Malaysian car manufacturer Proton has been a fixture in Malaysian motorsport for almost as long as it has been making cars. As for the longer format races which have become a staple of the Merdeka races, the first Proton International 300km Merdeka Race was held in 1998, the Merdeka Millennium Endurance series in the mid-2000s and the Sepang 1000KM series of now. .
Proton has had its presence at the Sepang International Circuit expanded beyond the racing action on the track since the carmaker held the Proton Track Carnival in 2004. Now, it aims to bring back the carnival atmosphere with the Proton-MSF Merdeka Racing Carnival that will to be held over two days at the Sepang International Circuit, from August 27 to 28.
During both days of the race weekend, Proton will host activities in the North Paddock of the Sepang International Circuit, which will host a variety of activities over the two days from 12:00pm to 10:00pm.
Set to take place after the lunch break on Saturday are a number of track activities including the Sepang Track Driving Experience. Limited to the first 120 families taking part, this will be a great opportunity for anyone who has not yet been to the 15-turn, 5.5km long Sepang International Circuit, which has for years hosted the World Championship of Formula 1.
Here, participants will be able to drive the Proton vehicles for a lap of the track for a soft introduction to the FIA Class 1 circuit that has hosted and will continue to host the highest levels of stock racing in the country. To be eligible, participants must have made a reservation for a new Proton vehicle at the event.
Carnival attendees also have a chance to immerse themselves in the full-speed racing car experience, courtesy of a Proton R3 race taxi ride that will be offered to the first 70 eligible people. To qualify, one simply must have purchased a minimum of RM150 worth of R3 merchandise at the event. There will also be demonstrations of Proton’s ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) in the SIC safe grounds, where forward collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking will be demonstrated.
The availability of night races and track events at the SIC in recent years will open the door to a circuit record attempt this time around; MSF racer and stunt driver Faidzal Alang will take to the track in a Proton Saga, where he will attempt to drive the full 5,543km loop of the Sepang International Circuit on two wheels! The Malaysian Book of Records will be present to observe and validate the record.
The following day, Sunday will host the competition proper, which will begin with the MSF Superbikes at 1pm followed by the four-wheel action from 2.30pm. The popular MSF Saga Enduro Cup is scheduled to start at 4:45 p.m.
Both days of the event will host a variety of car-related activities; the event will host the precision driving challenge where drivers can show off their skills in a timed autocross run in a Saga (show the receipt of any Proton merchandise purchase at the event) and the top three fastest drivers will win merchandise from MSF and R3.
Proton car club meetings will be in attendance, in support of the MSF Saga Cup Merdeka Enduro in the evening, and there will also be live interviews with Proton R3 drivers including Japan Super Taikyu and Sepang 1000KM race champion Fariqe Hairuman, James runners. Veerapen and Nurul Husna, as well as FIA Production WRC Rallying legend and more, Karamjit Singh.
Upstairs in the Paddock Club, the best of Proton’s technology will be on display alongside the R3 race cars, while technology talks will be presented by department heads from Proton’s research and development teams. Proton’s latest models (viewers can register for a test drive here), while racing fans will be able to watch the race live on TV screens. Want to go virtual driving? There will also be simulators on site.
There will also be attractions for everyone in the family, such as bouncy castles and a water park. Hungry for a whole lot of fun? Food trucks will be on site to satisfy your cravings.
Want to soak up the atmosphere of Malaysian motorsports over two action-packed days? Be sure to head to the Sepang International Circuit for the Proton-MSF Merdeka Racing Carnival this August 27 and 28!
