Honda Malaysia recently took part in the S1K (Sepang 1,000KM) race with two of their Honda Jazz race-prepped machines – Car 26 and 17, which placed 5th and 20th respectively in the Class 1.6 category and while they didn’t take the top step, it was no doubt the first step towards creating their one-make series by 2017.
The team was hard at work since June and took a mere 4 months to get their machines ready for the 9 hour-long race, having overcome all obstacles to get the cars from stock to race-prepped and subsequently over the finish line at the end of the grueling race.
Although they didn’t manage to emerge as champions in their respective class, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia who is also the HMRT Team Principal, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno said,“The S1K Race was a very challenging 9-hour race for the team. Despite the results, the team is still a winner. Their victory is in their complete independence this year without any technical help from Japan or external engineers.”
Further praising HMRT’s hard work and team spirit during the race, Ueno further mentioned that they are now “one step closer” to their ultimate goal of creating a one-make race (series) in five years’ time.
“The Honda Jazz is a well-built compact car with proven stability and outstanding handling. I am glad to see that the team was able to work quickly to overcome all obstacles in order to put the race cars on the tracks. I hope HMRT can do better next year,” Mr. Ueno added.
The HMRT team was first established in 2003 with the aim to improve technical knowledge and skills of Honda associates through participation in the local motorsports scene, but even after a year of absence returned for the S1K Race this year.
A total of 33 Honda associates from Melaka and the main Petaling Jaya office took part in the S1K race this year. Tengku Ezan Ley (new driver for HMRT) and Farriz Fauzy competed in car 26 while Eddie Lew and Aaron Lim were in car 17.
Following the conclusion of the S1K race, Honda Malaysia put forth their commitment in the participation of racing activities and will continue to put their resources and support towards HMRT in order to further strengthen the Honda Malaysia’s brand position in the local circuit.
