Honda has always been passionate in motorsports, and it is no different here in Malaysia. Whether it is a big and coveted event like the Sepang 1000KM or one that goes down to the grass root levels like TIMETOATTACK, Honda’s speed machine has always been one of the top choices for drivers. And to give the media the experience of life behind the pit lanes and also on the circuit, Honda Malaysia Racing Team had invited journalists from various publication for a taste of this unique experience at the HMRT Media Track Day 2013.
Held at Sepang International Circuit, the HMRT Media Track Day gives the opportunity to get up close and personal with the team’s racing car, the Honda Jazz, and also in meeting the race drivers themselves. Making an appearance during the track day were the drivers for car #26, Tengku Ezan Ley and Mohd Farriz Fauzy.
But the highlight of the day would definitely be a shotgun ride with either one of the race drivers in the race-prepped Honda Jazz. This Jazz is nothing like what we see on the roads as it has been removed off its excess weight and slapped with a heavy dose of steroids. And to give the media a better picture of how different it is, Honda Malaysia also brought down a couple of road-going Jazz Hybrid for the media to drive around the circuit.
For this track day, only the North Track is open for driving, cutting down the 5.543 km circuit down to 2.71 km. Even so, the participants will surely be enjoying the 9 corners of driving on the F1-approved circuit, and also the speedy ride in the race car. After being introduced with the big family of HMRT and being briefed of the rules and guidelines,…
…Tengku Ezan dons his helmet to give the media a ride they will never forget in a Honda Jazz.
Each passenger was given three laps in the car, one warm up lap, one hot lap, and the other is the ride back to the pits. Although three laps sounds quite a lot, the Jazz race car was back in the pits with the first passenger in no time.
At the same time, the media present were trying out the Jazz Hybrid around Sepang Circuit. Although this is not really a first choice if one were to mention a sporty car, it was nevertheless an interesting and fun experience.
While the Jazz race car was tearing up the circuit, we were also given a scoop of life behind the scenes in the pit lanes. With each lap that the car did, the timing was recorded for future references.
And since there were quite a number of media lining up for the shotgun ride, the HMRT also demonstrated a pit stop, which included swapping the driver, changing the tires and refuelling the car.
At the end of the day, a press conference was held at the pits to share the views and changes made to the car for the upcoming Sepang 1000KM endurance race. The car is basically the same but the HMRT had done a couple of refinements to the handling to the car. With both drivers in great shape, they are looking forward in grabbing the podium spot in this challenging race.
