The FIM MiniGP Malaysia Series (160cc) and SIC Ohvale Junior Championship (110cc) are set to make a revving return to Sepang International Karting Circuit this weekend.
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker officiated the launch of the championships in Putrajaya on Thursday as the nation gets ready to move into the endemic phase of Covid-19.
Zulfahmi Khairuddin, who oversees Sepang International Circuit (SIC) rider development programme, said the Malaysian racers have a lot of catching up to do following a slowdown in motorsport activities due to the pandemic.
"We completed the rider selection process early this year, but then motorsport activities, including pocket bike races, all had to stop," he said.
"We had six recruits from last year but the rest are new. I think everyone will be basically trying to find their footing this weekend after not racing for so long."
Zulfahmi said the FIM MiniGP Malaysia Series is a good stepping stone for riders to move up the racing ladder.
"The top three riders from the FIM MiniGP Malaysia Series, which features 15 riders, aged between 11 and 13, will qualify for the FIM MiniGP World Finals in Valencia next month.
"Malaysia can consider themselves lucky to be the only country in Asia to participate in the FIM MiniGP Series."
The inaugural SIC MiniGP championship saw Hakim Danish Ramli winning the 160cc category in 2020, and the 14-year-old has since gone on to stamp his mark with podium finishes in the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Series this year.
