Team KooKaburra Racing

Race Drivers - Kenny Hwang and Stephen Kok

2011-10-04T14:31:00.000+08:00

What makes a successful racing team is the special character blend and camaraderie together with professionalism within the management and their drivers.

At Kookaburra Racing, we have team management and drivers Kenny Hwang (Zoggee) and Stephen Kok (Stevo) helping spearhead its efforts in racing together with the help and leadership of Jeffrey Ewe, team manager and occasional racer.

Here we would like to document the profiles of our race drivers.

Kenny Hwang @ Zoggee

Kenny is a businessman based in Puchong, specializing in logistics supporting the logistic needs all over Malaysia.

Kenny has raced in Malaysia's Sepang 1000km (S1k) 2010 under the Nexuscraft Kookaburra Racing banner with a Toyota Levin AE101 completing the long tough race, both qualify and finish in good position.

In the MME 2008, Kenny raced in a Group C car, Toyota Levin AE101.

He also actively races in club level events like RCA Speed Challenges and races; and MAM RallyX competitions under the Drift car category and many various Proton R3 street shootout events.

In the Sepang 1000km Race 2009, Kenny was the team crew for HPC Motorsports and Kegani Ultra Racing in their Class 1 and Class 2 race cars respectively.

A very keen car enthusiast and he is an active member of BMWclub Malaysia.

Being an instructor of HPC since 2006, his vast track driving experience in Sepang comes as no surprise.

Also a keen karter, Kenny has participated actively in the My-Kart Club racing series, endurance races and many other club level karting in Malaysia making podium finishes in numerous races.

In 2009, Kenny was crowned My-Kart Ironman after winning a hard fought and long race.

Stephen Kok @ Stevo

Professionally, Stephen is in corporate management with a multi-national company based in Kuala Lumpur.

Stephen has raced in Malaysia's Sepang 1000km (S1k) 2010 under the Nexuscraft Kookaburra Racing banner with a Toyota Levin AE101 completing the long tough race in a very good position.

In the Sepang 1000km Race 2009, Stephen participated as team crew for HPC Motorsports and Kegani Ultra Racing in their Class 1 and Class 2 race cars respectively.

In the MME 2010, Stephen was the Assistant Team Manager for a Class A Toyota Altezza. And in MME 2009, Stephen was a team pit crew for Wing Hin Motorsports-Kegani Autotech supporting their Class A Toyota Altezza.

Being an instructor of HPC since 2006, he has many track driving experiences in SIC and has instructed drivers who now have becomes fast racers.

He karted since he was 14 and now actively races in My-Kart Club racing series, endurance races and other various kart races in Malaysia making podium finishes in numerous races.

Stephen was also the former President of the ItaliaAuto Club and now continues to serve as an adviser and system administrator to the club committee.

When Stephen was in his early 20s, he has raced in many SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Autocross and race events in the USA and is an avid racer with experiences also in race track driving and drag racing there.

Speed Challenge Sepang 26 Sept 2010

2010-09-28T18:11:00.005+08:00

Team Nexuscraft Kookaburra Racing hit the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) for track day with Kenny Hwang (Zoggee), Stephen Kok (Stevo) and Jeffrey Ewe (Jeff) behind the wheel to perform some testing. On the same day, it was Ignition.my-RCA Speed Challenge event which Kenny Hwang took on the race efforts.

Kenny drove the Kookaburra Toyota Levin AE101 during the Speed Challenge in the Open class and picked up 2nd place. A great effort by Kenny under damp and rain conditions. Congratulations to Kenny!

Special thanks to the mechanical and support team of ToyzMech and Leslie Ewe on on-board video camera support.

Full results can be obtain here : http://ignition.my/2010/09/26/brief-summary-speed-challenge-sepang-2692010/

Pictures coming soon!

