KL MotoPark

Malaysia’s motoring association, the Automobile Association of Malaysia, feels there’s a need for more recreational facilities for our motorists. "Also, the motorsport fraternity faces high import duty for cars and parts. However, we understand that this will be addressed very soon.”  This is a recent Q & A with Encik Wan Zaharudin Wan Ahmad, vice-chairman AAM.

Q Has the growth of motorsports in Malaysia been good and steady?

A The growth has been reasonable. There are programs, clubs, events, and committed individuals in the sport. But like any other sport or activity, the main problems are finance and sponsorship.

The lack of facilities has hampered its development. Motorsports enthusiasts are a deprived lot compared with other sports. There’s a limitation to a sport’s development when there are only two tracks available. Once you have a Group of drivers who grow to a certain stage, you’ll find many fizzle out. There’s always been a vacuum in infrastructure. Some countries have dozens of circuits.

Q What are some of the short and long-term measures that should be taken?

A We need more infrastructure and facilities – there are no two ways about it. These need not be international class but something for national needs. Maybe a couple of kilometers long, spread out to the east coast, the north, and Sabah and Sarawak. Then maybe you’ll see a national growth.

Once you have these, sponsors will be enticed to come in. They don’t want the sport to be just in the Klang Valley. They’d like to see programs that would benefit grassroots development too.

In addition, the motorsport fraternity faces high import duty for cars and parts. However, we understand that this will be addressed with an [official] announcement soon. This has been hampering the sport because it makes it very expensive.

Q What are some of the measures that can be taken by the private sector?

A The private sector would go into sponsorship and events, but the organizer must show the numbers. They must be given a quality event that the sponsors find worthwhile.

Q How accessible is motorsports to young people?

A The clubs and associations are there for them. Again, the accessibility depends on the facilities. The clubs are accessible, but the circuits are not - due to their low numbers. So it’s a situation of being all dressed-up and nowhere to go. If you’re in Perak or Perlis, then you can only wait and watch.

Q Do you think that motorsports is something that should be encouraged?

A I think it should. When the industry develops, there would be a need and urge for people to display their talents. You need to provide facilities to support this like any other sport.

If you look at the development in the UK, motorsports has spun-off a huge industry.

Q But from the cost point of view, it’s not something for the masses right?

A Let’s face it; [competitive motorsports] is not meant for the masses. However, just like badminton – you have competitive motorsports and social motorsports. Social motorsports would be treasure hunts, 4x4 adventures, etc [which is for the masses].

Q Have the F1 and Moto GP made any significant contribution to the local industry, considering the costs?

A I think the international exposure has been tremendous. Its domestic impact? That depends on us.

At least there’s recognition worldwide that the country can manage motorsports events. It opened the eyes of sponsors that this is relevant. So you have other events like Formula Asia and the Asian Festival of Speed. Compared to before the F1 came here, there are a lot of new players in the form of sponsors and teams in the market.

The F1 should spur the development of motorsports in that country. We have probably failed to fully capitalize on this.

Q Do you think there are too many government-related bodies involved in motorsports?

A The motorsports industry will welcome anybody, but you must have a definite plan – short term and long term strategies on how to jointly develop it. There must be a spirit of coexistence between all parties interested in motorsports at all levels – from clubs to the man in the street. It might take some time, but I believe it will happen.

Between 2003 and 2005, the motorsports fraternity contributed to the creation of a blueprint for motorsports development [by the government]. What every motorsport enthusiast would like to see now is the transformation of the blueprint into reality.

A As the national federation for motorsports, we are definitely forward-looking. We will work with any party interested to contribute to motorsports.

A Number one we’re looking at the birth of more facilities. That will be the start of a proper, planned development of the sport. We’d also like to see the cost involvement in motorsports for motorsports be brought down further. Fortunately, the media support for motorsports has been good over the last 20 years.

Q How do you see motorsports developing here in the future?

A I think there is a lot of scope for development, and a lot can be achieved to raise motorsports as an event and to create spin-offs for the industry. I think that’s what many countries involved in motorsports want to achieve. Besides developing the particular sport, you must have the spin-offs to turn it into an industry, where there are more teams, workshops, tuners, and people earning a livelihood from it.

We have to work on the strengths we have now and the strengths of every individual. All good proposals to develop motorsports should be supported by the government, the authorities and sponsors. And again to secure support, the club, promoter or organizer has to reach a certain level of professionalism.

You need to be sportsman and a businessman to be in motorsports. And you need to be a team player, where you practice sportsmanship and you adhere to the rules. Your commitment, vision and drive must be clear.