The local round of the Super GT championship that will see Sepang International Circuit (SIC) host Round 3 over the 18-19 June weekend was launched with a tribute to the series’ home nation, Japan, in lieu of the recent earthquake that rocked the country.
Managed by JP Performance Motorsport (JPM), the private launch was meant as a preview for the public launch that has been penned in for 16 April.
The event started with a minute of silence observed to commemorate the victims of the earthquake in Japan, one of the strongest earthquakes in the last century at a magnitude of 9 on the Richter scale.
“We send our condolences to the victim's families of the Japan earthquake. We hope that Japan will make a quick recovery from this tragic event,” said JP Chin, founder of JPM.
Chin also announced the launch of a fundraising activity, Aid for Japan, that is jointly organised between JPM and Thunder Racing Asia, a Singaporean team that will be running in the GT300 class of the Super GT this year.
“Thunder Asia is selling a total of 2,500 stickers for RM100 each. Each sticker size is 20mm by 60mm and people can choose to print any message they wish onto the stickers they purchase. These stickers will be then pasted onto the official Thunder Asia racing car that will be raced in one of the rounds in this year’s Super GT,” he added.
All the money raised from the campaign will be handed over to the GTA for distribution.
Following the earthquake, an official test session at Okayama Circuit that was planned for the day of the launch, was postponed. Nonetheless, the opening round of the series that will be held at the very same circuit is still proceeding as planned for the weekend of 2-3 April.
“Super GT is the fastest Super Grand Touring car race in the world. The Malaysian leg of the Super GT Series is the only round held outside of Japan. Hence, we are pleased to be a part of this extraordinary affair. As such, we are looking forward to welcome foreign spectators, which will be a great boost for tourism in Malaysia,” said Chin.
“This year’s Super GT is an event not to be missed. Apart from high adrenaline action on the track, the Sepang International Circuit will be transformed into a carnival city filled with stalls and booths where race-goers will be able to eat, shop and play while experiencing the heat of excitement from the Super GT. Other side activities include the biggest car show of 2011 which will exhibit exotic modified and commercial road going cars, the exciting GT Queen Pageant, mini concerts, kids zone and support races among others. Super GT is also a platform that celebrates the rich cultures of Japan, so racegoers can expect a dose of Japanese food, drinks, trinkets, music, fashion and even dance,” added Chin.
One of the most anticipated support races is the inaugural Renault Megane Cup Series that is also under the management of JPM. The series was launched simultaneously during the event as well.
One of the highlights of the launch was the gathering of sportscars and supercars at the 1Utama outdoor carpark. Over 100 cars made their way there for the gathering in conjunction with the launch.
Tickets for the Malaysian round of the Super GT series has been set at RM100 for two day grand stand passes. An early bird promotion is currently running with prices reduced to just RM88 per ticket. Tickets can be purchased at all 7-11 outlets nationwide for the convenience of racegoers.
For more information on Super GT or on how to purchase tickets, log onto www.jpmmotorsport.com.my or www.supergt.net.
