More Supercars For 2008 Merdeka Millennium Endurance (MME) Race

Class B for cars between 1601cc to 1900cc, which previously allowed 26 starters, would now have a maximum of 19 cars on the starting grid for the 2008 race, which would be held on the eve of Merdeka Day on August 30.

The higher classes of Class A for cars above 1900cc and the open Class O were the biggest beneficiaries of MME review - having allowed 20 cars for each category. For previous races, the organizers only allowed a total of 25 cars from a combined Class A and O.

The review of the race regulations also witnessed some changes in the eligibility of the cars for the open class which now allowed only the Super Touring cars GT2 cars and the National Series Production Cars over 1900cc with specifications as stipulated in FIA Article 257. "The previous regulations provide some relatively loose clauses on the machines allowed under the open category. This year, we specifically defined the cars to eliminate any uncertainties" said Datuk Azmi Murad, General Manager of Sepang International Circuit and event director for the 2008 Merdeka Millennium Endurance race. He also added that fans can expect to see more supercars in action at this year's race.

Sepang F1 Circuit had been homologated by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to have a maximum of 77 cars for a rolling start. Except for its first edition in 2000, the event had drawn more the allowed 77 cars - forcing qualifying to come into play.

This year's race would be flagged off at 11am on August 30, finishing an hour before the 51st anniversary of Malaysia's Independence. Qualifying would be held on August 29th, while August 28th will be the official free practice.

"Registration for entries is already opened and competitors can contact us at the circuit to arrange for the registration. The closing date for submission of entries is on August 15," said Azmi, adding that the organizers would still accept entries until August 20 but with a RM1,000 penalty. Entries for Class A and O have been set for RM4,000 while the entry for Class B and C are set at RM3,500 and RM3,000 respectively.

Two-time champion, the Proton R3 Racing Team, led by Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel, yesterday submitted their application to the organizers to enter their R3 Satria Neo for Class C. Tengku Djan will be partnering R3 test driver Faidzil Alang and 2005 Proton Production Car champion Hafizy Hafiz.

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