Putera (fourth from left) became the first Malaysian go-kart racer to achieve a podium finish at the WSK Super Master Series in Italy in 2017. — Photos by LOW LAY PHON/The Star
IN the world of motorsports, prodigies often emerge, defying expectations and leaving a lasting impact on the sport’s history.
Among them is Putera Adam Halim, a 17-year-old whose meteoric rise in the Asian and European racing circuits has set pulses racing.
He embarked on his career at a young age, driven by a passion for speed and competition.
“My interest in racing began when I started go-karting at the age of seven.
“My dad, who used to race as a hobby, knew the owner of a go-kart team and asked me if I wanted to give it a try.
“From the very first time I experienced go-karting, I fell in love with the sport.”
Putera told StarMetro that as soon as he turned eight, he participated in his first-ever race.
To everyone’s surprise, he claimed victory in the Royal Perlis Kart Prix Rotax Asia Max Challenge, earning the title of overall champion for Malaysia and Asia in the 12-year-old category within the same year.
Putera says the switch to saloon car racing has been challenging.
This achievement stands as the most memorable moment of his career.
Since then, Putera has achieved other notable milestones, such as being the first Malaysian go-kart racer to achieve podium finishes in two rounds in Italy in 2017, and winning multiple titles across Asia.
Following a dominant nine-year reign in the world of go-karting, Putera then made the transition to saloon car racing.
When asked about the difficulties and the transition to a different type of vehicle, he said that managing a saloon car required a higher level of technical expertise.
“Transitioning to saloon car racing presents a greater level of technicality, requiring one to use a broader range of knowledge.
“Unlike go-kart racing, it requires a higher level of skill due to the complexities.
“However, I made the choice to pursue the saloon car route, even though it is tougher. I believe I have performed well in this new endeavour,” he said.
When asked who his role model in racing is, Putera without hesitation named Max Verstappen.
“My role model has always been him.
“When I went to race my first competition in Europe, he was in his final year of go-karting and I had the opportunity to watch him race.
“I look up to him as I admire his bravery and his ability to not let what others think affect him. He works hard to be the best and always shows great determination,” said Putera.
His father, Halim Muazzam, 53, said Putera had always shown remarkable talent, not only in racing but also in other areas.
“I made an effort to expose Putera to various sports, including enrolling him in a golf academy, introducing him to football and taking him to a karting centre when he was young.
Putera (fourth from left) became the first Malaysian go-kart racer to achieve a podium finish at the WSK Super Master Series in Italy in 2017. — Photos by LOW LAY PHON/The Star
“Out of these three, he excelled most in karting, showcasing his exceptional talent.
“His football skills were impressive too as he played for the district team and even got selected as a reserve for Selangor at the age of 13,” he said.
Halim had initially expressed concerns about Putera pursuing a career in racing, but acknowledged his son’s potential to excel in this arena.
“Every parent of a child who races feels the same worry and of course I share their concern.
“However, Putera’s potential and passion are difficult to ignore, so I cannot help but support his pursuit.
“I can only offer my support and wish him the best at all times,” said Halim in an interview with StarMetro at Laser Toyota PJ in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
With bags of potential and more to learn, Putera declares that his ultimate aspiration is to transform racing into a profession, aspiring to become a factory driver for a renowned manufacturer such as Ferrari or Porsche one day.
“Though I recognise there is still much progress to be made, I am confident that I am on the right path and pursuing the necessary steps to attain my goals,” he said.
Putera is determined to succeed in racing without feeling weighed down by the pressure.
However, he acknowledges pressure is motivating and difficult circumstances enable him to flourish.
“As they say, pressure makes diamonds, I find that to be true.
“I actually enjoy being the favourite and having people expect me to win, because it provides me with additional motivation and fuels my drive to succeed,” he said.
Putera’s ascent is an inspiring journey to observe, as he strives to become the No.1 driver not only in Malaysia but on the global stage.