Two videos of the event, filmed and produced by Leslie Ewe :

Sepang 1000km Race 2010

2010-06-08T16:56:00.024+08:00

Team Nexuscraft Kookaburra Racing consisting of Team Manager Jeffrey Ewe, Assistant Team Manager Fabian Yee together with drivers Kenny Hwang (Zoggee), Stephen Kok (Stevo) and Julian Ng has completed the Sepang 1000km Race 2010 at the Sepang International Circuit from 3rd to 5th of June 2010 and have manage to qualify 20th in class with an average time of 2:44.588 (Zoggee at 2:43.366, Stevo at 2:43.752 and Julian at 2:46.646). After dramatic electrical and mechanical failures, spending a total of an hour and a half idle in the pits, the team managed to finish the race officially classified as 21st in class out of 34 cars (34th overall out of 56 cars).

It could have been a Top 10 finish if not for the issues but nonetheless, as they say, this is racing and a well fought race with lots of experience gathered.

Watch Kookaburra Racing as we prepare for 2011 heading towards the podium spot.

A big thank you to the management team, crew, supporters, family, friends and most of all, our Sponsors, Nexuscraft - Piasini Malaysia, Ultra Racing, Torco, PC Depot, Grid, Kegani Autotech, Kegani Motorsports, ZeroRH+ and Malaya Optical.

Detail race report and pictures to come next.

In the mean time, check out the tribute video below.

See the team's official race report.

Check out the article and pics by Spyder-Net.

Official results in Sepang Website.

Also see Zerotohundred.com video of the Sepang 1000km Race 2010

Also see Eddiewls's Write-up and Photos

More videos:

Nexuscraft Kookaburra Racing Hits the Media

2010-05-24T22:15:00.004+08:00

Various magazines in town this month has been showcasing Team Nexuscraft Kookaburra Racing for the upcoming Sepang 1000km Race in 3rd - 5th of June 2010. Check out the latest at your nearest newsstands.

Hypertune Magazine 2010 Vol 103.

Shift Magazine

Extreme Performance Car Magazine Vol.84 2010

Check out Eddiewls's write-up : http://automotiveimaging.blogspot.com/2010/06/pre-race-media-shooting-nexuscraft.html

More to come!

Interview with Spyder-Net

2010-05-04T17:42:00.006+08:00

Special thanks to Spyder-Net for the interview done with our team, Nexuscraft Kookaburra Racing, in preparation for the Sepang 1000km Race in June 3rd - 5th, 2010. With the help of Tony of Cosmic Elite Enterprise (Torco and Q8), the interview was conducted at Cosmic Elite HQ in Sri Damansara.

Catch the interview here at Spyder-Net website.

Pre-S1k Team Photoshoot and Media Interviews

2010-04-12T11:11:00.007+08:00

Team Kookaburra Racing did a photoshoot and media interviews on the 11 April 2010. A total of 6 photographers were on site to snap pictures of the team and the cars of Kookaburra Racing and Kegani Autotech.

Team Kookaburra Racing had their own photographers as well. These professional photographers are Eddie Wong and Fabian Yee. Special thanks to them for the help.

See a preview of the great work by Eddie Wong below during the photoshoot.
(all images are copyright of Eddie Wong and Kookaburra Racing)

More here at : Eddie Wong Photos and Fabian Yee's Photos.

More pics to come!

Car Test on SG Trackies Track Day

2010-03-01T17:11:00.004+08:00

On a beautiful morning on 20th February 2010, Team Kookaburra Racing headed to SIC to further test the track car and training. The private track day was organized by SG Trackies and those from Team Kookaburra Racing attended was Julian Ng, Kenny Hwang and Stephen Kok, with assistance from Jason Loo (Kart Racer), Andriy Boo (crew) and reputable Toyota engine tuner and experience racer, Kenny Lee from Kegani Autotech.

Lap timing and driver training was the main agenda of the day. The team also tested the communication devices for driver and pit wall.

Below are some pictures from the morning outing.

RCA Track Day 16 January 2010

2010-01-19T00:23:00.012+08:00

Kookaburra Racing headed to the RCA Track Day on 16th January 2010 at the Sepang Intentional Circuit (SIC) to practise and also do some component testing.

Kenny Hwang and Stephen Kok did many laps throughout the day and made good progress with Julian Ng on the pit wall with help from Andriy Boo and Ken Yong.

