SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER RACING RETURNS TO MSF SUPERTURISMO ROUND 2

Exactly 10 years since it was last held, Saturday Night Fever racing returns to MSF Superturismo for Round 2 at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit this Saturday (1 June 2024).

Also billed as the SNF Revival, the race was last held in 2015 and will over the weekend see more than 200 drivers competing in 10 individual classes of racing, with highlights being on the 4 premier classes: Super Touring; Vision HKS GT86 x BRZ Racing Cup; Super Production; and Rennplatz Standard Production.

“It’s a phenomenal experience to be able to race after sunset for both drivers and spectators alike, and after Round 1’s close racing action in March, we’re pretty sure the competition is going to be equally if not  even more exciting after the two-month break,” said MSF Superturismo Principal Adian Yein Khalid.

“Round 2 will also see a new element being introduced which is the use of only the South Track (2.609km) instead of the entire 5.543km span of the circuit. It’s definitely a recipe for a quicker and more intense racing from start to finish and the beauty of this is spectators can watch the entire race unfold from their seats at the paddock area of grandstand.”

For spectators, eye candy will not only be in the paddock area and action on track but also a huge display of cars and aftermarket spare parts, as well as merchandises on display and sale at the hospitality area.

On track, the Super Touring division is expected to be a heatedly-contested battle involving Mohamed Hafez Kamarudin in a Toyota GR Yaris who won Round 1 with a staggering 53 seconds ahead of another strong contender Umar Abdullah in a Honda Civic FD2R. Also to look out for is a second Honda Civic FD2R piloted by the pair of Wu Junyi Ken and Russell Tan.

In the Vision HKS GT86 x BRZ Racing Cup, eyes will again be on Rennplatz Racing Team’s Ng Teck Ming who won the championship opening round in March with a commanding 32-second lead over his nearest challenger Muhd Khairul Nizam Yaacob of EXN-JR Speed Sucimuci. Also a strong contender and no newcomers to racing will be the pair of Syed Rizal and Fahrizal Hassan who finished third for Fawster SMRT.

Super Production will field the largest number of competitors with no less than 14 drivers vying for top honors. Jonathan Xie in a Honda Fit RS GK5 will however, be the man to beat when he finished a commanding 29 seconds ahead of Teo Hong Zhou in a Honda Jazz GK5. Finishing 3rd in Round 1 and looking to make it a back-to-back visit to the podium is female driver Nurul Husna Nasharuddin in a Honda Jazz. The division will also see the entries of numerous makes and model of vehicles that include the Proton Satria Neo, Toyota Vios, Proton Gen.2, Proton Iriz and Perodua MyVi.

Looking to extend his lead in the overall dominance in the Rennplatz Standard Production division will be Ng Chong Chin in a Honda Jazz GK5, but with a marginal 3-second win in Round 1, one will expect stiff competition from the Piston Project pair of Aiman Asyraaf and Hayden Haikal  behind the wheel of a Honda Fit RS GK5.  Also to look out for will be a second Honda Fit RS GK5 by Mohamed Hafez Kamarudin representing Fawster 55Twelve. In a class that is dominated by Hondas. Stewart Hine and his Suzuki Swift Sport had been the quickest in Round 1, finishing 4th.

Paddock access tickets for Round 2 are on sale at RM35 and parking is RM10, available at the entrance to the South track on race day (1 June 2024) from 7am to midnight. Entry to the main grandstand is free of charge.

(Issued on behalf of MSF Superturismo by HIT Communications. For more information, kindly contact Harris Iskandar Taib at (+6019-2711609 or email to hitcommunications@yahoo.com)

Circuit Racing

Pecco Bagnaia catat masa terpantas 1:56.682

Hari ke-3 Ujian Rasmi MotoGP™ Sepang 2024 mencatatkan ‘lap’ terpantas 1 minit 56 saat di Litar Antarabangsa Petronas Sepang oleh penyandang juara dunia MotoGP™ Francesco Bagnaia. Diikuti dengan Jorge Martin, Enea Bastianini dan juga Alex Marquez yang masih menunggang jentera lama GP23.

Rekod catatan masa terbaru ini menunjukkan bahawa teknologi hari ini tidak tertumpu pada enjin semata-mata. Aerodinamik juga memainkan peranan yang penting walaupun dengan hanya sebutir ‘winglet’ yang kecil dapat menbantu memperbaiki catatan masa.

