Lion heart Daim doing it for Singapore

After winning the 2008 Yamaha SL Cup cadet category, yesterday Daim signed to compete a full season with BHPetrol.Iru1 Racing Team for the 2009.

Slated to be the sole Singaporean on the grid, Daim is scheduled to compete in the Malaysian Rotax Max Championship as well as defending his title in the Yamaha SL Cup.

"As a Singaporean, my ultimate goal is to be the country's first F1 driver and I am ready to work hard for it," said Daim.

"I started fun karting when I was eight and got hooked to it. As I improved, my dad and I started looking around for different karting teams and we are pleased to be working with BHPetrol.Iru1 Racing Team for this crucial year," added Kuala Lumpur based-Alice Smith International School student.

When asked how it feels to be working with the team, arguably Malaysia's most professionally run karting outfit, Daim said: "It feels great as I am guided in different aspects all along the way. I would personally take this opportunity to thank team boss Nik Iruwan Nik Izani who has always given guidance and advice about my driving and safety skills."

Competing in his second season, Daim is all set to bag the title in both championships.

"It has been a great working with the team during the pre-season test and I am looking forward to start the year."

"Although my teammate Ron Tan will be competing in the Junior category, we are very close and get along well and support each other," added Daim about his team.

Even the Singapore Motor Sports Association (SMSA) has an eye on Daim.

"The SMSA keeps track of all our license holders and with Daim being under us, we are aware of Daim's achievements in Malaysia," said SMSA president Tan Teng Lip.

"Though there is no target set for Daim at the moment, the SMSA's priority now is to develop the motorsport infrastructure and building up the capabilities of human resources in Singapore."

"Nurturing a F1 driver requires huge financial resources and we are taking a long term view on this. If there is a project coming up in future, we would be happy to consider Daim as well as other worthy Singaporeans," added Tan.

Tan also added with the absence of karting circuits in Singapore, the Malaysian scene is a good platform for Singapore to develop it's future champions.

"I know nothing comes easy and to be a winner requires hard work. I am ready for it and hopefully with BHPetrol.Iru1, I will kick-start my career on the right path," said Daim.

“As a Malaysian team, we are proud to announce our first international driver in the team,” said team principal Nik Iruwan.

“Singaporeans have a huge potential of making it to the F1 and Daim is one of them. We have worked him his the Yamaha SL Cup last season and the team has proven that we are able to help young drivers like him."

Daim is backed by MCR Logistics, Nestle and Freight Mark for the 2009 season.

“I would also like to thank my sponsors for making this possible,” said Daim. His first race will be the Rotax Max Challenge Malaysia Series Round 1 held this weekend (Mar 7-8) at the Speedway Plus Go-Kart Circuit.

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Credits: JRC