Subaru Challenge Update: 117 contestants standing after 30 hours

14 regional contestants remained in contention for the Challenge title - six from the Philippines, six from Thailand and two from Malaysia. All contestants from Hong Kong had dropped out of the challenge earlier in the afternoon.

"I'm impressed that so many contestants are left standing at 30 hours," said Mr Glenn Tan, Group Chief Executive of Motor Image Group. "This goes to show that this year's contestants are more enduring and determined to win! There is a high possibility that this year's winner will break last year's record of 77 hours and 13 minutes but we will see! It is going to be an exciting end that everyone should look out for."

A total of 12 participants had dropped out during the dinner break, which marked the 30th hour of the Challenge. Last year, only 106 contestants remained after the dinner break.

Yesterday, before the much anticipated five minute long dinner break in where contestants ate in groups from 7pm onwards, they were given a chance to enjoy a special break at 4pm.

Contestants had to dance to the tune of Madonna's "4 Minutes" while their palms remained fixed on the cars. Contestants from Car 3 won the loudest cheers and applause from the crowd and were rewarded with a special five minute bonus break at 4pm where they were allowed to choose from drinks such as water, isotonic water or coffee.

Earlier in the wee hours of the morning, heavy rain and lightning occurred, raising safety concerns for the then-remaining 180 contestants of the Challenge. The contestants were then brought into the sheltered tentage for some refuge.

This call-in was the first special concession to be granted in the seven-year long history of the Subaru Impreza Challenge. During the duration of the call-in, 4 contestants dropped out of the Challenge.

The longest-standing contestant (in terms of time spent with palm on the car) will be crowned the ultimate winner, taking home the grand car prize. The grand car prize up for contention for Singaporean contestants this year will be a Subaru Impreza WRX 2.5MT Hatchback, worth S$80,000 (without COE). Last year's Challenge saw the ultimate winner Sandra Yeow outlast 387 other contestants to emerge the first ever female champion with a record-breaking time of 77 hours and 13 minutes.