Dengan keadaan litar yang semakin panas, kebanyakan pelumba kembali ke litar dengan tayar yang sudah digunakan. Mereka melakukan beberapa simulasi untuk mengumpul data sebanyak mungkin.

Hari terakhir ujian di Sepang ini memperlihatkan pengilang Jepun masih tercari-cari jawapan yang mereka harapkan. Walaupun Honda dan Yamaha telah membuat peningkatan yang besar, masih terdapat kelemahan tertentu  untuk menghasilkan masa terbaik.

Musim ini Pol Espargaró terpaksa melepaskan tempatnya untuk Pedro Acosta. Pol memikul tugas yang sama seperti Pedrosa sebagai penunggang uji KTM. Sementara itu, adiknya Alex Espargaró seperti berminat dengan dunia penyiaran. Pelumba Sepanyol itu beraksi sebagai hos memperkenalkan pit KTM kepada penonton. Good Luck, Pol !!!

2 Wheels Circuit Racing

Aero Rakes di MotoGP – Part 2

Sambungan penjelasan tentang Aero Rakes dari Dr. Aid Fawzal semalam, rakan beliau, Nik Muhammad Nasri, manambah penerangan dengan lebih terperinci. Nik Muhammad Nasri merupakan seorang jurutera ‘wind tunnel’ yang kini bertugas di Coventry University, UK.

Sensor yg digunakan pada Aero Rakes di MotoGP tu ialah Kiel Probes. Measurement of method masih sama, menggunakan pressure sensor untuk ukur perbezaan tekanan (pressure) antara stagnation point dengan static point. Hasil dari perbezaan pressure ini, kita dapat tahu total pressure dekat point of measurement. Dari pressure, kita boleh mengira kelajuan angin menggunakan formula p=(mV₂)/2.

Perbezaan Kiel Probes dengan Pitot Tube ialah Kiel Probes mempunyai penghadang (shroud) dekat tip untuk menyukat ‘stagnation pressure’. Ini bermaksud sukatan Kiel Probes lebih ‘localised in a sense of directionality’. Dengan kata lain, result ‘measurement’ Kiel Probes kurang sensitif dengan perubahan ‘Yaw angle’.

Nik Muhammad Nasri – Wind Tunnel Engineer
2 Wheels Circuit Racing

Aero Rakes di MotoGP?

Alamak tuan, dah kenapa MotoGP bawak raga kat belakang motor pula ni??

Itu bukan raga ya, jaring pon bukan. Itu adalah “aerodynamics rakes” (juga dipanggil “aero rakes”).

Guna aero rakes ni adalah untuk mendapatkan bacaan tekanan dinamik (dynamic pressure) supaya jurutera dan jurureka (designer) mendapat gambaran bagaimana struktur aliran angin dibahagian tersebut.

Dalam gambar tu aero rakes diletakkan di hujung belakang, maksudnya ujian sedang dijalankan untuk mengenalpasti aliran angin di belakang. Ini mengambil kira kedudukan pelumba yang berubah² dan prestasi komponen aerodinamik sedia ada.

Data yang aero rake ni rekodkan juga akan membantu jurutera dalam menentusahkan dan memperbaiki program simulasi Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) yang mereka jalankan.

Untuk penjelasan ringkas, simulasi CFD terhad kepada satu² senario kedudukan motorsikal (cth: simulasi sewaktu tegak-lurus, atau simulasi konar-baring). Kata kan sudut-condong (lean angle) maksimum 60°, setiap 5° baringan akan dibuat simulasi satu-persatu.

Begitu juga dengan dapatan (results) daripada ujian terowong angin (wind tunnel). Ia terhad kerana angin yang datang sentiasa daripada depan dan bukan angin senget seperti sewaktu mengambil selekoh (cornering).

Kerana itulah, data langsung daripada lapangan sangat² diperlukan dan implementasi “aero rakes” ini lah antara cara mendapatkan datanya. Data yang diambil pastinya lebih dinamik berbanding CFD dan terowong angin kerana ia mengambil kira semua pergerakan motorsikal dan pergerakan pelumba dengan dinisbahkan terhadap keadaan litar.

Pakar dalam bidang ini dipanggil trackside aerodynamicist.

Penulis: Dr Aid Fawzal -Pakar pergerakan bendalir (CFD) & pemindahan haba (heat transfer), Kejuruteraan Automotif, Inventor.

