Aparna Umesh - the fiery Malayalee girl in off-road racing. Aparna has a passion for adventure racing in four-wheel drive vehicles. Her vehicle of choice is a 1996 model Mahindra Jeep modified for off-roading. The blue-painted jeep is called Bluewhale.

This 31-year-old is a marvel who roars in the jeep in the rain forests, mountain roads and cliffs. Aparna is currently gearing up for the 2025 Rainforest Challenge. This Business manager trains during her off days. Training is done on tracks prepared by earthmoving machines in tea plantations etc.

Aparna's amazing performance was in the 4 X 4 Fury Race at the Orange Fest in Arunachal last year. Like a treasure hunt in the Brahmaputra river basin, one has to navigate through 10 points marked on the map. GPS can be used.

A place full of cobblestones. 10 man points were scored but the jeep broke down within sight of the finishing point. Although she did not win the prize, Aparna became the only Indian woman in the Orange Fury Race.

Aparna's trainer is her husband Akhil, who is an off-road racer and coach. He has participated in the Goa Challenge. Both of them bought land in Vennimala where they set up a track and run off-roading coaching. They give training for women as well. The cost of Bluewhale including its cost and modification was 20 lakhs. The vehicle was taken in partnership with R&T Offroad Club President Sam Kurian.

They live at 'Umasivam' house in Edappally. Mother: Jaya.

Rain Forest Challenge

One week preliminary round in the rainforests of Goa. The finale is in the rainforests of Malaysia. Day and night driving is required. The mechanic and cook should also accompany the driver. One should be lucky to even get selected.

Thar gifted by father

"I was interested in travelling during my studies in the Gulf. A Mahindra Thar gifted to me by my father Umesh when I returned home became my companion. I became a member of Kottayam R&T Club and took up 4X4 off-road racing."

-Aparna Umesh