Ron and his Cubs continue to Hogg the spotlight

Momentous occasion: The Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh gracing the 30th year of the Malaysian Cub Prix Championships celebrations.

KUALA LUMPUR: It has been an enduring test of passion and perseverance as the Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix celebrated its 30th season of existence.

Current and former champions of two-wheels racing gathered at the M Resort and Hotel on Friday to honour the momentous occasion graced by the Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.

The series started in 1994 with the aim of creating a competition that was accessible to people from all walks of life.

Races are typically organised on a tight road racing format rather than on a traditional racing circuit on underbone machines.

It is this format that has made the races intense and also brought it closer to the fans as a track can be set just anywhere.

The brains behind the championship is Ron Hogg, who took over the job of organising the series from his father Sam.

“Cub Prix began with an aspiration to provide a platform that would enable local talents to further accentuate and expand their skills and performance in the motorsports scene.

“Thirty years down the road, we are proud of Cub Prix for its achievements especially in unearthing stars who have scaled greater heights.

“The successes and achievements would not have been possible without the cooperation and unwavering support from those who have been part of the Cub Prix community.

“Our mission is to continue to explore avenues within the motorsports industry to ensure that our extraordinary riders are given the right exposure and opportunities to continue to excel at the highest level.

“With the continuous support and encouragement from all parties, we are confident of realising our mission,” added Hogg, who is promotions director of Safe Aim Mutual Sdn Bhd.

Petronas senior general manager of Group Strategic Communications Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz said they are pleased to have been associated with the event for the last 20 years.

“For 30 years now, the championship have been uniting Malaysians who share the same passion for speed, adrenaline and the thrill of the race. It’s fair to say that Petronas Cub Prix is the heartbeat of Malaysia’s two-wheel motorsport and Petronas has proudly supported this.”

But it was not all rosy as the Covid-19 pandemic situation and the subsequent movement control order almost crippled the motorsport industry.

“It was a real big concern for the industry. Unlike other forms of sport, motorsports events like ours do not receive grants from the government and we relied almost entirely on sponsorships from larger companies,” said Hogg.

“Hundreds of people have their livelihood tied to hosting of events and we were concerned as the restrictions in place.

“Motorsports events operate on a total different level than, for example, hosting a badminton match in a hall, where all you need are a few players, a referee, an umpire and linesmen.

“When we cannot run events, the riders won’t get their bonuses and the contractual staff won’t get paid because there are no events,” recalled Hogg, who hoped the government will at least lend support to the industry through providing more track facilities.

“It need not be a grand track structure like the Sepang International Circuit but basic ones which can be used for other forms of motorsport as well.

“For races to happen, we need to have more tracks and the local business will also benefit like what has happened to Buriram (Thailand).

“It is a small town but the local economy there boomed after the international circuit was built.”

One of the riders from the pioneer years, Shahrol Yuzy, recalled the Cub Prix championship began in 1994 with five rounds in total.

“It is the breeding ground for many of us riders who have gone on to do well at Asian level and also on the world stage,” said the former world championship rider.

Sharing the experience of racing in his time, Shahrol said the championship had a multi-racial community.

“The series also produced national champions like Chia Tuck Cheong and M. Meganathan in the early years.

“The mechanics and team crew were also from different races.

“Our different background didn’t matter as everyone worked hard to achieve victory for their respective teams.

“On the tracks we are foes but off it, we are all friends with the same aspirations.”

The championship has certainly produced some household names such as Meganathan, Tuck Cheong, Shahrol, Wazi Hamid as well as recent ones like Zulfahmi Khairuddin, Hafizh Syahrin and Zaqhwan Zaidi.

The championship currently has 10 rounds, season 30 will commence on Feb 25.