Foto: Sham Rahaman, Shah Hafiz & Han Yassin

2 Wheels Circuit Racing

Jorge Martin Leads First day of Sepang MotoGP™ Official Test 2024

Prima Pramac rider, Jorge Martin set the fastest lap time on the opening day of the Sepang MotoGP™ Official Test 2024 at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit which started on Tuesday.

It was a a good opening day for Ducati when Martin clocked 1:57.951 on lap 22 from total of 59 laps.

Meanwhile, Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 rider, Pedro Acosta continued his excellent pace as he maintain his own lap record during the Sepang Shakedown session to record the second fastest time overall.

Just 0.008 behind the Moto2 champion was Fabio Quatararo in third place. Marc Marquez (Gresini Ducati) crashed and had technical issues before moving up from 20th to 9th.

Martin, who was contacted after the end of the session, said he was not thinking about the fastest time but was just focusing on understanding the new machine.

The 2024 MotoGP winter test session will continue on Wednesday and Thursday with all teams work hard to get the best set-up for the new season.

2 Wheels Circuit Racing

AI Podcast Episod 1 – Media Utama Tak Support Sukan Permotoran Tempatan?

Media sebagai nadi penggerak industri sukan permotoran? Dimanakah industri sukan permotoran kita di mata media?Saksikan temubual bersama dengan dengan pengiat sukan permotoran berpengalaman, Rellik Niezarm dan penggiat media alternatif, Arahman Crew Arahman bagi mendapatkan pandangan dari mereka sendiri dalam senario ini.

Jangan lepaskan peluang ini!!Jangan lupa follow & subscribe AI di Facebook, Tiktok & Youtube!

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Livestreaming Podcast

PETRONAS GRAND PRIX OF MALAYSIA 2023 ELEVATES FANS EXPERIENCE WITH NEW OFFERINGS

The 24th edition of the PETRONAS GRAND PRIX OF MALAYSIA 2023 is set to elevate fans’ experience through myriad of new offerings.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia is leading an initiative to make motorsports accessible to all Malaysians with the introduction of the ‘Tiket Rahmah’ for the K2 Hillstand priced at RM49.90. Apart from getting a panoramic view of the action, ‘Tiket Rahmah’ holders will also have access to lower priced food and beverage for an overall experience in-line with the objectives of the initiative.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports also sees motor racing as a platform for youth empowerment. A blue-ribbon event like the PETRONAS GRAND PRIX OF MALAYSIA 2023 has the potential to inspire the younger generation to learn the skills they need to forge a successful path in the sport.

The #kasigegar themed event is set to rock Sepang during race weekend with a thrilling itinerary of activities. Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will be giving away 3 units of the limited edition special liveried Yamaha R25 upgraded by Racing Boy (RCB) as part of the MotoGP™ Mega Lucky Draw, sales of SIC x KYT Limited Edition custom helmet designed exclusively for MotoGP™ Malaysia. In addition, the introduction of a MotoGP™ Malaysia
generative AI chatbot, developed by Axrail.AI in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), offers an unparalleled user journey and effortlessly supports multiple languages, provides pinpoint location services, and simplifies both food pre-ordering and merchandise browsing to a mere touch.

Malaysian motor-racing fans can also look forward to seeing their local heroes compete during the race weekend. Talented 21-year-old Syarifuddin Azman, also known as Damok of the MT Helmets-MSi Team, will be racing in the Moto3™ class. Four other Malaysians, namely Farres Putra, Farish Hafiy, Ahmad Darwisy and Adi Putra will be pitting their skills in Round 5 of the Idemitsu Asian Talent Cup, a MotoGP™ support race.

The PETRONAS GRAND PRIX OF MALAYSIA 2023 will take place from 10-12 November at SIC and tickets can be purchased at www.sepangcircuit.com

“The PETRONAS GRAND PRIX OF MALAYSIA 2023 will again thrill and excite the fans with action-packed motor racing and will also feature new pre-event and off-track activitiessuch asthe MotoGP™ Rider Fan Parade and MotoGP™ Hero Walk. Tickets are selling fast with several categories such as Premier Roving and Marc Marques tribune are sold out, so be sure to grab your tickets soon. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation and immense gratitude to our local heroes from the government agencies for their continuous and unwavering support in ensuring the safety and success of the event.”

Azhan Shafriman Hanif, CEO of Sepang International Circuit.

“PETRONAS is truly honoured to be part of this key sporting event. As title sponsor of the Grand Prix of Malaysia, we hope to strengthen our connection with the sport’s massive fanbase while helping to elevate sports tourism in Malaysia.”

Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz, Senior General Manager, Group Strategic Communications, PETRONAS.

“The Ministry of Youth and Sports recognises the success of the PETRONAS GRAND PRIX OF MALAYSIA in strategically placing Malaysia on the map as a motorsports destination and the Government will continue to support the flagship event as well as Sepang International Circuit (SIC) as the main promoter and host. Malaysia can solidify its position as the main motorsports hub in Southeast Asia by taking advantage of the platform to develop the next generation of champions and professionals in 2-wheel racing. I would also like to take this opportunity to rally the youths to enrol in Rakan Muda and Rakan Litar programmes as part of the Government’s initiative to promote volunteerism in the country.”

YB Hannah Yeoh, The Minister of Youth and Sports of Malaysia.
2 Wheels

GOOD LUCK, KASMA!

Kasma Daniel Kasmayuddin of PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Maju Motor who currently takes lead in the overall standings of the PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix Championship will skip Round 4 which will be held at the Sepang International Circuit (South) this weekend.

Kasma will be taking his racing endeavours to the international arena of MotoGP where he will participate in the Moto2 race category as a replacement rider for Kohta Nozane of Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Team for two consecutive rounds. The races will be held at Mugello, Italy on 11th June 2023 and Sachsenring, Germany on 18th June 2023.

The national rider who sits at the top spot overall with a total of 51 points to his name in the Cub Prix championship made a strong finish in Round 3 that was held at the Jasin circuit. The rider who took the sixth spot on the grid showcased his dexterity and technical abilities to manoeuvre around the circuit, inching lap by lap to close the gaps with the riders ahead of him. He landed himself at the third place upon completion.

Commenting on the race, Kasma said, “I apologise to my team and my fans out there for not being able to participate in the Cub Prix championship this weekend. I would like to take this opportunity to also wish my team and all the other riders, “all the best” for the race at Sepang. We will meet again in Round 5.”

Kasma will return for a competitive stride in Round 5 of the PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix Championship.

2 Wheels

ANOTHER RACE WIN FOR HAYDEN HAIKAL

A third race win and a 6th placing in last weekend’s Round 2 of Idemitsu Super Turbo Championship in Thailand (19-21 May) at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram has consolidated Malaysian teenager Hayden Haikal’s lead in the overall point standings.

With three wins in four races so far, Hayden and the #437 Wing Hin Motorsports’ Toyota Vios continued to exert their dominance in the Junior (Normally Aspirated) Class for normally-aspirated engines up to 1550cc and remains one the top overall race contenders in a sea of turbocharged and more powerful cars.

The race weekend however, could not have gotten off to a more challenging start for 18-year-old Hayden. A big off during the free practice session on Friday had the team working in overdrive with only three hours to complete repairs in time for the qualifying session. Hayden and the team bounced back to still post the third fastest time in Class.

Race 1 on Saturday got off to a promising start with Hayden fighting for the lead in his Class and running as high as 12th overall until transmission issues half way into the race left him with only 5th gear and fighting to get to the finish. He ended the 12-lap race around the 4.554km Chang International Circuit 21st overall and 6 th in class.

“I had a good fight with the Class leader and I managed to get away from him when all of a sudden the car wouldn’t downshift from 5th gear. Thankfully, we managed to resolve the problem for the second race on Sunday,” said Hayden.

Race 2 on Sunday proved to be the great redeemer when Hayden’s pace had him at the head of his Class and placed 8th overall amidst the professional and turbocharged drivers. Hayden finished 2nd in Class but was later promoted to first when the race winner was penalized for an infringement.

“The start of the race was chaotic with a lot of cars being taken out on the main straight. I was fortunate I managed to avoid the carnage and get through safely before the red flag was brought out. When the race resumed I was battling with the top three cars in my Class and it then came down to the task of picking them out one at a time,” said Hayden.

Making his debut in the Idemitsu Super Turbo Championship in March, Hayden had sealed back to back race victories in the opening two races of the Idemitsu Super Turbo Championship.

With three race wins and a 6th placing after four races, Hayden retains his lead in the overall point standings in the Junior (Normally Aspirated) Class with the third and final round of the Idemitsu Super Turbo Championship to be contested from 16-18 June 2023 again at the Chang International Circuit.

“We will be regrouping and with this weekend’s experience and learnings, the focus will now be on going for the overall championship win.”

Circuit Racing Uncategorized