R3 Time Attack Attracts 81 Entries
Shah Alam, Sunday, 2 July, 2006 – After a long absence of grassroots motor sports events, the R3 Time Attack at Shah Alam attracted 81 race-hungry competitors, some of whom came with their work-cum-race cars, while others brought their ‘dedicated race cars, plus the young and up-coming star, 16-year Dominic Ang who brought not only his Lotus Elise, but also his mother’s Wira automatic. “I want to learn how to drive a front-wheel drive car,” he said, when asked. He does not have a driver’s license as yet, on account of his age, and his father has to be his chauffer, driving him to the race track. This time he brought his mother along too, on account of him needing both the cars on the track.
The usual suspects like Mickey and Ricky, the sons of racing pioneer Teoh Seng Kwee, who owned a racing Lotus Cortina way back in the 60’s, Galen Lai in his familiar Honda Civic, and our hero from the north, who has decided to move to the Klang Valley, in his Putra 1.8, Julian Pang.
Ivan Khong was there too, but minus his familiar Subaru WRX, having suffered a blown engine some time ago, and not being able to get his racing parts in on time for this round. To the rescue came Ken Choong, who graciously and generously offered to share his Putra with Ivan.
Ian Khong also brought two cars. One was his Suzuki Swift GTi, entered in the ‘Eat Me’ class (up to 1300 cc), but this time its legendary reliability let him down, breaking a driveshaft in turn five, putting an end to his challenge in this category. The other was the Putra, stolen on April 8th, and recovered a month later. The car has got a new coat of paint, new wheels, and a steering wheel borrowed from Ian’s second hand parts bin in his workshop. He did well to finish third in the 1.8 litre class.
The track this time was the car park next to the Giant Supermarket in Shah Alam, and being right next to the shopping mall, it attracted thousands of spectators who thronged around the car park circuit. The track was very sandy, a result of the shifting sands deposited by the angry river that burst its banks a few months ago. This made the track very slippery, with drivers scrabbling for grip as they gave their best, at the same time trying hard not to hit the kerbs as they careened amongst the parking lots. Some failed, clipping the kerbs quite hard, with bent rims and broken A-arms needing replacement.
The Eat Me class came up with a surprise winner. Deric Lim, a relative newcomer, conquered the sands in a Wira 1.5 to emerge ahead of veterans like Alvin Lim in a Corolla, Clement Yeo in another Corolla, and Galen Lai in a Civic 1.6. Even the regular champion, Ho Wai Kok was relegated to 5th place.
In the Hung Category, (up to 1.8 litre), Ivan Khong drove like a veteran to win the class with Ken’s Putra, closely followed by Julian Pang in another Putra. Third place was claimed by Ian Khong, followed by Gareth Tan in a Honda Civic. In the North pole Class (up to 2.0 litre), Hammond Lai in his super fast Civic screamed his way to top spot, followed by Damian Goh who shone, surprisingly, in his very large Honda Accord. Third spot went to Teoh Joe Meng in a Volkswagen Golf Gti.
In the Rocco class, Mike Ng in a Mitsubishi Evo had the advantage of 4WD, and won. Mickey Teoh managed a close second place while Alwn Leong in a Subaru Imprezza took third place.
In the mini car category, (Pre-Viagra), Chan Yau Koon shone in his Perodua Kelisa, followed by Jimmy Ng, also in a Kelisa. Third spot went to Mohd Johan Khairu in a Satria 1.3.
In the spunk class, Dominic Ang dominated to take top honours in his Lotus Elise, followed by Austin Teng in another Lotus, and Jonathan Teoh in a Toyota MRS. johnson Tan was fourth in yet another MRS.
At the end of the event, some of the top drivers were invited to drive a Satria R3 developed by R3; this car had 185 horsepower, and proved to be quite a handful. All the drivers agreed that the power was good, but in the sandy conditions, it was hard to get it onto the road. All in all, it was a great event, and from where I stood, it looked like the participants had a lot of fun. The next event is due sometime in August, and it will be held at USM Penang.
