Although the Movement Control Order slapped a padlock on the Malaysia Speed Festival, the organisers quickly moved the race series into the virtual space. Now that the recently-implemented Conditional Movement Control Order has given the green light to motorsports activities, racers are putting down their joypads and picking up their steering wheels.
The race series will start behind closed doors, which sadly does not matter — it’s always hard to draw the crowd. As with other allowable sporting activities, race organisers have been strongly encouraged to ensure all participants adhere to social distancing and different rules under the CMCO guidelines.
In an interview with the New Straits Times, MSF series principal Adian Yein Khalid said the motorsports community had shown positive feedback to the government’s decision to allow motorsports to carry on. Although, there have been some concerns on the restrictions that would need to be set in place.
“We do expect changes (to meet the CMCO guidelines), and we will adhere to them. Regardless, everyone is just happy to get back to work,” said Khalid.
Khalid further added that the traditional MSF series is expected to run at the Sepang Circuit pending approval from authorities. The season opener, which was due to take place on March 15th – 17th, has been postponed to July. The championship should take place from June until November.
On the two-wheeled front, Safe Aim Mutual director Ron Hogg states that they are currently pending approval from the authorities on the status of their racing series, the Malaysian Cub Prix Championship. He hopes that the series would be able to commence their season opener sometime in June.
It’s not all a bed of roses, however. The fate of the highly anticipated MSF Touge Hillclimb series remains uncertain. Initially planned to start in April, this race series was to take place on the winding roads of the Malaysian highlands. Since the Touge Hillclimb will take place on public roads, the organisers and the Motorsports Association of Malaysia are hammering guidelines to make this race safe for all.