TRACK driving can be fun and expensive to partake in and more so when participating in a race.
At the recent SKILLDRVN Track Days organised by Kegani Racing Academy, we had the opportunity to test our mettle on the venerable 5.543km Sepang International Circuit (SIC) that comes with 15 challenging turns.
Such an event is a good opportunity for anyone to get to know their vehicle better and inject some excitement into their daily hum-drum commutes.
Kegani Racing Academy founder and principal Kevin Lee showing the tricky corners of SIC to look out for.
Although the event was open to all who dared, those who lack or have no track time at all must undergo a special introductory course that covers topics that will bring to light the many facets of track driving.
Such topics included braking, accelerating and steering among others and how to combine such aspects to attain the highest possible speed around corners.
For instance, drivers without an anti-lock braking system (ABS) need to find the ideal braking pressure so as not to lock the front wheels and, depending on the tyre’s current state of abuse, this can sometimes be tricky.
Participants trying out the simulators.
Also included during the course were the locations of ideal braking and clipping points to help drivers navigate corners more effectively.
The second day would see cones marking such locations.
To further enhance lap times, drivers were also tutored as to where the ideal driving lines of the circuit are.
This is followed by a quick practical on a simulator, powered by RaceRoom Racing Entertainment, where drivers can familiarise themselves with the track and try their hand at applying what was learned prior.
The second day welcomed more than 60 attendees at the track’s South Paddock Welcome Centre, filling the air with excitement before collecting their numbered stickers and dedicated transponders that will record their lap times.
A safety briefing soon followed to remind drivers of the do’s and don’ts, flag colours and driver etiquette while on track.
One of which was that while recovery of a vehicle trapped in gravel is free of charge, oil spills are not and will incur a cleanup cost of RM300 per 100m which will be enforced by SIC’s management.
With that aside, the pit lane was soon a hive of activity as a cacophony of exhaust notes trumpeted the coming to life of engines from budget national makes to European exotics.
Participants scrambled to ensure their stickers were in the right places and transponders properly secured to the front grille of their respective steads.
With a resounding horn to mark the start of the session (from 2pm to 5.30pm), it was followed by a seemingly never-ending tune of engines screaming into the distance.
This also marked the start of the beginner’s familiarisation lap where instructors from the academy demonstrated to new drivers how to properly navigate the track and apply what was learned the day before.
Mid-way through the session, some of the instructors hopped into the beginners’ vehicles to help improve their driving techniques as an added personal touch.
As with all track meets, the event attracts a host of people from all walks of life with some using it as an excuse for a friendly gathering.
Tan.
One of which was a young Karen Tan Pei Ying standing next to a well-patinaed Proton Saga Iswara Aeroback.
“I used to race go-karts and cars a few years ago, so my father and his friends asked me to attend today for some track-day fun,” said the 26-year-old who works in the family’s textile business.
For Sanny Moerman, it was a chance opportunity to visit the track.
Moerman.
“I used to race Porsches back in Belgium and today I’m here with a few local friends,” said the 45-year-old automotive businessman.
Although just a passenger for the day, Moerman added that he was glad to be back in the country and to have visited the track again after a long hiatus while standing next to a friend’s Porsche 911 Turbo.
Another was Tang Wai Lang who brought his Mazda Interplay with a turbocharged B8 engine.
Tang.
“I love going to the track (SIC) and have been doing this since the Batu Tiga track was still around,” said the 60-year-old who works in construction.
Undoubtedly a common sight among regular track-goers, Tang added that he’s been going to track meets for more than 25 years and although it is a passionate hobby of his, it is also an expensive one.
To get in on the circuit driving scene, interested parties can sign up for some tutoring or for their Time Attack via Kegani Racing Academy’s SKILLDRVN Facebook page at www.facebook.com/skilldrvn.
Upon signing up, don’t forget to slap on a fresh set of tyres (if needed), bring a helmet, some snacks and drinks as well as a fresh change of clothes after having braved the heat.
