Clearwater Racing
SEPANG: Clearwater Racing Team took a surprise victory in the Malaysia Merdeka Endurance Race (MMER) after mechanical problems plagued the favourites at the Sepang International Circuit.
Competing in the GT3 class, Mok Weng Sun, Craig Baird and Hiroshi Hamaguchi completed 323 laps in the 12-hour race in their Ferrari 458 Italia to win the overall title.
Lago Racing, represented by Peter Kox, Roger Lago and David Russell, finished second after finishing 317 laps in their Lamborghini LP560-4.
In third place were Team AF Course. Former Formula One driver Mika Salo, Pasin Lathauras and Michele Rugolo managed 316 laps in their Ferrari 458 Italia GT3.
It was not a race to remember for defending champions Petronas Syntium Team as both their cars suffered mechanical problems.
“I am very surprised that we won the race. After qualifying fifth yesterday, we knew that it would be very difficult to win. Our mission was a podium finish. Anything else would be a bonus,” said Weng Sun, who also won the title in 2008 on board a Porsche.
The new GT Cup class was won by Tiger Absolute Racing, led by former Malaysian F1 driver Alex Yoong. Together with Ashraff Dewal and Jacky Yeung of Hong Kong, the trio completed 303 laps in their Audi R8 LMS to finish eighth overall in a field of 34 cars. Only 22 cars managed to complete the race.
It was a good weekend for Alex as had won both the races in the Audi R8 LMS Cup on Saturday.
“I could not ask for more. The car was perfect and we had a smooth run today, thanks to the team,” said Alex.
The Sports Production class was won by the trio from the Malaysian-based Mike Racing, featuring Michael Chua, Joseph Chua and Rick Cheang. They covered 272 laps in their Aston Martin Vantage GT4 to finish 11th overall.
Thailand’s PainKiller-Singha-Camper-Panus, who fielded a five-member team of Shuipang Kanjanapas, Kantadhlee Kusir, Anothai Eamlumnow, Peeraphong Eamlumnow and Kantasak Kusiri, won the Touring Production crown with 267 laps. They finished 12th overall.
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