JP Performance Motorsport seals deals with Touch ‘n Go and RTM to make SUPER GT history
KUALA LUMPUR, 30 MAY 2011: In conjunction with the 2011 AUTOBACS SUPER GT Round 3 Sepang, JP Performance Motorsport (JPM) revealed the sponsors for the SUPER GT at last Saturday’s event at Empire Shopping Gallery, Subang. And, when JPM does something, they like to do it BIG!
For the first time in the company's 14-year history, Touch ‘n Go will be making this sporting event completely cashless. With the tagline “Life in the Fastlane”, it only seems natural for Touch ‘n Go play a key role in the SUPER GT festivities.
“We are extremely excited with our participation as the Official Electronic Payment System provider for the SUPER GT 2011 Series Malaysia. It is truly in line with Touch ‘n Go's tagline ‘Life in the Fast Lane’,” said Puan Hasni Zarina Mohamed Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd.
The SUPER GT tickets come with a FREE SUPER GT Special Edition Touch 'n Go card, which was revealed at the event by Mr. Peter England, Director of Touch ‘n Go Sdn. Bhd. Normally priced at RM 100, they are now available at an early bird price of RM 88 until 31 May 2011. The ticket grants access to the Grandstand and K Stand seats.
Meanwhile, the SUPER GT Motorshow ticket is priced at RM 30, and is made available in the form of the SUPER GT Special Edition Touch 'n Go cards itself; granting the ticket holders access to hillstand B. These cards will be used for all food, beverage, and other merchandise purchases during the SUPER GT weekend. Therefore, all ticketholders are encouraged to reload their Touch ‘n Go cards before coming to the Sepang Track, even though there will be ample reload stations at the Sepang track itself.
“These limited edition collectible cards can also be used at all Touch ‘n Go usage points after the event. On top of that, not only can they reload the cards at the seven conveniently located reload booths to be set up throughout the event; they also can reload their cards at close to 6,500 Touch ‘n Go reload points across Malaysia,” Puan Hasni added.
This is also a preview of future services that will be provided by Touch 'n Go, as in addition to their cards being used for the traditional transportation-related transactions such as toll payments, soon, they will also be utilised at merchants outlets, such as cafes, restaurants and bookstores, to name a few.
JP Performance Motorsport will also sealed a historic deal with the nation’s oldest TV station, RTM. This deal hopes to build motorsports in Malaysia as it gives the public the chance to catch live as well as delayed telecasts of the SUPER GT season. Present to receive SUPER GT mementos was Dr. Ahmad Jailani Muhamad Yunus, Director of Strategic Development and Encik Mohd Roslee Mohd Salleh, Chief Assistant Director of the TV Sports Unit.
For the first time in SUPER GT history, JP Performance Motorsport will be airing the highlights of all the nine rounds of the SUPER GT series on RTM1 and RTM2. RTM is also the host broadcaster for the live telecast of the Sepang race in Japan through FujiTV.
Tourism Selangor is also supporting this year's SUPER GT in their capacity as the Official Tourism Board for the SUPER GT Malaysia 2011. Present to receive SUPER GT mementos was Encik Fazly Razally from the Events Department.
Then, Mr. David Tan, General Manager of Tumasek Pewter was called onto stage along with JP Performance Motorsport Founder, Mr. JP Chin to unveil the coveted SUPER GT winner’s trophy. Tumasek Pewter are the official trophy sponsors of the SUPER GT.
Besides the memento giving ceremony, the Empire Shopping Gallery was transformed into a mini bazaar where people could shop for clothes, trinkets, etc.
Also, super performance cars as well as 25 Renault Megane cars congregated at the event after a convoy around the city. These Renault Meganes are the actual race cars competing in the JPM Megane Cup, which is one of three support races during the race weekend.
"It is the first time the JPM Megane Cup is organised and fans can get closer to the car and know more about it as it is arguably among the fastest of its kind," said race organiser JP Performance Motorsport Managing Director TJ Chin.
Fans not only had a chance to see all the super cars displayed at the event, however, they had a change to meet and speak to Japanese GT Queen, Ayami Sasaki.
