RACING fanatic, Ismail Samin, got more than he bargained for when he decided to bring his 3 boys to the Sepang 1000 KM which flagged off at noon today.

Not only did they managed to catch an exciting race featuring 28 of the best production cars in Malaysia circling the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) for 9 hours non-stop, Ismail, 42, was overjoyed after being among the lucky race goers to purchase 10 exclusive Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix tickets at an unbelievable price of RM100!

“I read about the promotion from the newspapers the other day and decided to come here and get my F1 tickets.

“This will be my third time attending the Sepang grand prix and I hope to bring all of my 10 family members here. Before this I also brought 10 of my family members here but I had to fork out a considerable amount of money.

“This time, I only had to spend RM100 for 10 tickets to enjoy the race with them on the Hillstand. I hope SIC will continue with these exclusive promotions for the fans,” added Ismail, who came from nearby Putrajaya.

The tickets, which were sold at the pass collection centre @ PG3 (just before paddock tunnel) and Corporate Suite 6, Main Grandstand Mall Area were reported to be selling like hot cakes with the 1,000 allocated Hillstand tickets expected to be sold out by the end of the day.

Besides watching the action unfold, the fans took the opportunity to indulge in the many side activities held around the circuit including pocket bikes demonstrations, drifting, go-kart rides and motorclub gatherings.

The drift car demonstration was a big hit with the race goers as hundreds throng the circuit’s car park which was transformed into a drift circuit, to catch a glimpse of all the top drifters in action.

Meanwhile, the race which was flagged off by SIC’s Board of Director, Datuk Muhammad Aini Taib at 1 pm featured 28 cars on the grid and scheduled to finish at 10 pm on the same day.

Heading the front row are, Proton R3 Racing Team in pole position alongside Kegani Racing, one of 3 cars pencilled in for the  premier Class 1 (cars from 1600 to 1800 cc).

Proton R3, competing in the Class 2 (cars up to 1600 cc) will be hoping to add to Proton Motorsports burgeoning trophy cabinet following the domination of  the Asia Pacific Rally Championships and the recently concluded Malaysian Touring Car Championships.

Led by seasoned driver, Faidzil Alang and James Veerapen in a Satria, Proton R3 look strong favourites to make it a 1-2 this time around as team mates, Syafiq Ali and Syahrizal Jamaludin sit behind them in second row.

Privateers, Lai Wee Sing, KK Soon and Wong Yew Choong aim to gate crash Proton Motorsports party as they set their sights on the title which has eluded them since the inaugural edition in 2009.