Eddie Liew and Putera Adam triumph in rain-hit TGR Vios Sprint Race

The GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup, held in conjunction with the Malaysia Championship Series, is a one-make event with two-driver teams participating in a one-hour race for a total prize money of RM60,000.

Running separately from the Vios Challenge, TGR maintains the format of a one-make series, with competitors driving identical race-prepared Toyota Vios with stock standard engine and transmission, as well as suspension, tyres, and fuel to ensure that the emphasis is on race craft, driving skills, and experience.

During the series'  recent round held last weekend, Eddie Liew and Putera Adam retained their cool in rain-soaked conditions to win Round 2, Race 1 of the GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup at the Sepang International Circuit.

The Laser Motor Racing duo ended the one-hour race ahead of Prima Pearl TD Racing's Tengku Djan Ley and Mika Hakimi, with Telagamas Toyota's Freddie Ang and James Liam Russell finishing taking the final podium position in third.

Laser Motor Racing's Mark Darwin took the lead from fifth place on the grid, with teammate Liew in the second Laser Motor Racing car close behind, followed by Toyotsu Racing's William Ho and Axle Sports' Hayden Haikal in third and fourth places, respectively. 

Darwin led for six laps, but his margin never stretched above two seconds, and he finally surrendered his place to Hayden on the seventh lap. Even when Naquib Azlan took over from Hayden in vehicle #17, with a margin of more than 5 seconds, it looked like the two teenage drivers were on their way to another perfect finish.

However, with three laps (seven minutes) remaining, Naquib made a rare error when he collided with Team Fokus's Vincent Ng in vehicle #68. The collision sent Ng spinning off the circuit, while a puncture forced Naquib to make an unplanned pit stop, thereby costing the team the race.

This then propelled Putera Adam, who had replaced Liew as the race's second driver, into the lead.

Veteran ace Tengku Djan Ley moved into podium contention following a fantastic effort in the wet that saw him claw up the leader board from as far back as 12th position when he took over driving responsibilities from Mika on the 10th lap of the race.

The renowned 'The Prince of Drift' stated that despite of having gearbox issue during the qualifying stint which might turned out to be a blessing disguise, Mike started the race and did an excellent job of holding the pace in his stint. 

He basically had to put it together, keep his calm and take it to the finish line. 

Meanwhile, the outcome was amazing for Freddie Ang and James Liam Russell, who began sixth on the grid.

“It was my first time back racing and also my first time racing in the wet. I didn’t bother trying to fight the top two cars. 

In the first few laps I was well off the pace and I did my best to just try to follow them and learn my way around the track,” commented Russell.