Some pictures below from the track action.

myKart Mega Mad Endurance Race 2009

2009-12-22T01:39:00.017+08:00

On the gloomy day of 19th December 2009, Team Kookaburra Racing joined venture with Kegani Motorsports and Ultra Racing for the myKart Mega Mad Endurance Race 2009 at City Karting Shah Alam. The team aptly named, 'Team Kegani Kookaburra Ultra Racing' consisted of racers Jeffrey Ewe, Julian Ng, Kenny Lee, Jason Lu, Tung Wei Hsiao and Stephen Kok together with pit and team management by Kegani Motorsports, Simon Chang and Redd CH.

The race consists of 8 hours endurance race with 6 drivers, rain or shine. The start of the race was "Le Mans" style which was very new to the racing scene in Malaysia. The karts were balloted and comes with new Comer 80cc 2-stroke engines, new racing slicks, new brake pads, new chain and CRG chassis.

Most part of the race was filled with heavy year end downpour. Due to the luck of the draw, the team's kart had a few kart problems which was enough to put it to last place. The team worked hard to catch up back the ranks and only managed 12th out of 14 teams which participated.

Below are some of the pictures from the event.

More pictures here.

Top Gear Malaysia Nov 09

2009-11-05T15:23:00.004+08:00

Kookaburra Racing Team efforts to the Sepang 1000km Race 2010 is featured in the Top Gear Malaysia, November 2009 issue, together with sponsor, Elson Tong of Ultra Racing, and racing partner, Kenny Lee @ Kegani Autotech.

Got get the issue now!

See the article here.

HPC Track Day on 4th Oct 2009

2009-10-05T15:07:00.009+08:00

Team Kookaburra Racing was present at the HPC Track Day on the 4th of October 2009 held in the Sepang International Circuit, South Track. Jeffrey Ewe, Kenny Hwang and Stephen Kok supported HPC as track driving instructors.

The team also brought the Toyota Levin AE101 track car to be showcased. Also, the Levin did many runs on track giving taxi rides to interested folks and also to test out the new Ultra Racing chassis strengthening bars added to the car.

More pictures to be posted soon!

Levin AE101 Party

2009-09-05T10:30:00.003+08:00

On the 3rd of September 2009, Team Kookaburra Racing had a small party at the Kookaburra Racing HQ in Puchong to celebrate the team's race car with family and friends, as well as in conjunction with the Chinese Hungry Ghost festival.

The race car, Toyota Levin AE101, was on display for guests of the party to see. Sumptuous food was provided by Kenny Hwang, which included his famous Asam Laksa.

More features on the race car at : KookaburraRaceCars.blogspot.com

Stephen Supports MME 2009

2009-08-13T15:46:00.022+08:00

As Team Kookaburra Racing did not participate in this Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race, Stephen Kok supported as pit crew for Kegani Autotech's driver Kenny Lee who was the main driver for the team, Wing Hin Motorsports, which joined venture with Kegani Autotech, TRD and Trial. The MME was held on the 8th of August 2009 at the Sepang International Circuit.

Wing Hin Motorsports fielded a race prepped Toyota Altezza for Class A2. However, the car DNF in the final 2 hours of the race.

Here are some pictures from the event (pictures belong to the respective photographers and owners).

The team pit - Wing Hin Motorsports

Stephen help prep the special prep race car Altezza before the start of the race

The whole team - principle, management, drivers, mechanics, pit crew, supporters etc

Stephen Kok aka Stevo poking fun together with team race queens (L-R): Peggy Yong, Natalie Fong and Sarah Yap

Race driver, Kenny Lee, flanked by the race queens (L-R): Peggy, Natalie and Sarah.

Stephen with the other crew and driver, Kenny Lee on the grid before the start of the race.

Kenny Lee prepares to start the car for the grid formation.

The Wing Hin Motorsports race Altezza on track during the race

Read an article on the Life as a MME Pit Crew featuring the Kegani Autotech pit crew.

More pictures can be found at :
Album 1
Zerotohundred

A video of one of the pitstops by the team :

Julian Wins CK 125 Open

2009-08-13T15:39:00.008+08:00

Kookaburra Racing driver, Julian Ng, recently raced the City Karting 125 Open on 8th of August 2009 and won!

