KARAMJIT SINGH IS THE UNDISPUTED CHAMPION

TITLE NO 12 AND YET HE IS NOT ABOUT TO GIVE UP



11 December 2011, JEMPOL - The Flying Sikh wrapped up the fourth and final round of the Malaysian Rally 2011 in Jempol, Negeri Sembilan today to finish unbeaten over two days of rallying which in the end also gave him the overall crown too.

His two victories in Jempol over the weekend saw him collect a total of 44 points over the four roundsof competition held in Johor Baharu in April; Kangar in July; Malacca in November and then Negeri Sembilan with defending champion Rafiq Udhaya finishing second on a total of 42 points.

Karamjit who drives under the GSR Pennzoil bannercame to Jempol trailing Rafiq by two points and deep inside knows what needed to be done.

Obviously he responded to the occasion and conquered the opening day on Saturday in the 63.5km stage in his Mitsubishi Lancer. And again he was in fiery form yesterday, sweeping past all and sundry in the 46km stage to finish unbeaten again.

All in all Karamjit and his Indian co-driver Viviek Ponnusamy clocked a total time of 1 hr 36min 13.2secs while Rafiq and his partner Sean Gregory in a Subaru Impreza, who finished second on both days, returned a total time of 1hr 42mins 25.5secs.

Third overall is Mike and Manuthi Arokiasamy in a Proton Satria in a time of 1 hr 46 mins 09.5secs.

"It has been a long hard season. I am happy that I have picked up title No 12 but it would not have been possible without the help of my teamates support.

"It was a team effort and I am looking forward to title No 13 next year. I believe I still have a few more years lef t of rallying in me," said the 48-year old Karamjit.

For Rafiq, losing the crown doesn't mean he is a loser either.

"I lost to a better driver. Simple as that. Karamjit is an extraordinary rally driver and to lose to him is no shame at all. Hopefully next year we will try to win the crown again." he added.
And the organiser of the Malaysian Rally, Wheel Sport Management, has annnounced that
the 2012 season will have five rounds instead of the present four, a development which has earned the praise of the competitors.

Five is just ideal. Four is a bit too little is the response from those who are taking part.

-ends.

KARAMJIT IS UNBEATABLE

10 December 2011, JEMPOL - Karamjit Singh and his Mistsubishi Evo was just unstoppable as he charged to victory in the opening day of the fourth and final round of the Malaysian Rally 2011 in Jempol on Saturday.

Together his co-driver Vivek Ponnusamy, they completed the 63.5km stretch of the race in a total time of 52min 22.5sec, leaving the defending champion Rafiq Udhaya and his Subaru Impreza trailing in his wake and a good five minutes behind.

Karamjit is looking forward to the overall title and only Rafiq is standing in his way but after the opening round victory, the Flying Sikh, as he is more popularly known, has taken a step closer to the crown.

As things stand before the start of Saturday's race, Rafiq has a total of 30 points while Karamjit has 28 and Karamjit knows that unless he beats the leader, the title won't be in his possession.

"Round one is completed and eveything went well. I got a good five minutes lead going into Sunday's race and I know if I stay out of trouble tomorrow, I am confident I should be able to win the overall title.

"But you never know. The weather is unpredictable and the condition varies. Today was fine but once it rains the scenarios could change. The track becomes soft and slippery and it would put a real strain on the engine," said Karamjit who has won the overall title a total of eleven times so far.

No 12 beckons and Rafiq knows he needs something spectacular on Sunday to keep Karamjit at bay.

"Karamjit drove flat out today and I expected that. He needs to beat me to win the title and if he does so he deserves it because he is such a talented driver," said Rafiq.

Rafiq is lying second on a total time of 57min 24.9secs while Mike Arokiasamy in a Proton Satria is third on a total of 58min 55.2secs.

A total of 25 cars were on the starting grid.

-ends.

AN EXCITING FINALE IN JEMPOL

9 December 2011, JEMPOL - Defending champion Rafiq Udhaya and challenger Karamjit Singh are both headed for a nail biting finish over the weekend as the Malaysian Rally 2011 enters it's decisive race in Jempol, Negeri Sembilan.

As things stand, Rafiq and his Subaru Impreza are the current overall leader on 30 points after three rounds of races, Johor Baru, Kangar and Malacca but 11-time winner Karamjit Singh is lying second on 28, a mere two-point difference as they both square off in the fourth and final round.

