since 1976
since 1976
Toyota returns to the 2023 Sepang 1000 KM Endurance Race (S1K) seeking to not only defend the overall title it won last year but aiming to complete a hat trick of podium finishes since it joined the annual prestigious event in 2021.
Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia will field its sole entry and S1K defending champions Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel and Naquib Azlan behind the wheel of the 2022 winning Toyota Vios in the MTC Class. Toyota will also be represented by two Yaris’ fielded by dealer team Wing Hin Motorsports in the MTC Class driven by Boy Wong and former GAZOO Racing Rookie Class driver Amer Harris.
“Both the Vios and Yaris have proven to be strong contenders in what is undoubtedly an extremely grueling race. Over and above the racing achievements, what is more important to us is that it has underlined the respective model’s durability, reliability, and handling in the most challenging of conditions,” said UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. President, Datuk Ravindran K.
“S1K will also see the running of the third GAZOO Racing (GR) Vios Enduro Cup within the S1K’s SP2 Class. This event has evolved to become a very popular season finale for drivers already competing in the GR Vios Challenge and GR Vios Sprint Cup. Like previous years, the GR Vios Enduro Cup continues to attract both a pool of experienced and young drivers, and this year’s entry not only include teenage drivers, but also a father and son pair, a team comprising of husband and wife, as well as several lady drivers.”
In the SP2 Class and GR Vios Enduro Cup, a total of 11 cars will be competing. Top contenders to look out for include the Axle Sports pair of Alister Yoong who will pair up with 2023 Vios Challenge Rookie class champion Ariff Azmi.
A definite favourite will be 23 Motors’ Abdul Miqail and Amir Mirza, both also regular contenders in the GR Vios Challenge. Abdul Miqail was the winner of the GR Vios Enduro Cup in 2022 and finished third in 2021. 23 Motors that clinched the top two positions last year, will also be fielding a second car helmed by Daniel Haqeem Azwan.
The GR Vios Enduro Cup will also see the debut for the father and son team of Shanmuganathan Arumugam and Ashen Shanmuganathan; the husband and wife pair of Shafiq Samsudin (and Shasha Shafie; and two other lady drivers Adele Lew - another GAZOO Racing Rookie Class driver - and Nurul Auni Nasharuddin.
The first place winner in the GR Vios Enduro Cup is in the running for RM10,000 cash, followed by RM8,000 for the second place winner; RM6,000 for the third place winner; RM4,000 (4th placing); and RM2,000 (5th place winner).
For more information, log on to the UMW Toyota Motor (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd website at www.toyota.com.my.
