They say that when you put yourself on the road, you are putting yourself one step closer to the end of the line. Racing can be a dangerous motorsport; and despite all the precautions taken, incidents can still take place from time to time. Every circuit has their marshalls stationed around the track, overseeing the drivers during their time out in track and they are the backbone of safety in racing.
Last Saturday, Sepang Circuit witnessed the second fatality that has ever occurred on the 5.54 km proving ground; involving a bike and a race marshall. Satish Suppiah, 44, was said to be waving the chequered flag at the end of the finish line along the Sepang main-straight when a motorcycle ran into him at high speed. He was immediately attended by the medical team, and hurried to Putrajaya Hospital for further attention.
“Unfortunately, he succumbed to the serious injuries. The incident is currently being investigated and a police report has been made.”
The rider, 17 years old upcoming star, Mohd Izzat Mohd Abdul Hakim suffered internal bleeding and he was transferred to Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) to undergo surgery. “We are saddened by the news but we also found out that some people had been providing false updates on Facebook, stating that Izzat too, had died,” said his coach; Ahmad Zamani.
Following the incident – the Malaysian Super Series Bikes Round 3 race was cancelled with the stewards approval. The race was scheduled for Saturday and Sunday however after the cancellation of the race, there was been no word from Sepang if MSSB Round 3 will be held on a different date.
The loss of Satish Suppiah has taken the hearts of many who are involved with the circuit, and we at Zerotohundred is absolutely heartbroken by this news. Satish has been helping us countless of times during our TIMETOATTACK events, keeping the track safe and ensuring everything going smoothly.
It is a major loss to the community and we would like to take this opportunity to wish the family our condolences. Our prayers goes out to Satish!