The rest of the field gathered in Jempol today, totalling 25 all in all, knows they are not going to be able to catch up with the two leaders, given the gap in the points accumalated so far.

Australia's Cody Crocker, a former Asia Pacific Rally Championship winner could have been in contention with the 16 points he has after his performances in Johor Baru and Kangar in the opening two rounds but sponsorship issue has forced him out of the race in Malacca and he is not coming to Jempol either.

Then there is the Japanese combination of Aji Kim and Noriko Takeshita in their Proton Satria Neo who are lying third alongside the young Malaysian pair of Kenneth Koh and Nicole Gill, on 10 points each.

Count them out too because whatever happens, Aji or Kenneth are not going to overhaul the two pace setters, given that there are only a total of 16 points at stake in Jempol.

So the stage is set for a Rafiq versus Karamjit duel and revenge is certainly on their minds.

Rafiq and his co-driver Sean Gregory in their Subaru Impreza, wants to prove that they can get the better of Karamjit and consolidate their reputation as a worthy overall champion.

Karamjit in his Pennzoil-backed Mitsubishi Lancer on the other hand, wants title No 12 to shore up his reputation as the man to beat in Malaysian rallying.

But the one factor that both man has no control over and which could play an important role in deciding which way the title is headed for, is the weather.

The current wet spell is playing on the minds of both competitors and given the experience they endured last year at the same venue, they know that once the skies open up, things are no longer the same.

"I know the conditions are going to be treacherous once it rains. I remember last year we were caught in some very slippery conditions when it started raining.

"The weather man are predicting rain again this time. So we have to be well prepared. I am excited over the prospect of challenging Karamjit for the title.

"He is a good driver and it's obvious that I have to beat him if I want to retain my title," said Rafiq.

-ends.

GREEN TEAMS READY TO RUMBLE!

8 December 2011, JEMPOL - Going green is catching on these days, judging by the response of team MRU Motorsports who is supporting the private entry of 2wd category RallyCross champion Magendran Arunasalam. Having expressed his interest in team 1 Malaysia Wheelspin Green Motorsports to the media

when it debuted two cars in the previous round of the MRC, team principal Mohd Rafiq Udhaya wasted no time in making sure the Proton Satria 1.6 driven by Magendran and navigated by renowned grassroots motorsports event manager Mohd. Faizal Tuah was prepared to run on Bio-Ethanol fuel.

Meanwhile, the two original cars which made their debut have been receiving lots of attention outside rallying with invites to car shows and various motorsport events. Driver Gina Finanza who secured a podium placing in her category with her Bio-Diesel Proton Satria GTDi has been offered to be the spokesperson for green motoring by two auto makers and other related manufacturers while Mohd. Shazly Ilias the

team manager of the other car, a Perodua Kelisa RS running on Bio-Ethanol fuel and prepared by students of Institute Kemahiran Belia Negara Termerloh (Motorsports Division) which is a subsidiary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia, has been offered to test and co-develop a new generation of high octane Bio-fuel for motorsports use at Eastern Creek Race Circuit in Sydney Australia. Both of them are also are due to receive special acknowledgments by the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) for their efforts to take motorsports into the future via this endeavour.

Principal and founder of 1 Malaysia Wheelspin Green Motorsports, Jagjeet Singh is more than happy that MRU Motorsports has stepped in to support the project which will be officially launched along with other motorsports teams and vehicles in 2012. "Gina, Shazly, Magen and MRU Motorsports have shown that they really care about the future of rallying and motorsports in general here in Malaysia and are good ambassadors who think of Malaysia and Malaysians first" said Jagjeet of the drivers and team. Adding "I really hope the media and potential sponsors who care like we do take some time to talk to them and find out what our long term goals are. Who knows, they might just want to be a part of it as well"

-END-

NOW FOR THE FINAL PUSH

23 October 2011, MELAKA - Karamjit Singh has put himself right in the hunt for the overall title in the Malaysian Rally Championship 2011.

A fine performance by the 48-year old Karamjit over the weekend at Round 3 of the championship in Tanjong Bidara, Melaka has put him within reach of the overall crown.

It is now only a two point gap separating him and the leader Muhamma Rafiq Udhaya as they head for the fourth and final showdown in two months time.

Karamjit for all his effort in Melaka over the weekend where he won on both days has 28 points now and Muhammad Rafiq finishing second best to Karamjit on both days, is still the overall leader on 30 points.