Below is a personal and detail encounter of Julian's race.

---------------------------

The last round for the Shah Alam Friends and Families 125 Race was held last Saturday 8th August, which was also the day for Malaysia's premier endurance car racing event, the MME. As I was fighting for the 125 Stock class and this the final round for the year - my race participation was compulsory if I wanted any chance to collect more points and have shot at the year's championship.

For those who did not know, Shah Alam Friends and Partners 125 Race is a "by invitation only" race event, organised by City Karting and raced at their own track. The 5 round championship started 6 months back where the 1st race ( non championship round ) attracted about 24 drivers! There were effectively 3 categories - Open, Stock and Ladies. As the name goes, Open means any 125 kart engine is allowed and we have seen the Rotary, DD2, Parillas, SuperROK and modified Maxes and ROK in this category. The Standard is basically open for your ever popular Rotax Max engines and the ROK engine. The final category is for the lady karters, where they race with the boys in the 125 Stock classes is the Ladies Cup but have a prize at the end of the day. We have 2 lass competing at each round....

The race format is very much shorter than most real racing championships and this was beneficial as most drivers are amateurs/hobbist karters where race fitness are at times, right at the limit by the day's end. The added bonus from this shortened racing is we get to stretch 1 set of tyres through 2 rounds of this championship! Since Mojo D2 cost RM680 a set, such savings are indeed part of the reason why this championship see easily 15 drivers each round. We run weights @ 160kgs for Max, 155kg for ROK and more for open. The policing of weights is anyhow, lax...

Anyhow, due to the upcoming Puasa month - the organiser had decided to finalise the championship before that and hence the 8th August was chosen, the week before. As per the races, registration started at about 1130am, which again was convenient for those who need to tend to the family or even business earlier on in the day.

For the last round, I came late......but another driver, was even later and that was Muhaymin, the championship leader and all round, Mr Nice Guy....Anyhow, the normal pre-race preparation was normal, tyres change, tyre pressure checks, refuelling, data logger hook up......and a general overall check of the kart was done by myself. in my last race, I had an eventful Rd 4 after an accident with Ng Wai Leong which resulted in a very destroyed radiator, a slight bent rear axle and on the final lap, my exhaust fell off literally - which ended my race that day while chasing for 3^rd placing! :(

Mindful of the mechanical mayhem in the previous race, I had the foresight to test my kart 2 weekends before to ensure all repairs were ok. Despite that, my race day did not start well as my kart refused to start! A bit of panic set in and after a series of changes ie. batteries, capacitors - it was concluded that the starter was at fault. Well, my race almost ended there and then but a hammer and rod at the starter soon cleared the issue as she sprung into life......maybe my prayers helped too!

This race saw me donning for the very rare occasion, my blue KMX-3 Alpinestars suit which, come complete with amour and padding....all very nice but hot, which i normally dislike! Saturday was a scorcher too so plenty water were the order of the day!

Already reeling from these episode - I suited up for my 10min qualifying and customary to my choice, I will leave it to the last 5 minutes when the traffic would normally be better. It worked all past rounds and so I thought it would too for this time. In fact Wai Leong and myself were the last 2 go out for the qualifying and it was quite comical as I was tailing him at a slow speed and he was looking at me.....urging me to past! ( and I did not! ) This went on for 1 lap till I decided to pass him and go for it. Well, as they say - we can plan for the worst and hope for the best but in the midst of my qualifying run, Stanley - a fellow competitor, on his slowing lap decided to cut me off and there went my run. I tried 2 more runs and got down only to a slow 56.10, 3 tenths off what I could do. Well, that's what I thought!

