singaporean contestant Mr Yusman Wright the ultimate winner. After 75 hours 01 minute 23 seconds, it is certainly an amazing feat of endurance and perseverance that got him here. Kudos to all the other contestants for putting up a good fight, including our friends from the region.” For more information and updates, visit the official website at www.xinmsn.com/carchallenge2013.
