KUCHING: In motorsports, the thrill of speed, spectacular crashes, and moments of glory are just the tip of the iceberg.
Behind every event lies a complex web of planning, safety protocols, and technical oversight.
From securing permits to mapping out risk assessments and ensuring every bolt and barrier is in place, the true action often begins long before the green light.
It is a high-stakes production where a single misstep can cost lives or shut an event down.
To understand what fuels the state’s motorsports ecosystem, this writer spoke with the Sarawak Motorsports Association (SMA), the state’s sole recognised sanctioning body for all motorsport activities.
While organisers and sponsors often take the spotlight, SMA operates quietly in the background, ensuring safety, compliance, and continuity.
From technical inspections to coordinating with national bodies, SMA President, Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim, said it ensures that every event meets the required standards before it can proceed.
“Our work happens behind the scenes. But without it, the event can’t run,” he said.
Keeping Events on Track
SMA supports events by handling technical inspections, arranging insurance, and working closely with national authorities to ensure compliance with motorsports regulations.
When local clubs plan an event, Ahmad said that it is SMA that gives the green light, provided safety, legality and compliance are in place.
He clarified that a common misconception is confusing the SMA with the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM).
Unlike MAM, which oversees national-level motorsports and events at circuits like Sepang, SMA does not organise races but supports local clubs in running them.
“SMA does not host events. We let the clubs organise,” Ahmad explained.
“Our job is to support them, both technically and administratively. Whether it’s drift, drag, motocross or cub prix, we’ll be there.”
Deputy President John Cosmas added that SMA deliberately stays out of the spotlight to avoid competing with its own members.
“All SMA members are also part of local motorsports clubs.
“If we start hosting events ourselves, it puts us in direct competition with the people we are meant to assist,” he said.
Ahmad noted that the working relationship between SMA and local motorsports clubs has steadily improved over the years.
He said SMA now encourages clubs to start preparations early and coordinate schedules properly.
“In the beginning, it took time. People didn’t realise how early things had to be planned.
“If they want us there, they can’t just fix a date last-minute. Especially if I have parliamentary duties,” he said.
He added that most organisers now understand the process, and coordination has improved.
“We’ve worked through a lot of teething problems. Last year went well. This year too. The only ongoing issue is sponsorship, but we’re working on it,” he shared.
Driving Passion on Limited Funds
Despite playing a key role in Sarawak’s motorsports ecosystem, SMA continues to operate with very limited resources.
Ahmad said the association receives RM30,000 a year from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development.
Beyond that, he said it relies heavily on collective effort, often personal.
“If an event’s budget is RM1 million, sometimes I have to advance it myself,” Ahmad said.
“We help clubs connect with sponsors, but more often than not, racers fund everything themselves.”
He noted that many of Sarawak’s motorsports athletes are self-supported.
Among Sarawak’s standout self-funded athletes are Fish Lee, Kingson Kho, and Benny Chin – racers who build their own machines, handle logistics, and even sponsor others out of passion.
“Most are business owners who’ve loved motorsports since they were kids. They spend their own money to make events happen and invite friends from across Malaysia to join,” he said.
Even international competitions pose a steep financial burden.
“Fish Lee just raced in Indonesia and Thailand, all on his own dime. You’re not just flying a driver. You’re flying a whole team, mechanic, tools, spares. It’s expensive,” Ahmad said.
He pointed out that unlike other sports like boxing or taekwondo, motorsports involve a whole other level of expense.
“In motorsports, you’re dealing with machines, fuel, tyres, transport, modifications, technical support. The cost is much higher,” Ahmad explained.
Safety First, Always
SMA’s most crucial duty is ensuring safety, not just for drivers, but for crews, spectators, and surrounding infrastructure.
Every event, whether on a permanent or temporary circuit, must undergo an inspection before it can be sanctioned.
Race manager, Bronnie Marshall, said that fixed tracks, such as the Permyjaya Racetrack in Miri or the motocross track in Sibu Jaya, are easier to manage as they only require inspection once a year.
“But temporary sites like Sejingkat, we check every time,” he said.
Bronnie explained that different motorsport disciplines come with their own requirements, noting that drag racing, for instance, demands a highly specific track layout to meet safety and compliance standards.
The race lane must be 402 metres, followed by a 600-metre braking zone.
There is also a buffer area before and after, and enough clearance from roadside drains or structures.
“We bring in technical teams from MAM. We measure everything, the surface, the road width, the spin-off zones.
“If the road is uneven, it has to be patched. If there are potholes, they must be fixed,” he added.
Even nearby factories are asked to shut down operations for safety on race day.
He said the organiser must also map out where the ambulances will be, where the fire truck is stationed, and where the spectator safety line is.
“You need at least two ambulances. One stays on-site while the other transports, in case of emergencies. The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) must also be present,” he said.