When I returned to the pit and I was the last to do so......the qualifying results came up and I qualified a terrible 11th! My lap time was 56.3+ and no 56.10 despite that being recorded on my on-board data logger. To cut a long story short, the organiser stated that's my bad luck and likely due to the high transponder position I chose. ( which worked well in all past 6 races ) I changed that position, very quickly while cursing my bad luck. The consolation was Wai Leong only did a best of 55.9 and he was 9th! Muhaymin was also behind me.....in 13th! There rest were fast.....Naza was 55.5 and Eric and the Rotary, likely low 55s. ( maybe high 54s even )

The heats are 7 laps in length and Heat 1 was a mad dash to the front. I vaguely recall we had a very fast speed rolling start ( which suited me fine ) and I made up a few places after the Superrok driver ( Ramsey ) did not get a clean start and became a slow moving chicane. I think I finished 5th which was amazing when you think of the amount of passing I had to do! Of course, some retired or had crashes which were all part of the game.

One notable incident from Heat 1 was on exit from the 2nd hairpin - I passed Stanley and he was on my outside. As the exit was opening up toward the right, he stayed on my right and drove onto the grass and DID NOT BACK OFF! He was just beside me but I had 1/2 a kart length advantage. Knowing there was a kerb coming up.....I hope he backed off and as otherwise he could have turned into me or caused a pileup for those coming from behind. Muhaymin was on my tail.....luckily he half straddled the kerb and grass but backed off and from post race conversations....he lost 5 positions in that mistake! ( yeah, we were all tail to nose )

I also had the pleasure of passing the 2 geared DD2 but not before he sprayed me with his radiator run-offs.....for a few laps - a sign of overheating.

Heat 2 and Heat 3 saw me starting from 5th and 4th - positions which were determined by the finishing order from the last race. I did recall that Stanley ( yeah him again ! ) pushed me wide from behind at the parabolical once then in the next corner, dove on my inside and T-boned into Naza. I kept on the inside and sailed past these 2....in one of the heats. Hanif, a regular RMC racer came close by I just managed to hold him to the line.

The Final race is longer, 10 laps and this time, the starting grid is determined by the points we scored from the earlier 3 heats. I think I started 5th again.....on the inside which was ok. In front of me, was Wai Leong and on pole, the Rotary of SK Wong. Eric Yong was 2nd on his Parilla and I think Naza, my closest contender for 2nd position in the Stock 125 Championship was in 4th. Muhaymin was again, my wing man in 6th position.

The start was uneventful as I kept my 5th but soon the fixed DD2 was breathing down my neck.....the leaders ( Eric, SK, Wai Leong, Naza ) was ahead and knowing that the DD2 is much faster and in the open class as with those in front ( except the flying Naza ), I let him go. Muhaymin stayed behind me, knowing he already sealed the championship and did not want to spoil my race with Naza.....thanks!

Midway, the 5 bunched up which allowed me to come closer and Wai Leong pulled out soon after, perhaps due to mechanical issues. I was in 5th now.....with the DD2 dicing with Naza for 3rd! Then the DD2 came to almost a halt at the corner facing the paddock building and pulled off to the side, from a snapped throttle cable. His sudden slowdown scared me as I was coming at 106kph into the same corner, about 1 second behind him! Naza managed to get away and soon caught up with the Rotary in 2nd place. I was now 4th....at lap 6.

When I realised that SK was actually holding Naza up - I poured on the coals and tried to catch up.....and in fact did my fastest lap for the day then. A 55.53 which is about the fastest I been on the ROK/Mojo combination. ( yeah slow…) By lap 8, I was already tailing Naza and SK. Naza attempted a few passes but the rotary would blast pass him at every straight....an easy feat since he had 50hp at his disposal ( the Max has 28hp and ROK 26hp in comparison ). All this while I was plotting where and when to pass them and Naza was my priority, being in the same class as me.

On the final lap, the moment came.....and I dove on the inside of the hairpin. Naza, who either was too tired or annoyed at the rotary, did not put up a fight for the remaining 3 corners although I was expecting it.....and drove a defensive line into each corner. By then also, SK pulled a gap and did not play into our duel. Muhaymin, who was all the time tailing us - post race said that my passing was very clean and Naza just left the door open.

The finishing line was a welcome sight to me after an eventful day.....and I came 3rd overall ( Eric won the race, SK 2nd ) and crossed the line 1st in my class. I think ( subject to confirmation ) - I finished 2nd for the year as I was on the podium on 2 earlier occasion ( both 3rd ).

