Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race a world class event

AFTER 10 years, Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race (MMER) has established itself as a premier and prestigious race especially for professional Malaysian drivers.

It was evident in this year's edition with the country's top export to the racing world all gathering at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) to make this weekend a success for Malaysia more important in the month of Merdeka.

Among the top names on the grid come race are the country sole driver to the Formula 1 Alex Yoong, other F1 hopefuls such as Jazeman Jaafar who is currently racing in Formula BMW Erope, A1 Malaysia driver Aaron Lim, Formula BMW Pacific driver Fahmi Ilyas as well as World Touring Car Championship aspirant Farique Hairuman.

Other household motorsports name include Farique's sidekick Johan Adzmi, Tunku Hammam Sulong, Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir, Eric Yeo, Firhat Mokhzani and list goes on.

"Yes, it is great to be here for the MMER. Although, I have been traveling to race there is a little window in August to race in the MME and I am always up for it," said Jazeman who is the country's best hope to the Formula 1 starting grid at the MME pre-qualifying press conference today.

As for Farique, who has been racing since 2001, the MMER is among his most important race in his calendar.

"I have been racing in MMER for a while now and hav experience so many things here. I also see that every year more and more Malaysian are doing the nation proud by getting into the motorsports scene and it is great to see all of us congregate in the MMER once a year," said Farique.

Proud to be part of the race, Aaron said:"MME is special to me. Not only is it a prestigious endurance race in this part of the world but also a race all Malaysian professional drivers are proud of."

Even big names such as Tim Sugden and defending Class O champion Daryl O'Young also believes the MME is an important if not prestigious race in this region.

"It a tough race mainly due to the heat. It gets hot fast but it great racing.

I am very excited to be here and hopefully this will be a good weekend for us," said Sugden who have participated in FIA GT, British Touring Car Championship and 24 Hour Le Mans race.

Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir, SIC Chairman, who is also racing in this year’s MMER says that the event is now a world class event with participation from drivers that have raced in  Lemans, World Touring Car Championship and more.

“The participation of these drivers raises the profile of the event, the cars are faster, more experienced drivers on the grid, the race is definitely more exciting this year,” said Mokhzani.

Datuk Mokhzani who is also the 2007 MMER overall winner added that he is happy with the number of participants and it was expected but it should grow to a full grid by next year.

He went on to say that it’s good that in view of the safety consideration the two slower classes were separated, “hopefully this will eliminate unwanted incidents like the ones happened last year”.

Apart from the main race, race fans can also catch the Petronas Formula Experience, Classic car race and the Aston Martin Cup.

Off track attractions includes programs for the kids such as colouring contest ages 4 to 12, kids traditional dance competition, showtime with Fatin Nurafifah and quizzes with loads of prizes to be won.
For the fruit fanatics don’t miss this chance to sample some local fruits and there will also be food tasting booths at the Mall Area.

There will also be special vehicles on display such as the Petronas tanker, Fire Department and Police vehicles from the fast Mitsubishi EVO “Helang” and bikes.

To add more excitement 57 cars from four car clubs such as Lotus Car Club Malaysia and Waja Club will park their cars for display at the mall area.

Entrance is free, for more information please log on to sepangcircuit.com.my