Without these measures in place, SMA will not issue a sanction.
“We don’t compromise on public safety,” Ahmad added.
Passion, Not Profit
While SMA would like to play a bigger role in nurturing talent, much of Sarawak’s grassroots development is currently driven by motorsports clubs and individuals who are passionate enough to carry the weight themselves.
Ahmad said SMA encourages local clubs to promote motorsports at the grassroots level and nurture young talent, but budget remains a constraint.
“We try to give talks and support where we can. Ideally, we’d like to invite MAM or others to come and speak to young enthusiasts in cub prix, pocket bikes, and go-karting.
“But of course, it depends on the budget,” said Ahmad.
He noted that among Sarawak’s racers, few embody that level of passion more than Fish Lee.
But even someone as committed as Fish, Ahmad said, faces challenges when trying to support new talent.
“Fish Lee loves it. He would shed blood and sweat if he had to. Let’s say someone shows interest, Fish sponsors them, provides the car, gives them the opportunity.
“But if that person isn’t truly passionate, it ends up being a waste of his effort and money,” he said.
Ahmad asserted that the same goes for other racers who not only build and maintain their own cars but fund their entire team.
“It’s not just Fish. Benny, Kingson, they all build their own cars. The mechanics, they cover themselves. When they travel, they bring everything. That’s their own commitment,” he said.
He pointed out that even with full sponsorship, success is not guaranteed without the same level of drive.
“You can sponsor someone 100 per cent, but if they don’t give 100 per cent back, it is wasted.
“We are not talking about RM1, RM2, or RM2,000. We’re talking about tens of thousands of ringgit. And over the years, maybe more than that,” he elaborated.
Ahmad also credited several other seasoned Sarawakian racers who poured their own resources into the sport, including Datuk Freddy Numan Lawan, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, veteran racer Tony Teo Kia Chai, and Feast & Furious Café owner, Alex Wong.
“They buy the cars, they pay for it all themselves, and they bring the full support team together. That’s what drives motorsports here. The commitment,” Ahmad said.
More Than Just Racing
Motorsports does not just fuel adrenaline, it drives the local economy too.
Ahmad shared that at one of the motocross events held in Sibu, visitors came from Brunei, Thailand, Indonesia, and Peninsular Malaysia, many bringing along their families and crews.
“They don’t just come to race. They stay in hotels, they eat here, they spend money. Some even arrive a week early, or stay longer after the race,” he said.
Bronnie added that even rural venues like Singai see economic spillovers through homestays, eateries and car rentals.
“They might come to race the first time, but next time, they bring their families just to visit.
“Even the mechanics and support staff spend money, sometimes on nightlife, sometimes on local food. It all adds up,” said Bronnie.
For major racing championships, the race manager explained that a single team can easily spend RM30,000 or more, just based on the number of people they bring.
“Take the Asian Touring Car Championship, for example. If one team brings 30 people and each person spends RM1,000, that’s already RM30,000.
“Multiply that by ten teams, and you’re looking at RM300,000 minimum,” he said.
Looking ahead, Ahmad expressed optimism that motorsports can become more than just a niche interest.
He believes that combining racing with other attractions, like concerts or lifestyle expos, could pull in more Sarawakians and boost community buy-in.
“If we had a racing event in the afternoon, then Baby Shima or a local band performs at night. That brings a whole different crowd.
“It’s not just for the fans. It becomes a family event. A full-day experience,” he said.
A Call for Understanding
Ahmad also pointed out public criticism of SMA sometimes stems from misconceptions about its role and authority.
As such, he called for greater public understanding of what the association can and cannot do.
“We’ve come a long way since the formation of SMA. We’ve worked hard to improve and keep the scene moving.
“But people have to understand, not everything is within our control. Yes, we have all these clubs under us but funding still has to come from somewhere.
“And the authority to approve that funding? That’s not up to us,” he stressed.
He added that public criticism often stems from a lack of understanding of how motorsports functions administratively, adding that, over time, he hoped for more people to come and appreciate the scale of what the community is trying to build.
Advice for Aspiring Racers
For Sarawak’s youth dreaming of life on the track, Ahmad’s advice is simple.
“Find the right path, and don’t be afraid to ask,” he said.
He stressed the importance of learning from the right sources, not from social media clips or illegal street racers, but from those with real racing experience.
“Join a registered club, go through proper training, and seek guidance from people who’ve been in the sport. Don’t learn from the streets,” he said.
Ahmad said all professional racers must hold valid licences, and those caught in illegal street racing risk being barred from sanctioned events.
“Come to us or go to MAM. Join clubs under the Sports Commissioner, not just the Registrar of Societies (ROS).
“The first step is asking questions. You’re only a fool once, not a fool twice. We’re friendly people,” he added.
(Note: All photos are courtesy of Mohd Alif Noni)
