KUALA LUMPUR: A drag racing circuit will be built in Sepang next year as part of efforts to strengthen the development of motorsports in the country, says Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim.
He said the project would be implemented with an allocation of RM2mil using internal funds from the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
"If it succeeds, we can replicate it elsewhere," he said in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (BN-Bera), who urged the ministry to consider building circuits to develop motorsports at the grassroots level, during the oral question session in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Oct 29).
Replying to Ismail Sabri’s original question on the ministry’s position regarding the previous government’s proposal to build at least one drag racing circuit in each state - in line with the current government’s support for events such as the RXZ Members Gathering - Adam Adli said the matter needs to be studied in greater depth before implementation.
He said the cost of building a drag racing circuit as proposed is estimated at between RM6mil and RM8mil, comprising a race strip of 201 or 402 metres and a stopping zone of at least 600 to 800 metres.
According to Adam Adli, the specifications were set by the Motorsports Association of Malaysia to ensure compliance with motorsport safety standards, as drag racing involves high acceleration from start to finish.
"In addition to the construction of the main circuit, the ministry also emphasises the need for supporting facilities such as a control centre, scrutineering room, fitness centre and other safety amenities.
"The cost for these additional facilities is estimated at between RM9mil and RM11mil, bringing the total cost of building a complete circuit to between RM15mil and RM20mil.
"Therefore, the ministry believes the matter should be studied in greater detail before being implemented," he said. - Bernama
