Lap Paradise RC Raceway, Malaysia’s latest track kicked off its inaugural race with around 70 racers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Singapore and Switzerland in attendance. The opening event was graced by FEMCA Malaysia Chairman, Alvin Lam and all racers were treated to the warm hospitality of the track owner, David Aw and his wife. Most of the overseas drivers opted not to do the heats on Saturday due to the wet track conditions and bumped all the way to the finals.
Qualifying was held under hot sunny conditions which dried out the track. TQ went to Eric Lim (Pro Speed MX1/JS/KII). An interesting point to note is that the only lady driver, Cynthia Lye (Kyosho/Novarossi/AKA) has steadily been improving and qualified straight to the semi-finals.
The hot sunny weather held up for race day and with Ben Panic (Kyosho/Novarossi/JConcepts) winning Semis B and Raphael Jason Nugroho (Xray/Novarossi/AKA) topping Semis A. Indonesia’s top driver, John Agus (Kyosho/OS/AKA) was very unfortunate as his personal transponder could not be picked up therefore ending his chances to bump up, prematurely.
The race started at a blistering pace with Ben Panic leading the field, Adrian Wicaksono (Kyosho/Novarossi/AKA) and Jason Nugroho hot in chase. Unfortunately for Ben, a nick in his fuel hose ended his race early. Adrian continued his hard driving with Jason in chase for about half of the race opening up a commanding lead. Local driver, Kelvin Yong (Kyosho/Novarossi/AKA) who has a disastrous start, slowly recovered position but a flame out put out any hopes to challenge for the title and he eventually finished 3rd.