But for now Karamjit and co-driver Vivek Ponnusamy are the undisputed winner taking their Mitsubishi Lancer past everyone with ease. Even Muhammad Rafiq and his Subaru Impreza alongside Sean Gregory, who finished second,just could not handle the pace.

Karamjit's total winning time for the round was 1hr:53:19.7sec for the entire 125km race with Muhammad Rafiq coming in second on 2hrs: 06:53.9secs, a good 13 minutes behind.

Third overall was the young driver Kenneth Koh and Nicole Gill in their Proton Satria in 2hrs: 19:28.3secs.

The day had started brilliantly for Karamjit, just like the opening day on Saturday where he was in terrific form and just like Saturday, he was in total control from the start to the end.

"That's they joy of rallying. When everything goes your way and the car respond to your every touch, you know you are in for a comfortable drive. I am happy that I have won both rounds here in Malacca which has kept me in the hunt for the overall title.

"I have won the overall title a total of eleven times and I want to make it a dozen," said Karamjit.

A total of 25 cars took part in the rally and for the first time in the championship two environment friendly fueled cars took part in the race, a Daihatsu Tomaso and a Perodua Kelisa.

NOW WHO CAN STOP KARAMJIT

22 October 2011, MELAKA - Karamjit Singh was in no mood to be beaten as he steered his Mitsubishi Lancer to victory in the opening day of Round 3 of the Malaysian Rally Championship in Tanjung Bidara, Melaka yesterday.

The 48-year old Karamjit, was just too fast and too good for the 24-competitor field to finish Day one which cover a total distance of 72 kilometres, to take the winner's flag in style.

In fact he was brilliant and over the entire seven stages of the race which included a special stage of 2.41km held at the Masjid Tanah Industrial Estate, he never had any trouble at all to return a total time of 1 hr 02:28.8secs which is a good seven minute lead over the second placed Muhammad Rafiq Udhaya and his co-driver Sean Gregory.

There is another six stages to come on Day 2 on Sunday to complete the Melaka leg but on the strength of his performance on the opening day, Karamjit and his co-driver Vivek Ponnusamy, are headed for a brilliant finish to the round.

The pair, who are driving under the GSR Pennzoil banner are lying third overall behind leader and defending overall champion Muhammad Rafiq with a six-point gap but things could change when it's all over.

For now Muhammad Rafiq in his Subaru Impreza are still the overall leader but only just because their second placed finishing yesterday was just about enough to keep them in front.

Muhammad Rafiq and co-driver Sean Gregory clocked a total of 1hr: 10:03.1secs with third placed Mike and Maruthi Arokiasamy in a Proton Satria in 1hr 15:03.0secs.

It was clear Muhammad Rafiq was just contented to stay in the hunt and not try anything spectacular simply because he knows his chances are still wide open.

"It was a comfortable drive for me today. Even though the track conditions changes from stage to stage, I was in control of the situation. Another good race tomorrow and another good round in the final race next month and I could still end up champion," said Karamjit.

MRC DEBUT FOR FIRST MALAYSIAN ‘GREEN’ MOTORSPORTS TEAM

21 October 2011, MELAKA - Historical Melaka, which has also declared itself to be an environmentally friendly or commonly known these days as a ‘Green’ state, will create more content for its history books when two bio-fuel rally cars are flagged off at this weekend’s Malaysian Rally Championship (MRC) series which moves into its third round for the 2011 season.

Recently formed 1 Malaysia Wheelspin Green Motorsports team has, via a joint venture with existing teams, two cars which will be run on Bio-Diesel and Bio-Ethanol respectively. The first is a specially modified Proton Satria Gtdi rally car driven by Malaysia’s rally queen Gina Finanza of Ultra Racing motorsports and the other; a Bio-Ethanol powered Perodua Kelisa RS prepared by the students of Institute Kemahiran Belia Negara (IKBN) under the guidance of former Junior rally champion Mohd. Shazly Farith Ilias who manages the IKBN Motorsports Team.

1 Malaysia Wheelspin Green Motorsports team is the brainchild of former rally driver and current grassroots motorsports event organiser Jagjeet Singh and is fast gaining support from various parties who see a need for Bio-Fuel powered cars in the future of motorsports in Malaysia as it means emitting less harmful gasses into the environment. “Bio-Fuel powered motorsport cars have been a regular sight in events around Europe for many years now and its time we do the same in Malaysia. What started as an uphill task for me has now become a reality thanks to supportive drivers, teams and the Malaysian motorsport fraternity in general” Said Jagjeet, adding “I chose the MRC to debut our bio-fueled cars because it was the first championship to include an alternative fuel category five years ago but sadly nobody competed in such cars. Now that I’ve brought two cars and possibly more for the 2012 season, hopefully the organizers will reintroduce the category to motivate more such entries”.

