Held on 24th August at the Sepang International Circuit off-road track, this Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) supported event attracted 55 entries ranging from rookie to seasoned rally drivers in a variety of vehicles which included street, drift and rally cars to 4x4 vehicles and self-engineered dirt buggies. Having a total of 31 categories and classes to choose from, competitors had a go at competitive rally driving in an event catered for grassroots level enthusiasts. A popular event in the United States among motorsports enthusiasts, this Rally X series is run under a programme led by the MAM to encourage motorsports participation via budget friendly events from a young age.  

Having to endure hot and dusty conditions, competitors went about the business of entertaining spectators with driving skills which are unique to rallying. Led by Malaysian rally celebrities Gunaseelan Rajoo of team GSR Pennzoil Motorsports and James Russell of SR Motorsports, each driver went about the business of trying to clock the fastest time around the course to win their respective categories. However James Russell’s car driven by Thomas Duroyon was crashed at time run 2. This accident has unable James Russell to continue the fierce battle with Gunaseelan in clinching the top prize.

According to Gunaseelan ‘It was a fun event for me. The rally was organized in such a way that we had time to interact with the organizers and spectators so it was really good to catch up with some of our old rally buddies. Also I found this a perfect avenue to draw in potential rally drivers that is much needed to make rallying thrive again. I’d like to thank Pennzoil for their support. It was good to have won my class and overall, after losing out by 1 second during the last round. Kudos to MAM for introducing this type of rally and organising it in such a friendly ambience’.

Among the four female entrants, it was gutsy Gina Finanza who impressed many with her forceful driving style. At the end of the day, Gina was crowned champion of her category. The youngest driver in the field, 14-year old Matthew Palmer also emerged triumphant in his category. Driving a dirt-buggy engineered and built by his father, Brian Palmer, Matthew is the youngest driver to have ever driven in a Malaysian rally event. ‘I am very happy to clinch the top prizes for two categories this weekend. The support given by my dad has brought me this far and I feel honored. I am already looking forward for the next round in December,’ said Matthew.

Klang based Eric Law put his brand new rally prepared Mitsubishi Triton 4x4 pick-up truck through its paces to win his category. Freshly introduced was a one make category for Perodua cars which saw a total of 9 entries. Perodua, through its marketing arm also provided a rally sport (RS) version of their hot selling VIVA car to the organizer to be utilized as a course car to mark their involvement in Rally X. Owing to the high number categories and classes, almost everybody went home with a trophy and big smiles on their faces as a bonus. 

Round 3 of the MAM Rally X series is scheduled to be held in Shah Alam on December 14th. Rally enthusiasts wanting to know more about the event can contact the Motorsport Association of Malaysia at 03-7622 8000 or the organiser, Wheelspin Event Management, via its managing director Mr. Jagjeet Singh at 012-212 3260 or visit http://wheelspin.malaysia.googlepages.com.