FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release

Asian Festival Of Speed Shootout
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Sepang International Circuit

Fast Cars, Man vs. Machine and So Much More

Today, members of the media were invited to Sepang International Circuit to witness for the first time the Asian Festival Of Speed Shootout. Aimed at introducing the Asian Festival Of Speed (AFOS) season opener which is to be held on May 31st at the Sepang International Circuit, the AFOS Shootout showcased one car from each Series taking part in the upcoming event this weekend.

Each car was flagged off the line at different times, with the fastest one starting last, giving the media a chance to capture a photo finish, with all cars crossing the line at almost the same time. The Formula V6 Asia was driven by Singaporean driver Hafiz Koh of DTM Team while at the wheel of the GT3 Asia is John Shen from Hong Kong.

The sole Malaysian driver who took part in the exercise today was Fahmi Ilyas of E-Rain Racing was at the wheel of the Formula BMW Pacific.

Added into the mix was a road car, courtesy of Proton R3 and driven by Faidzil Alang, an addition to the AFOS Shootout to show the performance difference between the race cars and what we all drive on the roads.

The other draw of the AFOS Shootout was the ‘Man vs Machine’ challenge where one of Malaysia’s best cyclists and current National Road Champion raced against John Shen in his GT3 Asia Ferrari GT3. Shen was lined on the start/finish grid at the ready, while Fauzan Ahmad Lutfi started at turn 15 to get up to full speed. As soon as Lutfi crossed the start/finish line, Yau gunned his engine and started down the straight, the duo finished a few meters down the straight crossing the line in a photo finish.

“It was an exciting outing today and we got the chance to introduce to the media the different cars that we will have over the weekend. We hope that everyone got to feel the adrenaline and the power of these cars to come and join us again this Sunday, right here at the Sepang Circuit” said David Sonenscher, CEO of Motorsport Asia after the Press Conference.

“Having these four great series and a whole range of side events is our way of making it more than just a race event. This year, we have very strong partnerships to make the Asian Festival Of Speed even more exciting. With the support of groups like Sepang International Circuit, Turn It Up from Capital FM, Kayu Nasi Kandar and of course, having the NAZA Group on board gave us the chance to create a bigger impact.

The AFOS Shootout is also a chance for the organizers, Motorsport Asia, to announce the partnership for the AFOS Sepang event with one of the biggest car companies in Malaysia, the NAZA Group. The recent collaboration will see NAZA being represented throughout the event with luxury car displays at the Paddock, general cars and motorbikes display at the grandstand, the appearance of two Porsche Cayenne Turbo’s as the Safety Car and Fast Intervention Vehicle and also the use of their NAZA Ria’s as the media shuttles.

“The Naza Group has long been synonymous with luxury and performance cars and bikes which our clientele have come to love us for”, elaborated SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Naza Group Chief Executive Officer.

“We saw a great opportunity to bring value add back to our clientele in partnering with Motorsport Asia as AFOS is a great day at the track complete with VVIP treatment at the Naza Paddock lounge and a privileged chance for a close-up view of the action which features many of the cars they drive such as the Ferrari’s, Porsche’s and Lamborghini’s, albeit raced-tuned”.

This year, the AFOS event in Sepang will feature four FIA-Sanctioned race series; the GT3 Asia, Formula V6 Asia, Asian Touring Car Series and Formula BMW Pacific. The event draws drivers from around the world, from young up-and-coming Formula 1 aspirants to current stars and Asian racing legends, all in one action-filled power packed event.

Witness some of the fastest road cars in the world when Lamborghini’s, Ferrari’s, Porsche’s and Aston Martin’s go head to head in the GT3 Asia. Also see the Formula 1 stars of the future with the Formula BMW Pacific, as well as the high speed action of Formula V6 Asia and the bumper to bumper clashes in the Asian Touring Car Series.

The event is a true festival, where spectators get a chance to witness not only the non-stop race action but a whole host of festivities. This year at Sepang there will be a Supercar display by NAZA at the paddock area and a display in the Mall area of the various cars under the NAZA banner alongside many other displays.

Entrance to the Asian Festival Of Speed in Sepang is FREE of charge! Apart from the racing events, spectators will also be entertained with hard-thumping sounds coming from 10 top-class DJs from ‘Turn It Up’ and a bevy of cars in the ICE Competition. They are also allowed access to the paddock where they can ride-along with the fast charging Rally X Cars & Buggies or watch the thrilling AutoCross Competition, all happening from 11am to 4pm.

Following a special request by the Car Clubs last year, Kayu Nasi Kandar has agreed to set up a ‘Mamak’ stall for some outdoor ‘TT’ session at the circuit.

There is a special RM10 pass that allows access to the Paddock Rooftop, the air-conditioned dining area at the Paddock and join in the Pit-Walkabout where they can get up close to the race drivers and their cars and take photos with the AFOS Race Queens.

The AFOS Sepang event is supported by Michelin, ELF, Naza Group, Capital FM, Turn It Up and Kayu Nasi Kandar.

ends

Prepared and Issued by Motorsport Asia. For more information, please visit www.afos.com or contact Ms Pipa Arbee in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at pipa@motorsportasia.com or at +6012 207 4813