THE ACTION CONTINUES IN MALAKA

20 October 2011, MELAKA - Muhammad Rafiq Udhaya is ready to consolidate his grip on the Malaysian Rally Championship crown as he prepares for the third leg of the championship in Tanjung Bidara Malacca over the weekend.

He is the overall leader after two rounds of the championship-in Kangar and Johor Baru- with a total of 18 points and another encouraging round in Malacca would give him a serious shot at the overall title by the time the fourth and final round comes along next month.

In any case Muhammad Rariq and his co-driver Sean Gregory in their Subaru Impreza are the defending overall champion and in his own words, he is ready to defend his title.

But he admits he has got a fight on his hands. Karamjit Singh, the nine-time overall champion is still very much in the hunt even though he is on 12 points and lying third overall.

Karamjit will be behind the wheels of a Mitsubishi Lancer together with Indian driver Vivek Ponnusamy and their sterling performance in the second round in Kangar four months ago where they finished second, will give them the lift they need to challenge Muhammad Rafiq and company.

"I am still in the race for the overall title and I intend to keep pushing hard," said Karamjit who will be driving under the GSR Pennzoil banner.

For Muhammad Rafiq of the MRU Motorsports Team, the challenge to keep the crown will be a a hard fought one with plenty of twists and turns to come.

"Rallyinng is a tough sport. There are so many things to worry about. Your car, the road conditions and your performance on the day. But I have always maintain the philosophy that as long as you prepare your car well half your battle is won," said Muhammad Rafiq who had just returned from the Rally of Japan in Hokaido where he finished fifth in the Asia Cup category.

The 3rd round of the Malaysian Rally Championship will see a total of 29 entries with history in the making too. For the first time two environment friendly fuel cars- a Daihatsu Charade De Tomaso and a Perodua Kelisa- will be entered for the championship.

The two cars are the entrants provided by the Greensports Rally Team.

But some big names will be missing in Malacca too with Cody Crocker of Australia who won the second leg in Kangar and Japan's Katsu Taguchi, the former world rally championship participant not in the line-up.

"They have pulled out due to some sponsorship issues but looking at the field gathered for Malacca, there is enough big names to give the championship the boost and the recognition it deserves," said a championship spokesman.

CODY REIGN SUPREME IN KANGAR

29 May 2011, KANGAR - There was no looking back for Cody Crocker as he steps up his challenge for the Malaysian Rally Championship crown.

No one could come close to him as the 41-year old Australian produced another sterling performance to win the Kangar round yesterday in a performance which has put him on the top of the overall leader board alongside defending champion Muhammad Rafiq Udhaya.

But things had looked so uncertain for the Cody, a four-time Asia Pacific Rally Championship winner before the 26-driver field gathered in Kangar for the second round of the Malaysian Championship.

After all he only had two points to show from the opening round in Kota Tinggi last month because his Subaru Impreza went off the road in the opening day and he was left with an enormous task ahead.

But how his fortunes changed. On the opening day on Saturday in Kangar, Cody, driving under the Pennzoil GSR banner, killed the rest of the opposition to come home an easy winner.

And yesterday he was in his element again and crossed the finishing line in style with a two-day total time of 1hr 17min 28.2secs.

It was a worth a total of 16 points from his two-day work and add to the two points he won in Kota Tinggi, Cody is now on 18 points alongside Muhammad Rafiq, the defending champion.

Muhammad Rafiq of the MRU Motorsports Team behind the wheels of a Subaru Impreza was third overall over the two days on a total time of 1hr 24mins 11.9secs.

And in between them was the 11-time champion Karamjit Singh also of the GSR Pennzoil Team who produced a fighting performance in his Mitsubishi Evo to stay second in a time of 1hr: 17mins 45.5secs.

"It's still a wide open race for the overall crown. We have Cody and Karamjit in the front but don't forget Muhammad Rafiq is there and should anything happen to our two cars, he can capitalise on it.”

