MAEPS, Serdang witnessed the thrilling season finale of KBS Rally Sprint 2025, organised by X-One Motorsports Club, with over 20 rally cars battling it out on tarmac, heating up the atmosphere and captivating motorsport fans.
Inclusive Format
This edition introduced a flat-surface driving format, opening participation to drivers from various disciplines — drift, gymkhana, and circuit racing. The result was a race that was more inclusive, spectator-friendly, and appealing to all rally enthusiasts.
Car Diversity: From Classic to Modern
From the classic Toyota KE70, factory-standard Axia, Kelisa, Suzuki Swift Sport, to the iconic Subaru Impreza WRX STI, the lineup showcased the wide-ranging appeal of the event. This variety reinforces KBS Rally Sprint as a safe, practical, and affordable platform for both novice and experienced drivers.
Highlights Full of Drama
Fans were drawn to the participation of seasoned drivers Saladin Mazlan and Arish Qutb, who competed with the Subaru Impreza GC8. Unfortunately, mechanical issues forced them to retire early — proving that rallying is as much about mechanical endurance as it is about speed.
Family legacies were also in the spotlight. Ibrahim Saladin, son of Saladin Mazlan, teamed up with Shazwan Akif, continuing their father’s legacy. Similarly, Shanice Dana Udhaya & Mark Levon Gregory represented the next generation of MRU Motorsport in the Junior & Ladies categories.
The return of Wan Mohammad Nasir with a Toyota KE70 Corolla demonstrated that age is no barrier to competition. His approach, “Driving a slow car fast,” highlighted the joy of handling classic cars competitively and showed that rallying can be accessible and fun for everyone.
“Alhamdulillah, I’m blessed to have friends who are willing to help and support me. My main goal is to promote rally so new people can join without spending huge amounts but still enjoy rallying like works teams with tens of thousands budgets.
If just one or two people follow my example, I’d be very happy. I spent less than RM6,000, including the car, to build a complete rally car. A single Turbo Saladin’s car already costs more! ”
Wan Mohammad Nasir shared his philosophy.
Final Results
- 1st Place: Mitch Chong & Muhammad Fazli Ishak – Proton Satria 2WD
- 2nd Place: Haji Sutan Mustafa Salihin & Haji Kamarul Anuar – Subaru Impreza WRX
- 3rd Place: Faidzal Alang & Zamri Muhamat – Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
The fierce competition between experienced drivers and high-performance machines made the 2025 edition a thrilling and unforgettable finale for spectators.
Beyond Just a Race
With official support from motorsport authorities, diverse participation, and a spectator-friendly format, KBS Rally Sprint 2025 closed the season on a positive note for Malaysian rallying, pushing it closer to mainstream recognition.
More than just a race, it’s a platform for talent development, family legacies, and competitive entertainment for motorsport fans across the nation.