Ahmad Ibrahim: Time for a world-class race track in Sarawak

Borneo Post

13 hours ago

Ahmad delivering his speech during the event.
MIRI (June 14): Senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim has called for the construction of a proper and permanent race track in Sarawak to cater to the growing number of motorsports enthusiasts within the state and increasing interest from abroad.
'I want to see a permanent Sarawak International Race Circuit built—not only for drift, but also for drag, circuit racing, gymkhana, autocross, karting, and grassroots motorsports,' said Ahmad when officiating the opening of the Borneo Star Drift Series (BSDS) 2025 Round 1 and Round 2 at the Permyjaya Racetrack here last night.
He highlighted that such an event has significant potential to generate employment across a wide range of sectors.
'Events like this have great potential in generating numerous jobs involving motorsports engineering, racing crews, event logistics, media production, tyre and lubricant businesses, tuning garages, and even e-motorsport,' said Ahmad, who is also president of the Sarawak Motorsports Association.
Commending the young organisers behind the event, he praised the KDC Motorsport Club for their dedication despite limited funding.
'They do not speak much, but walk the talk and work hard. Funds may be limited, but their fighting spirit in making it happen was relentless. Keep going. You have my full backing at the national level. We will continue to push for more support and more funds – not only from the government but also the corporate sector and investors.'
Describing the event as extraordinary, Ahmad said it was time to celebrate the rise of Malaysia's and Borneo's drift scene.
Ahmad (seated fourth left) with event organisers and participants during a group photo.
'This is not just a race. This is a movement. BSDS2025 is not just a contest of who is the fastest or who produces the most smoke.
'This event is for Malaysians, particularly Sarawakians, to display their talents—in driving, tuning, technical setups, crew work, and most of all, passion.
'Drifting is not just about turning the steering wheel. It's an art, it's adrenaline, it's community.'
He noted that the presence of international racers such as Toni Arakaki, Davide Dorigo, and Mervyn Nakamura underscored Sarawak's growing reputation in the global motorsports arena.
'When drifters and racers come to Miri from Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines—that's not just tourism. That is international recognition,' he said.
'That says something about our motorsport potential. And yes, with live streaming and digital coverage, we're not just hosting a local event—we're on the global motorsport map.'
He also said that choosing Miri as a host city for the event was both timely and appropriate, given its status as one of Malaysia's top tourist destinations.
Earlier in the day, drifters competed in a qualifying session followed by several sub-events including the Top 16 Battle, Top 24 Battle, Top 16 Parade, and Top 16 Tandem.
The event continues today with final practice sessions for all drifters, another round of qualifiers, battles, parades, tandems, and the Top 4 Drift Cars Show. Spectators will also have the chance to take photos with the cars.
Tomorrow's programme includes final practice, a qualifying session, more battles, the Top 16 Parade, and an autograph session. The event will wrap up with a prize-giving and photography session.
Also present at the opening were event organisers Andy Chong and Fish Lee of KDC Motorsport Club, as well as representatives from Sarawak Sports Corporation, Motorsports Association Malaysia, Sarawak Motorsports Association, and Miri City Council. Ahmad Ibrahim Borneo Star Drift Series drift motorsports race track