SUPERGT TAKES THE STREETS FOR NATIONWIDE PROMOTION
Covering tens of thousands of kilometers between Penang and Johor Bahru, a new-look Super GT roadshow is expected to meet at least one million fans nationwide within the next one month promote the 2007 Super GT International Series Malaysia, which would be held at Sepang Circuit from June 22 to 24.
“It’s an innovative and entirely different approach by us this time round though the ultimate target remains the same which is to woo in no less than 50,000 spectators for the race,” says Azlan Akil, who is Sepang International Circuit (SIC) Advertising and Promotions Manager.
Using two 30-footer lorries fully painted in Super GT colours and specially-brought in GT Queens Aki Oguchi and Momoyo Aihara, the mobile roadshow – simply named Super GT On The Move - would make 30 scheduled stops and many unscheduled ones beginning tomorrow until the Race Day on June 24.
Officially unveiled by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said at Equatorial Kuala Lumpur, one of the lorries would open up its flaps to become a stage for performances of the GT Queens while the other vehicle housed a racing simulator machine and a sales and ticketing kiosk.
“Fans can actually buy race tickets as well as merchandise items at the kiosks,” said Azlan, adding that SIC decided on an entirely new strategy for the roadshows to cover more areas and for a more aggressive approach.
The launch of the promotional campaign was also attended by SIC Chairman Datuk Mokhzani Tun Dr Mahathir, Japan GT Association (GTA) Mr Masaaki Bando and the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Mr Tadashi Imai.
“The first stop would be at the Puchong Commercial Area tomorrow from 11.30am to 2pm before we proceed to Taipan in Subang from 4.30pm to 6pm,”
said Azlan, adding that the stops would include shopping complexes, entertainment outlets, tourist spots and selected rest areas along the highways.
“Unlike previously when we organized events and road shows at shopping complexes, we believe the new approach would be more effective in generating bigger interest as well as in educating members of the public about the race,” added Azlan.
Malaysia will host Round 4 of a nine-round 2007 Super GT International Series with Sepang being the only round outside Japan; offering a different kind of challenge for the drivers due to its scorching heat; high humidity with an equally high probability of rain and a wet race.
Entering Sepang – after battles in Suzuka, Okayama and Fuji Speedway this season – the partnership of Satoshi Motoyama and Richard Lyons of Xanavi Nismo leads the GT500 class with 36 points while the GT300 class is led by the Japanese pair of Kazuya Oshima and Hiroaki Ishiura.
Tickets for the 2007 Super GT Malaysia are priced as low as RM30 and can be purchased via internet at Sepang International Circuit or by calling TICKET HOTLINE at 603-87782222. Fans can also purchased pit-walkabout passes as well as Circuit Safari passes more enjoyment of the event.
Apart from the Super GT race, fans would also be treated with actions from the Asian GT Challenge and three formula races – the Asian Formula Renault Challenge, the Formula V6 Asia and the Formula BMW Asia Series.
In his speech, Mokhzani said the 2007 Super GT Malaysia was an event that racing fans should not miss because it would be a gathering of the past and the future of motor racing; with the participation of former F1 drivers like Eric Comas, Ralph Firman and Toranosuke Takagi to bright new talents and aspiring Formula One drivers.
“Apart from Round 4 of the 2007 Super GT International Series, fans could catch the skills of top Hong Kong drivers in the Asian GT Challenge; world class drivers in Asian Formula Renault Challenge and aspiring F1 drivers in the Formula V6 Asia and Formula BMW Asia.
“For Malaysian fans especially the Formula BMW Asia Series would be a real treat as they would get to see Malaysia’s future F1 driver Jazeman Firhat Jaafar, who at 14 years old is leading the championship and hot favourite for the overall title this year” added Mokhzani.
Joining Jazeman in action for the Formula BMW Asia would be his Meritus Racing team mate Huzair Huran and three other young Malaysians – graduates of the Petronas Formula Experience – Melvin Moh, Johan Azmi and Imran Zacharias Shaharum of Team Holzer-PFX.
