Part 3 of this series tells the story of a growing momentum behind Sarawak motorsports.
KUCHING: Heat shimmered off the tarmac, the smell of burnt rubber hung in the air, and the crowd’s cheers rose each time a car slid cleanly through the cones.
Among the nation’s best, Sarawak arrived as outsiders – but left as headline makers.
Against bigger, better-funded rivals, Sarawakian drivers stormed home with 16 medals in the auto-gymkhana discipline at the Malaysia Festival of Speed (MFOS), held at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.
Ten came from the Speed Chasers Motorsports Club (SCMC), while six more were won by Sarawakians racing under other banners.
For a state often dismissed as an underdog, it was more than a medal haul – it was proof of grit, discipline and untapped talent.
“It was an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment,” said Elmyn Michael, 29, an engineer and gymkhana driver who formerly managed SCMC.
“This achievement is a true testament to the growing talent and dedication within our motorsport community.”
More than speed
Gymkhana is not just about raw pace. Drivers weave through cones and obstacles with split-second precision, balancing agility, accuracy and composure under pressure. One mistake ends a run.
That Sarawakians mastered this art reflects not only skill, but also the teamwork and discipline powering 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.
From Miri, Stella had spent years watching races from the sidelines before finally taking the wheel.
Her debut was supposed to be about “gaining experience”. Instead, she left Sepang with medals – and the admiration of veterans who had raced for a decade.
Her breakthrough, guided by mentors in both Miri and Kuching, showed how collaboration across Sarawak 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.
Stella’s debut also raised a larger question: without a home circuit, how far can Sarawak motorsport truly go?
The case for a Sarawak circuit
Beyond the medals, the performance reignited a long-standing debate – does Sarawak deserve its own racing circuit?
For Elmyn, the answer is clear. A home circuit would give drivers the facilities to train consistently while sparing them the heavy costs of travelling across the South China Sea.
He believes Sepang proved the talent is already here. What is missing is infrastructure to match ambition.
A circuit, he argues, would not only nurture youth development in a safe environment but also curb illegal street racing. At the same time, it could act as an economic driver, from logistics to tourism.
“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.
He believes a Sarawak circuit could even attract regional events, drawing competitors from Brunei, Kalimantan and Peninsular Malaysia – turning Kuching or Miri into a motorsport hub for Borneo.
In short, a circuit is more than a track – it’s an ecosystem.
The man behind the wheel (and the team)
Elmyn, now a regular driver, juggles life as an engineer with his passion for gymkhana.
Having guided SCMC as manager in 2024, he draws on that experience to offer insights, encouragement, and mentorship to his teammates – even as he focuses on his own racing.
“I never expected to manage the team, and stepping into that role was daunting,” he said.
“But it taught me lessons I now share with younger drivers – from handling pressure on the track to fostering teamwork off it.”
He leads with balance: discipline on the track, humour off it.
“Remember training, stay consistent, and enjoy it,” he tells younger drivers, reinforcing that performance and camaraderie can go hand in hand.
Team chemistry has become a secret weapon. Elmyn contributes his experience, helping drivers of varying skill levels work in harmony, and ensuring that confidence and morale stay high.
For him, this spirit of unity is distinctly Sarawakian – a sense of camaraderie carried even onto the national stage.
“Even in intense competition, kindness and teamwork 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 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.
For Stella, it is a dream realised.
“I never thought I would compete internationally,” she said.
“To carry both Sarawak’s and Malaysia’s name overseas is something I’ll treasure forever.”
“To have Sarawakians compete internationally under the Malaysian flag – this is a significant achievement for our state,” Elmyn added, his pride 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 glamorous, but it keeps the wheels turning.
In this sense, every medal is not just a sporting victory, but also a triumph over financial odds.
Sarawak’s spirit, Sarawak’s future
Ask what makes Sarawak unique on the track, and Elmyn’s answer is simple: harmony.
“Everyone I’ve met is approachable and genuinely committed to uplifting one another. That sense of unity distinguishes Sarawak drivers,” he said.
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,” he remarked.
His message to aspiring racers is 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 – one 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.
And if Sarawak one day hosts the world on its own soil, these 16 medals will be remembered not just as victories – but as the spark that lit the engine.
