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7th
August, Sepang – 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 latest news log on to
www.sepangcircuit.com for more info.
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