Part 3 of this series tells the story of a growing momentum behind Sarawak motorsports.
KUCHING: When the roar of engines filled the Petronas Sepang International Circuit during the Malaysia Festival of Speed (MFOS), few expected Sarawak to steal the spotlight.
Yet, against bigger, better-funded rivals, Sarawakian drivers stormed home with 16 medals in the auto-gymkhana discipline, a feat that not only turned heads but pointed up a growing truth: Sarawak motorsport is no longer a fringe pursuit.
Ten medals came from the Speed Chasers Motorsports Club (SCMC), with six more clinched by Sarawakians in other teams.
For a state often regarded as an underdog in national racing, this was more than just a victory tally. It was proof of resilience, grit and untapped talent waiting to be recognised.
“It was an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment,” said Elmyn Michael, who managed the club last year.
“This achievement is a true testament to the growing talent and dedication within our motorsport community.”
More than speed
Gymkhana, the discipline where Sarawak excelled, is not just about raw speed. Drivers weave through cones and obstacles with precision, balancing agility, accuracy and calm under pressure. One slip can end a race.
That Sarawakians mastered this delicate blend reflects not only their skill, but also the discipline and teamwork shaping their rise.
Among the brightest stories was 35-year-old debutant Stella Sigi, who stunned the field with podium finishes in her very first competition.
Her breakthrough, guided by mentors in both Miri and Kuching, showed how collaboration across Sarawak’s cities has sharpened local talent.
“We were fortunate to have experienced gymkhana drivers who helped us refine our techniques. This collective effort truly contributed to our success,” Elmyn said.
The case for a Sarawak circuit
Beyond the medals, the performance reignited a long-standing question: does Sarawak deserve its own racing circuit?
For Elmyn, the answer is clear. A home circuit would give drivers the facilities they need to train consistently, while sparing them the heavy costs of travelling across the South China Sea.
He believes the state’s strong showing at Sepang proves the talent is already here. What is missing is infrastructure that can support regular practice and larger events.
Such a circuit, he added, would also create opportunities for youth development by offering a safe, structured environment for young drivers to explore motorsport while reducing the risks of informal street racing.
But the benefits stretch beyond racing. A circuit could act as an economic driver, from logistics to tourism. Race weekends bring freight business, car and bike transport, hotel bookings, restaurant spending, and media exposure.
“When a race is held, teams transport cars, bikes and equipment. That creates business for logistics companies. Visitors need places to stay, they dine out, and they experience Sarawak’s food and culture,” Elmyn explained.
More importantly, a circuit could be a social tool, curbing illegal street racing by offering a safe, structured environment for youths drawn to speed.
“Having a circuit is not entirely about racing. The benefits are broader, from tourism to logistics to youth development. It’s about promoting Sarawak as a destination,” Elmyn stressed.
The man behind the wheel (and the team)
At 29, Elmyn juggles life as an engineer by profession and gymkhana driver by passion. He managed Speed Chasers in 2023, a role he took on unexpectedly.
“I never anticipated my team would entrust me with managing them,” he admitted. “The confidence they placed in me filled me with nervousness and gratitude. But it inspired me to embrace the role.”
He leads with balance: discipline on the track, humour off it. “Remember training, stay consistent, and enjoy it,” he tells his drivers.
That mix of focus and friendship, he believes, keeps pressure at bay and performance sharp.
Team chemistry has become their secret weapon. With drivers of varying experience, Elmyn nurtures unity over hierarchy.
“My role is to lift spirits and keep the atmosphere positive. Rather than applying pressure, I want them to feel clear-minded and confident.”
It is, he believes, an extension of Sarawak’s identity: harmony in diversity.
“The sense of unity we share in Sarawak is something we bring to Sepang. Even in intense competition, kindness and camaraderie should never be lost,” he said.
From first podiums to international stage
SCMC’s rise has been rapid. Just last year, they celebrated their first three medals in auto-gymkhana. This year, they multiplied that fivefold.
The momentum carried them beyond medals. Two Sarawakian drivers — Stella, and Louis Sia, 31, who won first place in the Male Solo category — earned the honour of representing Malaysia at the Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship in Sri Lanka this September.
“To have Sarawakians compete internationally under the Malaysian flag — this is a significant achievement for our state,” Elmyn said. His pride was unmistakable.
The struggles behind the medals
Yet, behind the glitter of trophies lies the grinding reality. Motorsport is expensive. Travel, gear, fuel, and accommodation make entry daunting. Sponsorships are scarce, and grassroots racers often struggle to keep dreams alive.
“One of our greatest challenges is recruiting new drivers, especially youth,” Elmyn admitted. “They bring the energy we need. But costs make it tough. Sponsorships are vital to keep dreams alive.”
To make ends meet, the team partners with local businesses, promoting their products and services in exchange for support. It is not a glamorous system, but it keeps the wheels turning.
Sarawak’s spirit, Sarawak’s future
Ask Elmyn what makes Sarawak unique on the track, and his answer is simple: harmony. “Everyone I’ve met is approachable and genuinely committed to uplifting one another. That sense of unity distinguishes Sarawak drivers.”
It is this spirit he hopes will guide the next generation. “Motorsport is open to everyone — race, religion, gender doesn’t matter. Sarawak’s diversity is something we proudly carry onto the track.”
His message to aspiring racers is equally straightforward: “Reach out to us. We are always willing to share knowledge, provide guidance and pave the way. I sincerely hope more young talents will develop a passion for motorsport and pursue it nationally or internationally.”
Beyond the finish line
The 16 medals at Sepang are more than numbers. They are milestones in a longer journey — a journey of resilience, unity, and ambition. For Sarawak, still seen as an underdog in Malaysia’s motorsport map, they are proof of potential waiting to be unlocked.
Now, as Sarawakian drivers prepare to compete on the Asia Pacific stage, the argument for a homegrown circuit feels stronger than ever. Talent has been proven. Pride has been earned. What remains is infrastructure that can sustain it.
With a permanent circuit, Sarawak would no longer have to send its best across the sea to prove themselves. Instead, the state could host competitions that bring the world to its doorstep — turning an underdog story into a legacy.
Because for Sarawak, motorsport is not just about racing. It is about identity, opportunity, and the belief that even from the margins, champions can rise.
