JMR's Tunku Abdul Rahman rockets to top of GT World Challenge Asia standings
JOHOR Motorsports Racing (JMR) secured podium finishes in the fith and sixth rounds of the GT World Challenge Asia in Buriram, Thailand today.
The results also bring Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ibrahim to the top of the championship driver point standings with a 62-point lead at the midway point of the season.
Tunku Abdul Rahman and teammate Ben Green took off to a brilliant start for JMR, with Green setting a scorching qualifying lap around the 4.5 kilometres (km) Chang International Circuit to claim pole position for Sunday's race.
Green set the scene for the duo as he put on a consistent performance and a clean race before handing the #99 car to Tunku Abdul Rahman.
His Highness then sealed a near-perfect weekend, having already raced to a hard- fought second-place result in Saturday's chaotic fifth round.
Commenting on the race, Tunku Abdul Rahman said he was glad to have finished the race at the front of the pack.
'I feel like I got some redemption from Indonesia and hopefully we can continue fighting for this points' lead. I really enjoyed this weekend and I couldn't ask for more.
Meanwhile, JMR's Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Sultan Ibrahim and teammate Jordan Love faced a contrasting fortune as they had to retire the number 66 car after experiencing rear brake failure halfway through the race.
Rounds seven and eight of the GT World Challenge Asia will be held at the Fuji International Speedway in Japan from July 11-13.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Princes shaping motorsports future
IN recent years, Malaysia's motorsports scene has gained unprecedented momentum thanks to the high-octane involvement of two royal siblings from Johor. The growing achievements of Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim and Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim on the racetrack are not only rewriting motorsports history in Malaysia, but also igniting national pride. Tunku Abdul Rahman's passion for motorsports turned professional in 2019 when he made his debut in the Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia Series. Representing Johor Motorsport Racing, Tunku Abdul Rahman quickly established himself as a competitive force in the region. In 2024, Tunku Abdul Rahman achieved one of his career highlights by securing his first victory in the Asian Le Mans Series at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Teaming up with Luca Stolz and Jordan Love in a Mercedes AMG GT3, their victory was a culmination of strategy, endurance and pure racing prowess. Following closely in his brother's tracks is Tunku Abu Bakar, who began competing in the GT World Challenge Asia – GT3 series in 2022 with Triple Eight JMR. Though younger, Tunku Abu Bakar's talent was evident from the start, where he achieved his first career pole position and race win in Thailand. Tunku Abu Bakar's 2023 season ended on a high note with a runner-up finish in the GT3 Drivers' Championship, further cementing his reputation as one of Malaysia's most promising young racers. The royal siblings' shared passion led to the formation of Johor Motorsport Racing (JMR) early this year. The goal is to elevate local talent while competing at the highest levels in global GT racing competitions through JMR. The initiative reflects not just their love for the sport, but also a vision to see Malaysia dominate the international racing circuit. In a major move, JMR became South-East Asia's first team to field the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, an engineering marvel and a defining move by the Johor royals. This partnership marked a turning point, aligning Malaysia with some of the top racing technologies in the world. For the 2025 season, Tunku Abdul Rahman teamed up with Corvette factory driver Alexander Sims in car No.99, while Tunku Abu Bakar drove car No.66 alongside Jordan Love. Together, they have secured several podium finishes, firmly establishing themselves as serious contenders. Their efforts were recently recognised at the prestigious National Sports Award 2024, where both Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tunku Abu Bakar were conferred a special award for their outstanding contributions to motorsports. The ceremony was attended by none other than their father, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia – a proud moment for both the royal family and the nation. This recognition highlights how their journey has evolved beyond racing to become a powerful symbol of inspiration and national pride. It also reflects the government's growing acknowledgment of motorsports as a serious and emerging discipline. Beyond racing, both princes have become mentors and role models, introducing talent scouting programmes and technical training for aspiring drivers through JMR. Their goal is to nurture future champions from Malaysia who can shine on the international stage. Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, have shown their unwavering support, notably by attending races such as the GT World Challenge opener at Sepang. Their presence reflects how deeply motorsports is embedded within the Johor royal family. Both princes are known for their hands-on involvement in the day-to-day operations of JMR. From technical decisions to marketing strategies, their leadership is shaping a new kind of royal influence, one that is grounded in action rather than mere symbolism. Social media has played a crucial role in connecting them with fans, as their Instagram and TikTok accounts offer followers a glimpse into their training, race-day rituals and camaraderie, making motorsports more accessible and appealing to the younger generation. Their journey has not been without challenges, but they have approached each hurdle with resilience and professionalism. Whether facing technical setbacks or fierce competition, Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tunku Abu Bakar remain unwavering in their drive and commitment – with an impact that extends far beyond the track. Young Malaysians now view motorsports as a viable career path – one accessible not just to the elite, but to anyone with talent, determination and proper support. The establishment of JMR is already paying dividends, as several young drivers have begun training under the team's development programme, laying the groundwork for a future Malaysian motorsports dynasty. Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tunku Abu Bakar's involvement is a testament to how sports can unite people from all backgrounds. By leveraging their status for the greater good, the princes are not only enhancing the Johor royal family's legacy but also contributing to Malaysia's sporting excellence. The princes are not merely participating in motorsports – they are also actively shaping its future in Malaysia. As the 2025 season roars ahead, one thing is certain: the Johor princes are racing not just for titles, but for legacy, for youth and for Malaysia's place on the global motorsports stage.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Nice birthday gift for King as JMR triumph in Thailand
PETALING JAYA: It was a great week for Johor Motorsports Racing's Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ibrahim and English racer Ben Green as they secured a double podium finish in the GT World Challenge Asia championship. The Corvette Z06 GT3.R drivers were in fine form as they finished first in Race 2 at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand yesterday.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Johor Motorsport Racing triumph in Thailand brings a nice birthday gift for King
KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, extended his congratulations to the Johor Motorsports Racing (JMR) team following their victory in the second race at the Buriram International Circuit, Thailand, in the GT World Challenge Asia series, on Sunday (June 1). In a post on the Facebook page of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, His Majesty also described the JMR team's success as a meaningful gift in conjunction with His Majesty's official birthday on Monday. "JMR's win in today's race and second place finish yesterday (May 31) is a nice birthday gift for me. "My congratulations to my son (Tunku Panglima Johor (TPJ) Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj) and his teammate, Ben Green, for this outstanding achievement. "To my other son (Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj), do not be sad or lose heart - continue striving in the races to come," said His Majesty. Earlier, JMR in a statement said the team secured podium finishes in the fifth and sixth rounds of the GT World Challenge Asia in Buriram. The results also bring TPJ to the top of the championship driver point standings with a 62-point lead at the midway point of the season. - Bernama