The fun did not stop there as the semi-finals of the 2011 SUPER GT Malaysia Queen Pageant Search was also held on that very same day.
"As you know, the SUPER GT is famous for its GT Queens and for the first time, we are holding a SUPER GT Pageant to find our first Malaysian GT Queen who will not only win RM2,000 cash, she will also be sent to Japan for professional race queen training," said TJ.
From the cars to the GT Queens to the concerts, last Saturday’s Final Countdown Party was only a glimpse of what we have in store come June. Come June 17-19, the Sepang circuit will host the only SUPER GT race held outside Japan, and it promises to be nothing short of a spectacular weekend of entertainment.
In their debut role as race organisers, having acquired the rights and awarded the contract to organise the 2011 and 2012 SUPER GT race at Sepang, JP Performance Motorsport is pulling out all the stops in creating a weekend of excitement that appeals to not just racing fans, but fans of cars, music, dance, fashion, food, anime and all things Japan.
"The SUPER GT races are one of the most popular and most watched sport in Japan, and that is because it is more than just car racing. It is an entire package of adrenaline-pumping entertainment - from the support events, the sideshows and carnivals, music and entertainment, and of course, the very beautiful GT Queens as well," said TJ.
FOR PICTURES OF THE EVENT, PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK:
https://www.yousendit.com/download/dkJvN3RmcGtubHp2Wmc9PQ
The following is a detailed guide on the various electrifying races and entertainment slated for the SUPER GT weekend at Sepang as well as other on-going activities.
MAIN RACES
GT 500
(Qualifying: Saturday 18 June| Race: Sunday 19 June )
The GT500 category will see cars with no more than 500 horsepower. Regulations in the GT500 are considerably looser than most GT classifications, and teams are free to change engines with other models made by the manufacturer, change the alignment of the engine, or add forced-induction systems to models which do not normally have it, however from 2010 onwards all GT500 cars run V8 engines displacing 3.4 liters. The new regulations result in cars that are possibly the fastest GT racing cars in the world and the pinnacle of touring car competitions.
The three top teams in the GT500 category are Nissan, Honda and Lexus, with a few others participating as well.
GT 300
(Qualifying: Saturday 18 June| Race: Sunday 19 June)
The GT300 category will see cars with no more than 300 horsepower racing and pitting it out on the tracks. Famous luxury car models such as Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari will battle it out against top Japanese car makes such as Subaru, Mazda, Nissan, Autobacs, Lexus and others in the GT300 category, making it much more varied in terms of types of cars entered and a racing category that has one of the most car manufacturers participating at the same time. GT300 cars, however, are much more regulated than their GT500 counterparts, because GT300 cars closely resemble road-going versions.
SUPPORTING RACES
GT3/GT4 ASIA CUP
The exciting GT Asia Series for 2011 combines GT3 Asia with the GT4 Asia Cup into one outstanding Championship, whilst making changes to the regulations to incorporate some of the best features from each Series. This makes for a better and more exciting show for the spectators.
JPM MEGANE CUP
Powered by 2.0-litre turbocharged engines boasting minimum power outputs of 250hp and above, 340Nm of torque from as low down as 3,000rpm and F1 inspired on-screen technology, the Renault Megane is an exceptional track car. Now you can catch them in racing action for the first time in the inaugural Renault Megane Cup that pits 25 of these speed demons against each other on one of the most challenging tracks in the world. You don’t wanna miss it!
TOYOTO VIOS CUP ( THAILAND )
They make great passenger cars, but they race even better! Check out all the action in this exclusive race featuring cars and racers from Thailand driving Toyoto Vios cars like you’ve never seen before!
GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH YOUR PIT WALKABOUT AND PADDOCK PASSES
(All race days; Pit and Paddock Passes can be purchased)
Are the stands just too far away for you to fully appreciate the GT Cars? We know what you mean. That’s why SUPER GT is one of only a few races in the world which allows fans to get up close and personal with the cars, teams and drivers. A variety of ticket options give you access to various parts of the track – so make sure you get your passes beforehand!
