UMW Toyota Eyes Up S1K 2023 Title Defence This Weekend

Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia is poised to defend its title in S1K 2023 that takes place this weekend.

The 2023 edition of the Sepang 1000KM Endurance Race, better known as S1K, takes place this weekend at the newly renamed Petronas Sepang International Circuit (SIC) starting today. Ahead which, UMW Toyota has already set its sights on defending in title in this year’s running.

Charged with the task once again are drivers Tengku Djan Ley and Naquib Azlan. Both drivers are set to pilot the same Toyota Vios race machine that they drove to victory with in last year’s race for the Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia entry in the leading MTC Class category.

Once again, UMW Toyota will be repsented in S1K 2023 through its leading Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia and satellinte Wing Hin Motorsports entries in the MTC Class.

Besides that, Toyota will also be represented at this year’s S1K race through the satellite efforts of dealer team Wing Hin Motorsports. Said outfit will also race in the MTC Class  using a Toyota Yaris hatchback piloted by Boy Wong and former Toyota Gazoo Racing Rookie Class ace Amer Harris.

Through this combined efforts, UMW Toyota seeks to not only defend its title with another win, it also has the secondary aim of charting a hat-trick of podium finishes in the annual enduro since first entering it back in 2021.

Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia charted as overall winners in last year's S1K thanks to the driving pair of Tengku Djan Ley and Naquib Azlan.

“We hope to be fighting at the top step but the most important is that we focus on ourselves and not be too carried away by what the competitors are doing of fielding,” expressed Djan, who is also renowned as Malaysia’s ‘Prince of Drift’, ahead of this weekend challenge.

“The MTC Class has always been super competitive and we expect it to be no different this year, but with the right package and strategy this year, we hope we can go on to successfully defend the title,” adds former Gazoo Racing sim-racing ace Naquib who will drive alongside Djan.

Also running for a third consecutive season in S1K's SP2 Class this weekend too is the GR Vios Enduro Cup featuring a total of 11 entries. 

Beyond the leading MTC Class category, S1K 2023 will also see the Gazoo Racing (GR) Vios Enduro Cup challenge run for a third successive edition. Running concurrently in S1K’s SP2 Class, this sub-category doubles up as a season finale for the fast-growing GR Vios Challenge and GR Vios Sprint Cup.

This year, the GR Vios Enduro Cup see a total of 11 entries competing, and it features a mixed pool of experienced and novice drivers alike. Amongst the top contenders here include Alister Yoong from the renowned Axle Sports team, as well as newly crowned Vios Challenge Rookie ace Ariff Azmi.

With RM10,000 cash prize money to accompany the winner’s trophy, the competition level of the GR Vios Enduro Cup is set to very high this year and perhaps deliver more thrills for fans attending and watching this year’s running.

As mentioned, the action for S1K 2023 kicks off today with official practice sessions that runs into the night. Things shift to a higher gear tomorrow (Friday, 24 Nov) with both a morning and afternoon Qualifying sessions before the main race event flags off at noon on Saturday, 25 Nov.

Keen on attending the event? You can either enjoy free entry to any Grandstand seats during its running, and Paddock Access is also available at a cost of RM100 per pax. Alternatively, you can catch the action via live online stream through Petronas SIC’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel.