Lesson learnt

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik yesterday flagged-off the Bandar Seri Begawan Go-Kart Race held to commemorate the 41st anniversary of the renaming of ‘Bandar Brunei’ to ‘Bandar Seri Begawan.’

The day-long event saw karters competing in three categories: ‘Novice,’ ‘Open’ and the ‘125cc Rotax Max.’ The heats and preliminary rounds were conducted in the morning, while the finals in each category were held in the afternoon.

Hj Harith bin Hj Abd Aziz, also known as Harith Aziz in the kart world, yet again added another trophy to his collection by winning his first ‘Bandar race’ at the capital yesterday.

Harith Aziz, on Kart 45, was declared champion in the National 125cc ROTAX MAX Category in the Grand Finale of the Go-Kart Race held in conjunction with the celebration to commemorate the 41st anniversary of renaming the capital’s – name from Bandar Brunei to Bandar Seri Begawan (Bandar Race).

Runner-up was Chan Key Hong, Kart 318, and in third place was Md Rafiee bin Junaidi, Kart 50.

Chan Key Hong, Kart 318, took the champion’s title in the Open Category. Runner-up was Md Jeffery bin Abdullah Suresh, Kart 111. Tang Hsu Chung, Kart 86, came in third.

Debutante Hj Fauzan bin PD Hj Abd Rahman, driving Kart 121, emerged champion in the Novice Category. Hj Zainur Asri bin Hj Abdullah, Kart 882 was in second place. Ishak Hj Mahadi, Kart 24, took third place. His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik witnessed the final races and consented to present the prizes to the winners.

HRH Prince Malik upon arrival at the town and met up with all the racers yesterday

A great turnout in the past two days and well done to the organisers

The Open Category final race kicked off

One of the finalists in the Open Category

A big turnout at town yesterday despite the heat

Chan Key Hong also known as Ah Hong was very happy with two podium finishes (1st in Open and 2nd in 125cc Max Rotax) and he also achieved a double a while ago in Tutong

HRH Prince Malik presented the 2nd prize of Open Category to Jeffrey Suresh. It was a very close race with Ah Hong as he was on hot on his heels from start to finish. Great race from both drivers.

Ah Hong claimed his first prize in the Open Category

Harith Aziz, with 20 years karting experience, said he finally won his first title for the ‘Bandar Race’ after four attempts. He was really happy and excited for his victory. “The track in Tutong was hard, which needed strategy and technique, while the Jerudong track demanded fitness and stamina. The Bandar track is harder, it needed both strategy and stamina.

“First of all, I would like to thank my family for all their support and to the Amori Racing Team for the well preparing of the karts for the race. I want to thank Brunei Darussalam Go-Kart Association for making a successful and safe event,” he added.

Chan Key Hong, having grabbed gold and silver in different categories, said he was tired and relieved the event was over, “It was tough racing in two categories, which meant I had to work twice harder. But it was worth it and with more training and more preparations; I know we can do better,” Chan said, as he held up his two trophies.

Hj Fauzan said that he was shocked and overjoyed with his win. “My first (time) joining a tournament, I didn’t expect to make poll standings. When my kart spun on the third lap of the final race, I didn’t think much and just kept pushing on. I overtook a few karts just to gain a lead and didn’t know I was way ahead. I only knew that I won when the Marshall gave me the Chequered Flag.”

Noor Effendy Metussin, Secretary and Media Liaison of Brunei Darussalam Go-Kart Association (BDGA), said they were very happy that the event turned out really good and said that there will be more races coming up.

“I am very excited that there are a lot of newcomers and around 20 or more had joined in the Novice Category. Hope there will be more new members.” He added. Yazid bin Dato Paduka Hj Yakub, Vice President of BDGA said that they were a bit concerned about the Novice Race, where the newcomers are inexperienced, and some minor bumps and accidents happened.

“But these are where the learning curve is ascending and the karters will get to be more experienced,” he added. Text courtesy of Khairil Hassan of Borneo Bulletin.

The top winners of the Go-kart racers

Volunteers taking photos with the Go-Kart champion Hj Harith

The racers enjoyed their time on the track

Hj Harith taking photo with BB journalists and photographers

Tyres going “lelong” after the race *lol*