A FAMILY CARNIVAL SHOWCASING JAPANESE CULTURE
(17-19 June, Sepang F1 Circuit)
The weekend will see the Sepang circuit transformed into a carnival city filled with stalls and booths where motor enthusiasts will be able to eat, shop, and play while experiencing the heat of excitement from the race. To celebrate the rich cultures of Japan , there will also be many side activities that will encourage the cultural exchange between the people of Malaysia and Japan . Attendees can expect to be exposed to all types of Japanese food, drinks, trinkets, music, fashion and even dance. Here are some of the highlights.
Anime Exhibition
One of Japans biggest exports and latest culture to take the world by storm is the anime culture. To share this unique and wacky culture with Malaysians, there will be art exhibitions, booth sales, games, cosplay, anime war games and performances.
Biggest Car Show of the Year
JPM will also be organizing the Biggest Super/Performance Car Gathering at the Sepang F1 Track on 19th of June 2011, Sunday. As most of you are aware, the Sepang F1 Track is 5.53km in length, and they plan to line-up the Super/Performance cars back to back along the entire track.
A rough estimation of such an arrangement would require between 600 to 650 cars of various models and sizes. To make this record breaking feat possible, JPM would like extend their invitation to CAR CLUBs, supercar and performance car owners to make this event a success. To encourage the club members, friends or anyone who are keen to be part of this record breaking attempt, JPM would like to offer 4x Granstand Tickets worth RM400 to each participating car.
Kids Walkabout
A special Kids Pit Walkabout session will allow children to get up close and personal with the SUPER GT race cars and teams for FREE. Usually, race teams will give out freebies such as stickers, stationaries and toys to the children during this activity.
Circuit Safari
Another attraction of the SUPER GT is the safari bus ride where fans will be taken for a 10 minute ride in a bus around the Sepang track while the SUPER GT cars and doing their warm up laps.
Flea Market & Weekend Bazaar
Select from a vast amount of stalls and booths to get your dose of Japanese and Malaysian cuisine, fashion and trinkets.
VELOCITA RAVE PARTY
(Saturday 18 June, 6pm onwards, Sepang)
Tickets: RM38 Pre-sale & RM58 Door-sale
SUPER GT ticket holders enter free before 5.30pm
Ticket agent: www.redtix.airasia.com
Get your hearts racing with some of the best trance and progressive Djs in the world along with our own local talents as they make their way down for the first SUPER GT VELOCITA outdoor rave party!
Featuring four of the worlds most wanted DJs such as Roger Shah (DJ Mag Top 100 #34), Arnej (#87) , Sied van Riel (#97), and Mari Ferrari each spinning their unique blend of heart thumping and uplifting trance, the first ever VELOCITA dance party held at the Sepang F1 track will transcend your senses and fuel your musical soul.
ROCK ‘N RACE CONCERT
(Sunday 19 June, South Paddock)
Tickets: RM50 inclusive of race viewing from Hillstand B.
ALL Grandstand ticket holders enter concert area for free.
Ticket agent: www.redtix.airasia.com
Rock out like never before to leading local bands such as Hujan and Azlan & the Typewriter and Indonesian favourite Radja.
This is the first ever concert to be held on the actual Sepang racing track! You will be watching the concert from the race track immediately after the conclusion of the SUPER GT race, while the track is still blazing hot, littered with bits of rubber from the car tyres. But of course, you can choose to watch the concert from the cool comfort of the South Grandstand. You make the call!
SUPER GT MALAYSIA QUEEN PAGEANT 2011
The search for Malaysia ’s very own GT Queen is well underway and the finals will take place on 18 June at the Sepanf Circuit. This is the first year this pageant is taking place and the winner of the pageant will not only receive RM2,000 and other amazing prizes, as well as being flown to Japan for a unique once-in-a-lifetime chance to undertake professional modeling training and become a professional GT Queen.
‘CHO KAWAII’ PHOTO CONTEST
(Competition ongoing; Finals held on Saturday 18 June at Sepang F1 Circuit)
Snap a picture with your best pose to win great prizes! Catch the ‘Kawaii’ team as they visit universities, restaurants, shopping malls, and popular hangout places around Malaysia and snap Kawaii pictures with the public, and upload the pictures onto the SUPER GT Facebook Page.