A note to mention for this round was that we had a few My-karter renting and joining the race this round as well ( Ramsey, Edwyn, Zul ) and this shows that the interest for such simpler/no fuss 125 racing is indeed becoming in demand.

Well, at the end of the day, the podium saw 3 quite senior guys triumph over those youngsters...... :) , The victory and this fact, made my day as I stood on the top podium with my 2 friends , beaming with a proud sense of achievement!

Karting – there is no other adrenaline fix……trust me!

Kookaburra Racing Race Cars

2009-07-01T00:19:00.004+08:00

Today marks the launch of an additional Kookaburra Racing blog known as Kookaburra Racing Race Cars. This site will feature the latest updates and information on all the team's cars and their progress and updates. Information on race seat rentals, car rentals and team management will be the highlight of the site as well.

Do check out : http://www.KookaburraRaceCars.blogspot.com

Kenny Wins Ironman Race 2009

2009-06-23T00:37:00.010+08:00

My-kart organizes the very first Ironman 2009 race at the City Karting Shah Alam kart circuit on the 21st of June 2009. The race was separated by 2 categories - K1 (125cc) and K2 (100cc) which comprises of the race format of 10 mins qualifying, 30 mins Ironman feature race and 10 laps sprint race.

Team Kookaburra Racing's Kenny Hwang and Stephen Kok participated in the K2 category which comprises of 15 racers. After the kart ballotting and kart setup, qualifying sessions began shortly. Kenny qualified a spectacular 5th position on the grid while Stephen struggled with his kart which lacked grip and braking to qualify poorly at 13th.

The Ironman race started shortly later with the 30 minutes feature race session. Kenny started off well the moment the "go" flag went down and climbed up the ranks together with precision driving, stamina and perfect strategy to lead the race. And by maintaining consistent race driving, Kenny took the finishing line to be the champion of the inaugural My-kart Ironman race 2009. Luck was not on Stephen's side and manage to improve his position with the struggling kart to only 11th. Finishing the race was a tough test on endurance racing capabilities and surely a great result for Team Kookaburra Racing!

Check out some pictures here.

Kenny celebrates his champion trophy

Kenny with his winning kart

The Ironman trophy up-close

Sepang 1000km Race 2009 (S1k)

2009-06-09T16:18:00.015+08:00

This year, after much deliberation, 2 members of Team Kookaburra Racing decided against racing in the very first Sepang 1000km Race held at Sepang International Circuit due to certain prior commitments. Instead, the team decided to participate as pit crew members to support our racing associates and friends at HPC and Kegani Autotech. Kenny Hwang was a race car refueller and Stephen Kok supported as tyre change specialist. Also, brought in a new kid on the block, Ah Ping to help in tyre change. It was a fantastic experience for both Kenny and Stephen and both are ready to race in next year's 1000km Race.

Team HPC Kegani fielded 3 cars in the S1k on 4-6 June 2009. A Celica in Class 1; A Levin AE111 and SEG AE101 in Class 2. The SEG suffered some problems early in the race and had to be benched after 1 hour. The Levin was leading the race most of the time and even ahead of Class 1 cars. And yet had to break down at the last hour of the race. Though unfortunate, the Celica managed to finish 6th in class and 10th overall.

The full race results can be obtained here.

Some pictures below.

Kenny and Stephen with the race drivers, Ramsey,
Brian and Jin on the HPC Celica

All 3 cars lined up in front of Pit 22

The Kegani Levin and SEG

Kenny and Stephen having a light moment with
Super GT race queens, Nana Shibata and Sana Yuuki

Super GT race queens posing with the Celica for
more publicity for the team

Kenny refueling the Celica during a routine pit stop

Stephen checking the tyre pressures

Ah Ping ensuring all tyres are clean before the race

Stephen and Kenny ensuring the fuel is measured correctly

MCA Segambut Endurance Race 22 Mar 09

2009-03-22T23:35:00.042+08:00

Team Kookaburra Racing fielded a 2 man team for the MCA Segambut Youth Division Endurance Race 2009 "Race Towards Unity" held in City Karting Shah Alam track. An event organized by the MCA Segambut Youth Division which also attracted many sponsors.