"After all, the gap is still so close and there are two more rounds (Malacca and Negeri Sembilan) to come," said Gunaseelan Rajoo, team leader of the GSR Pennzoil team.

For Cody, things are looking up and the next round in Malacca in three months time could provide the real test.

CODY AND HIS FLYING SUBARU IMPREZA LEADS AFTER LEG 1 IN PERLIS

28 May 2011, KANGAR - Australian ace Cody Crocker was fast, in fact just too fast as he hauled himself back in contention for the 2011 Malaysian Rally Championship crown.

A sterling performance in Kangar in the opening day of the second round of the Malaysian Rally Championship in Kangar today which left his rivals gasping in admiration, has given Cody the precious points and the physiological boost he so desperately needed.

A four-time Asia Pacific Rally Championship overall winner, Cody took his Subaru Impreza past the finishing line first to make up for the disappointing finish in Kota Tinggi in the opening round last month where he collected a miserable two points.

The 41-year old, a former Australian No 1 rally driver finished ahead of everyone else in a total time of 38mins 46.0secs, leaving local ace karamjit Singh in a Mitsubishi Evo second with 12 seconds behind and Japanese driver katsu Taguchi also in a Mitsubishi Evo, third.

The overall defending champion Muhammad Rafiq Udhaya and still the overall leader, in a Subaru Impreza, is fourth, almost four minutes behind Cody.

There is still another day of rallying to go today over the sugar plantation of Chuping but for now Cody is the man to beat.

"It's clear that I needed a podium finish in Kangar to keep my hopes alive and I am glad things went well for me and the car. It was smooth sailing and the car responded well. You wish that rallying is all so easy.”

"But I know that accidents do happen like what I went through in the opening round in Kota Tinggi last month. Hope it doesn't happen to me tomorrow," said Cody who is driving under the Pennzoil GSR banner.

Karamjit who is bidding to add a 12th overall crown to his name fought tooth and nail throughout the entire six stages of the race but he found the pace set by Cody too hot to handle.

"Cody and karamjit are such talented drivers and to see them at their very best today is a thrill. For us we are still in the chase and the best we can do is to stay out of trouble and drive to the best of our ability," said Muhammad Rafiq.

The Flag off ceremony earlier was graced by Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail at Dataran Terinai, Timah Tasoh.

MUHAMMAD RAFIQ IS THE MAN TO BEAT

27 May 2011, KANGAR - Muhammad Rafiq Udhaya sits pretty at the top of the heap when the cast of 28 drivers lined up for the start of the second round of the Malaysian Rally Championship 2011 in Kangar on Saturday.

But actually Muhammad Rafiq, the defending champion, is not in pole position.

Rather he is lying second overall but because China's Fan Fan, the man who won the opening leg in Kota Tinggi last month is not here because of his visa problem, the Kuala Lumpur based driver has assumed the leading role.

Muhammad Rafiq and his co-driver Sean Gregory behind the wheels of a Subaru Impreza has 11 points. Fan Fan and partner Fang Junwei has 13 and should things go right for Muhammad Rafiq in Kangar, he can look forward to taking a giant step towards retaining his overall title.

Starting third overall is Japanese driver Aji Kim and Noriko Takeshita in a Proton Satria Neo on seven points and then come the two Malaysians, Mohd Shazly Ilias and Kenneth Koh on five and four points respectively.

The big names, like Malaysia's Karamjit Singh, a 11-time overall winner; Japan's Katsu Taguchi, a former world rally participant and the Australian one-time No 1 Cody Crocker are all languishing far behind and Kangar is a real test of their resolve to stay in the championship hunt.

"I know if I stick to my original plan, that is to prepare my car well and drive to the best of my ability, things will work out fine for me. I admit that I am no superior to people like Karamjit and Taguchi but in rally a little luck and the reliability of the car matters a lot.

"And never discount Karamjit or Taguchi. They are very talented drivers and have the experience to take on anybody in the competition," said Muhammad Rafiq.

Which begs the question of whether karamjit and his co-driver Vivek Ponnusamy of the Pennzoil GSR Team can steer their Mitsubishi Evo to a rousing finish in Kangar.

Kota Tinggi was a disaster for the pair and best forgotten as they look towards Kangar.

"The reality is that I need a podium finish in Kangar to stay alive in the chase for the overall championship title. With two more rounds left after Kangar, I need the points now.”

"But I am a fighter. I don't intend to finish last for sure and I don’t intend to finish second either," added Karamjit.