Super GT International Series Malaysia is back in Sepang

Inspired by the success of the just-concluded Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is aiming a similar impact for the upcoming Super GT International Series Malaysia, which will be held at the circuit from 20th to 22nd June.

Boosted by five prestigious support races, SIC General Manager Datuk Azmi Murad is giving the same message that he delivered to racing fans for the recent F1 race, that is the Super GT race in Sepang is an event not to be missed by racing fans.

"For the Formula One race, we have a huge turnout of racing fans, who were treated to a showcase of motor racing actions at its best. We hope the Super GT race will draw big crowds as well in Sepang and the action will be as spectacular," SIC General Manager Datuk Azmi Murad told a press conference to announce Equatorial Hotel Kuala Lumpur as the Official Hotel for the Super GT International Series Malaysia today.

While its attendance is not expected to match the 185,000-plus spectator attendance over the F1 weekend, Azmi said that the organizers would be happy with an attendance of 65,000 spectators for the 2008 Super GT International Series Malaysia.

"Clearly, these are two different kinds of events. But, both are world class motor racing events with their own kind of appeal and following. I know for a fact that the Super GT has huge following here in Malaysia and its neighbouring countries especially Singapore," said Azmi, who is also the Senior General Manager of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad and event director for the 2008 Super GT International Series Malaysia.

Unlike Formula One, the Super GT race features road cars, which can be owned and seen travelling along the normal roads. As such, fans can relate themselves better to Super GT races as compared to Formula One, where the racing cars are not available for sale and personal ownership.

Though road cars in nature, the competing cars - comprising all the top sports car models available in the market from the popular Japanese brands of Toyota, Nissan, Honda to European household names of Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes and BMW - are all fully modified and make-up extensively.

First organized in 2000 as an experimental project by Japan GT Association, the event was an instant success and within the third year, the race in Sepang was officially installed as one of the championship rounds; offering vital points for the teams and drivers in their quest of winning the overall crown.

Apart from the main Super GT race, fans would be treated to the thrills and excitement from four support races - Asian Touring Car Series, the Asian Formula Renault, Asian GT Challenge, Formula V6 Asia Series and the Aston Martin Cup, which will be one of the support races for the inaugural Formula One Singaporean Grand Prix in September.

"Clearly, it's going to be a weekend packed with racing action, thrills and excitement for racing fans. And, like the recent Formula One race, fans would not want to miss this event as well," added Azmi.

Tickets are priced as low as RM80 and they can be purchased by calling TICKET HOTLINE at 603-87782222 or via internet at www.malaysiangp.com.my.

FACTFILE - 2008 F1 PMGP SPECTATORS' ATTENDANCE

Friday, 21st March 2008 - 12,748
Saturday, 22nd March 2008 - 45,944
Sunday, 23rd March 2008 - 126,690
Weekend Total - 185,382

For further information, contact the Press Officer Azhar Ghazali at
019-3837865.