Sg. Buloh, 19 February 2009 – Are you ready for engines roaring and rally action on your TV screen? The Search for Malaysia’s Next Rally Champion is on and the rumble starts at Astro RIA (Ch 104) every Tuesday, 10pm starting 10 March 2009!

At the official launch of the first rally reality TV show today, Astro Ria’s Channel Manager, En Khairul Mizan Shagul said, “At Astro, we constantly try to fulfill our customer’s demands for the best programmes across our various channels. For example, in the past we have had great success on Astro Ria through reality programmes such as Akademi Fantasia and Sehati Berdansa.”

“Now Astro RIA is proud to air this reality TV programme with a focus on rally because we believe this will be well received by the public in general and especially among the youngsters. We hope this programme will increase the popularity of rallying in households across the country.”

“Throughout the five episodes we follow the development of the rookie drivers and co-drivers as they learn the skills and disciplines of rallying. The winning team takes home a rally-prepared Proton and will race in the 2009 Malaysian Rally Championship.” added Khairul.

Fifteen teams (driver and co-driver) take on the theoretical and practical training throughout the five episodes. The contestants are aged between 18 till 30 years old and must not have held a racing license prior to joining the show. There are weekly challenges, but no elimination, so teams are vying to get the highest points.

Panel judges are: Director of Wheel Sport Management (WSM) Raja Nor Mazli Raja Tun Mohar and Director and founder of Wheel Sport Management (WSM) Tengku Shaharin Abu Bakar Almarhum Tengku Suleiman. Ahmad Razman Mustafa senior trainer at Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) is the head trainer.

In each episode, rally drivers and co-drivers from the current Malaysian Rally Championship take turns to share their experiences with the contestants.

Be sure to stay tune to this new Rally reality TV programme Zero 2 Hero every Tuesday 10pm beginning 10 March 2009, exclusively on Astro RIA (CH 104).

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For media enquiries, please contact:
Caydence Low, Astro TV Communications – 012-3599 316; poh-yan_low@astro.com.my