MRC 2009 KICKS OFF IN CYBERJAYA WITH RECORD NUMBER OF ENTRIES

8th April, Kuala Lumpur – The Malaysian Rally Championship 2009 season kicks off this weekend with a record number of entries for a first Round.

30 cars will line up for the flag-off in Cyberjaya including 15 newcomers and international teams from Hong Kong, India and Sri Lanka.

This is the first time the rally will be held in Cyberjaya giving spectators easy access to the rally action and one hundred percent (100%) visibility of the race.

Clerk of the Course for the Championship, Tengku Shaharin Abu Bakar Almarhum Tengku Suleiman said the venue is perfect for spectators. “The public can watch the official flag-off at CBD Perdana Complex Open Car Park, Cyberjaya and then literally cross the road to watch the action in the Stages.” He added, “There are no trees to block their view; it is an open area for all to see and experience the rally. The stages are more like a Super Special Stage.”

The Cyberjaya community is excited about the rally being in town. Busloads of university students from Lim Kok Wing will be watching keenly from the sidelines and twenty students from UNITEN Motorsports Department are volunteering as marshals for the event.

The track is expected to be rough and difficult to navigate because of the lack of landmarks, however the absence of trees and culverts eliminates the chance of crashes, which is a relief for the young newcomers who will compete in the Junior Championship category (previously known as the Clubmen category).

The Championship format has also changed to include a 2WD category for the first time. This gives drivers a chance to fight for Championship points without competing with the likes of current MRC Champion, Karamjit Singh who will continue to compete in his 4WD Mitsubishi Lancer Evo in the new 4WD only category.

“By offering the 2WD category we are leveling the playing field, so to speak,” said Tengku Shaharin. “A lot of drivers admit that they will never beat Karamjit in his 4WD, so this gives them the opportunity to compete against similar spec cars and have a crack at taking home a first place trophy.”

The 2009 Championship season will consist of five Rounds including the Asia Pacific Rally Championship Round to be held in Johor in August.

Spectators can download the spectator’s guide from the MRC website – www.malaysianrally.com or pick up a copy from the MRC Secretariat located at Setia Haruman Sdn Bhd, The Lodge in Cyberjaya during the weekend.