Thrilling action in Round 2 of Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge amid stormy weather  

KUALA LUMPUR:  The second day of Round 2 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit proved to be a storm in more ways than one.

With heavy rain delaying the race start, the event turned into an intense battle on the track, highlighted by the exceptional performance of young driver Elson Lew.  

In the Sporting Class, featuring amateur racers, Lew, a former Rookie Class competitor, clinched double victories for Round 2.

Driving for BAE Racing by ES Yang, Lew dominated the 20-lap race on the 2.706 km North Track, finishing 4.8 seconds ahead of PCM Group Racing Team’s Kenneth Koh and 16-year-old Thai racer Panithan Rakpaibulsombut of RUK Team Nexzter PMC 52.  

The race saw an early lead change when Race Rally KL’s Shafiq Samsudin capitalized on a mistake by Hiewa Racing Team's Choo Yong Choon. Shafiq surged ahead with a 2.3-second advantage, but his lead was short-lived.

Lew, who started 6th on the grid, overtook him on the 8th lap and managed to fend off challenges from Koh and Rakpaibulsombut. Unfortunately, Shafiq's race ended prematurely due to mechanical issues.  

Reflecting on his performance, Lew said, "Coming into Round 2, I felt really good. I was confident and set the fastest times in both unofficial and official practices, as well as qualifying.

It’s certainly been the best weekend of racing I've had." On his approach for Race 2, the 21-year-old added, "My strategy was to push hard and extend my lead once I got it. Consistency and focus were key to my success this weekend."  

Race 2 started under challenging conditions as a light thunderstorm caused a 30-minute delay. Once given the all-clear by Race Control, the Super Sporting Class (for professionals and seeded drivers) and Rookie Class competitors began their 20-lap race behind the safety car.  

With the reverse grid format in play, Race 1 winner Amer Harris started from 6th position, while Wheelcorp’s Nabil Azlan lined up at the front.

Once the safety car exited after three laps, Nabil seized the lead but soon made a costly mistake, allowing TD Racing’s Hayden Haikal, Prima Pearl TD Racing’s Mitchell Cheah, and Telagamas Toyota’s Freddie Ang to overtake.  

Haikal retained his lead, while an intense battle for second place ensued between Cheah and Ang. After several attempts, Ang managed to pass Cheah and held his position until the finish. Haikal took the chequered flag, with Ang and Cheah completing the podium.  

“I’d like to thank everyone who made this happen,” said Haikal, who was making his return to the Vios Challenge after missing Round 1. “I struggled a bit in the first race, but today's wet weather conditions worked in my favor. I love racing in the rain, and I'm looking forward to Round 3.”  

In the Rookie Class, the reverse grid format placed Race 1 winner Brandon Ho at the back, while Adam Mikail started from pole.

Adam wasted no time securing a commanding lead after the restart, ultimately securing his third win in four races. Raja Amirul finished second, with Ho claiming third place.  

Now in its seventh season, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge continues to foster the development of young racing talent. The series, featuring identically-prepared Toyota Vios cars equipped with 1.5-liter engines and five-speed manual transmissions, tests drivers' skills rather than relying solely on vehicle performance.  

Round 2 saw 33 drivers, including participants from Thailand, Singapore, and India, competing in this adrenaline-filled showdown.

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