VIPs supporting the event includes MCA's Ling Hee Keat, Daniel Ling and Chew Lian Keng. Alex Yong, former Malaysian F1/A1 driver was present to help officiate the race together with Mohd Afiq (2008 AMM Go Kart Champion).

A total of 27 teams participated in the race which consists of a practise/qualifying round of 20 minutes and the endurance race of 70 minutes with 3 mandatory pit stops.

Kenny Hwang and Stephen Kok lead the charge for Kookaburra Racing in this go kart endurance race. The team qualified 3rd overall in the qualifying round. In the race proper, Kookaburra Racing managed to come up to 1st placing at one stage of the race but ended the race in a hard earned 2nd place.

This is indeed a great result for Kookaburra Racing and more to come in the near future of racing!

Some photos from the event here:

Kenny preparing to start the race

Kenny lines up a quick overtaking move

Stephen overtakes quickily from the outside

2nd Place : Stephen and Kenny with their prize

2nd-1st-3rd winners : Kookaburra Racing, Vertical Speed and Aliens Racing

To succeed, you need a strong supportive team!

The full MCA Go-Kart Challenge 2009 race result

The race was featured on TV3, a popular Malaysia national TV Channel, during the daily news update program called Buletin Utama on the 23rd March 2009. The video is featured below.

Update: Top Gear Malaysia published an article on this event in the May 2009 edition.

The official report on the race from MCA website : http://www.mcasegambut.org/GoKart/GOKARTreport.htm

City Karting 125cc Race Series Rd 1 (21 Mar 09)

2009-03-21T23:09:00.007+08:00

On a nice Saturday afternoon, City Karting Shah Alam ran a 125cc Race Series kart race which consists of 1 qualifying, 3 heats of 8 laps each and 1 final of 10 laps. The race attracted a field of 20 kart owners with 125cc kart engines ranging from Rotax Max, Rok and Parilla.

The race consists of 2 classes of 125cc and 125cc Open. Two of the Kookaburra Racing drivers, Julian Ng raced in the 125cc class while Eric Yong raced in the 125cc Open class. Julian picked up a respectable 3rd placing out of 17 racers while Eric Yong got 1st in the Open class out of 3 racers.

The full results below:

125cc Class
1. A.Muhaymin
2. JB Lai
3. Julian Ng
4. M.Z.Azizi
5. SK Wong
6. Karen Tan
7. Chris Setterington
8. Akif
9. Stanley
10. Zaini
11. Syed Safiq
12. Nazaruddin
13. Hanif Che Din
14. Azley Yahya
15. Syed Agos
16. Fazimee
17. Mike Siva

125cc Open
1. Eric Yong
2. Gilbert
3. Boy Kadri

My-Kart Race Series : 17 Jan 09

2009-01-20T19:05:00.009+08:00

The first My-Kart Race Series of the 2009 season started on 17th January 2009 at Shah Alam Stadium Kart Circuit early in the morning. The race actually consisted of 2 qualifying and 1 final. Julian raced in the K1 category (125cc) while Kenny and Stephen raced in the K2 category (100cc).

During the 1st and 2nd qualifying sessions, Julian posted 3rd and 1st placing respectively qualifying him in the final race in pole position out of 23 racers. And with that, Julian went on to clear the field of racers beating many experienced karters in the finals to take the chequered flag as the winner of the race! Congratulations to Julian!!

Kenny and Stephen who raced in the K2 category with the 100cc karts being new engines had some initial technical issues but that was sorted out quickily and they qualified 11th and 9th respectively. At the finals, Stephen raced to the finishing line and picked up 9th position while Zoggee took 14th. Both Kenny and Stephen will be making a bigger impression in the coming 2nd race of the season in February.

For detail My-Kart race results, please go here : K1 and K2

TRD Toyota Vios Media Test Drive

2009-01-10T13:13:00.011+08:00

The new TRD Toyota Vios media test drive day was underway at Sepang International Circuit on 9 Jan 2009. Finally the TRD spec-ed Vios was put to the test on the SIC race track by media folks.

