Software engineer wins MediaCorp Subaru Challenge

SINGAPORE: 42—year—old software engineer Tholmas Gan Yu Shen has won the MediaCorp Subaru Challenge.

He managed to keep his hands on a car for 78 hours 30 minutes, besting some 400 contestants.

For his efforts, he has won a brand new Subaru XV 1.6 worth more than S$80,000.

Just before 5:30pm on Tuesday, the contestants dwindled down to just two —— 47—year—old G Jaishanker and Mr Gan, a third—time contestant.

After a five—minute break at 6pm, it was back to the cars for the two Singaporeans, where they waited out as night fell.

In the end, the gruelling experience got to Mr Jaishanker, who told Channel NewsAsia that his mind went blank, allowing his hand to slip slightly.

Mr Jaishanker had previously received two warning tags —— one more would have meant he would have to drop out.

Mr Gan said: "I’m very happy and also tired, but I tried not to give up. I’ve not eaten any food for the past four days. I just drank, yes, and I just drank and all this liquid kept me going."

Mr Gan, who suffered from blisters and swollen legs, said he was confident he could win because of the position he drew in the balloting process. His palm was on the boot of the car throughout the challenge. He added it would take him about a week or so to recover.

Meanwhile, the runner—up of the challenge, Mr Jaishanker, walked away with a S$5000 cash prize. He told Channel NewsAsia that he would be back next year.

He said: "It was a new challenging experience. I was not prepared physically, but I was prepared mentally. I wanted to set a new record... In the last few seconds, I went blank. Nevermind, it’s a race, it’s all about sportsmanship."

The aim of the MediaCorp Subaru Challenge was for contestants to keep their hands on a car for as long as possible.

The record for the challenge was set in 2008, with a time of 81 hours 32 minutes.

—CNA/ac