Then get all your friends to link your picture, because the picture with the most likes will win a 32 inch LCD TV!
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTESTS
(Ongoing; visit facebook.com/SUPERGT.my)
The official SUPER GT Facebook page is chock-a-block with fun information, contests and activities for you to take part in.
Ø Fun motoring jokes and quotes
Ø Interesting SUPER GT and motoring facts
Ø FREE Grandstand / Pitwalk pass worth RM100 will be given out daily
Ø An interactive platform for the public to hold discussions, ask questions and understand the SUPER GT.
ROADSHOWS
The SUPER GT team will be on the road until the event weekend at an array of malls and commercial areas in and around the nation. Detailed schedule and activities will be announced next week.
Tickets for the SUPER GT in Sepang are priced at RM100 (for two day Grand Stand passes). JPM is currently offering an early bird price of RM 88 per ticket (until 31 May). The SUPER GT tickets can be conveniently purchased at selected 7 Eleven outlets nationwide. For more information on the SUPER GT or on how to get your tickets, log on to www.supergt.com.my or www.facebook.com/SUPERGT.my
ABOUT SUPER GT
Formerly known as the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC), the SUPER GT Series is a grand touring car race series promoted by the GT Association (G.T.A.). It was first established in 1993 by the JAF (Japanese Automobile Federation) via its subsidiary company the G.T.A. (GT Association).
In order to maintain competitiveness and prevent the spiraling budgets of teams, JGTC imposed strict limits on power, and heavy weight penalties on race winners in an openly-stated objective to keep on-track action close with an emphasis on keeping the race goers happy.
There are two categories for the participating cars: GT500 and GT300 (cars with no more than 500 and 300 horsepower). These power outputs are capped via the use of intake restrictors although some heavier cars are given allowances to run larger restrictors to maintain parity.
GT500
Regulations in GT500 are considerably looser than most GT classifications, and teams are free to change engines with other models made by the manufacturer, change the alignment of the engine, or add forced-induction systems to models which do not normally have it, however from 2010 onwards all GT500 cars run V8 engines displacing 3.4 liters. The new regulations result in cars that are possibly the fastest GT racing cars in the world. The rationale for this was to allow manufacturers to field competitive cars without having to spend large amounts of money for homologation versions of the race car's road car counterparts (although some companies, notably Honda and Nissan, have still developed homologation specials).
GT300
The GT300 category tends to be much more varied in terms of types of cars entered, although GT300 cars are much more regulated than their GT500 counterparts. This is because GT300 cars closely resemble road-going versions. The GT300 series is a racing category that has one of the most makes in the same time in the world.
For more information, please visit www.supergt.net
About JP Performance Motorsport Sdn Bhd (JPM)
Formed in 1998, for jet-ski racing, the team has since migrated into auto racing. Founded by a group of business professionals who raced for personal achievement, the team has constantly strived for the winning formula. In jet-ski races, the team's achievements include a championship win in the Asia Pacific King’s Cup Thailand and the Malaysian Jet Endurance Challenge.
In auto racing, the team has participated and win in many races including the annual 12-Hour Merdeka Millennium Endurance races, the JUGRA Challenge Super Saloon, Malaysia Super Car Series and the prestigious the Asian Touring Car Series. It has therefore earned the reputation of being one of the top racing teams in the region.
JPM has also ventured into event organization since 2006. Of which its highlights are such as the first ever one make race in Malaysia with JPM Integra Cup One Make Race Series from 2006 to 2008, first ever Hill Climb event with JPM Berjaya Hills Time Challenge 2009 and JPM Journey Through Time at Starhill of which over 100++ super/performance cars gathered in the heart of the city.
To further the development of professionalism in motorsport, JPM has invested in all the necessary facilities for current and any upcoming business opportunities and events.
For more information, please visit www.jpmmotorsport.com.my
Press Release is issued on behalf of the JP Performance Motorsport Sdn Bhd
by INKsports PR & Publications.