To have a safe track/media event, there were professional track instructors on standby to support the running of the cars on track by the journalists. Kenny Hwang and Stephen Kok was the HPC Instructors in-support of the event and to guide journalists testing the car.

The TRD Toyota Vios

L-R: Stephen Kok, Nattawuth (TRD Race Driver), Kenny Hwang and Jason Loo

Kenny in the TRD Vios with a journalist

Kenny with the TRD Vios!

Kenny and Stephen's Instructor Tag

For more photos from the TRD Toyota Vios Media Test Drive, click :
http://picasaweb.google.com/stephenkok/HPCAtTRDViosLaunch

Other news articles about the TRD Vios event in Sepang:
- The Star Motoring : Whirring in the TRD Vios
- CBT : Toyota Shifts Up a Gear

Happy New Year 2009!

2009-01-01T16:26:00.003+08:00

Team KooKaburra Racing would like to wish all you loyal readers, fans and supporters a very happy new year! Keep on racing and don't forget the fun in doing so! See you in this year's MME 2009!

Formula BMW and F3000 Testing

2008-12-27T16:22:00.012+08:00

Held at Sepang F1 Race Track, a Formula BMW and a F3000 undergo some testing. Team Pacific Racing and Team Meritus were on site running their testing programs. With an invitation from the principal of Team Pacific Racing, Team KooKaburra gets some first hand play time!

Pacific Racing Formula BMW

Julian messes with the Formula 3000 while Kenny supports the Formula BMW

At the cockpit of the Formula BMW, Julian tests his seating position.

Julian explaining how fast he can go!

Stephen gets a rundown from Julian on how the Formula pedals work

Down the back straights, the 2 teams runs side by side

For more pictures, you can view them here :
Photo Site 1
Photo Site 2

My-Kart Mega Mad Endurance 08

2008-12-22T16:20:00.012+08:00

Team Kookaburra fielded a team for the My-Kart Mega Mad Endurance race held in Shah Alam go kart track. The race comprises of 6 hours non stop with 1 tyre change and technical stop including various refueling stops. The race even attracted the likes of A1 Malaysia driver, Aaron Lim!

We, Team KooKaburra comprised of 7 drivers, all avid karters and racers to gain top honors in this race event. The race was eventful with some major sluggish race kart provided by the organizers compared to the other teams. However, we completed the event at 8th place giving a tough fight to the other teams.

Here are some pictures from the event.

Team KooKaburra Racing racers. L-R : Alvin, Jason, Kenny, Stephen, Julian and Ben. In the kart, Eric.

Eric leads the team at the start of the race.

Getting ready for the 6 hours race! Eric on the wheel.

Kenny leading the way!

A big tussle between Stephen and Jeffrey for position into the turn.

Julian bringing back a strong placing for Team KooKaburra

For more pictures, you can view them here : http://picasaweb.google.com/zoggee/MyKartMadEndurance6hrs08

Race Driver Interview - Kenny Hwang

2008-11-22T00:45:00.011+08:00

Special one on one interview with race driver of Team KooKaburra Racing, Kenny Hwang @ Zoggee.

Q : What car do you drive now? What's your first car?
Zoggee : Currently driving an Old School BMW E30, first car was 62' Volkswagen Beetle.

Q : How did you first got into racing? How did it all started for you?
Zoggee : Started as hobbies.... participated in Proton Street Shootout 1 and 2, My Kart 2005 Mad Endurance race with fellow BMW Club members, MAM Rally X Rd.1 2008, various track sessions, MME 08 and recently, My-Kart Mad Endurance Race with veterans drivers like Julian Ng, Jason Loo, Alvin Joseph, Stephen Kok, "The Master Eric Yoong" and Ben Tan of Top Gear Magazine Malaysia (MME 6 hours).

Q : Tell us about your MME 2008 experience. Was it worth it?

Zoggee : Certainly, it was worth it! Was invited and offered a drive in Class C with 1.6 Toyota Levin with some special arrangements. A fellow student from HPC events. The team was managed very well, thanks to Julian Ng, HPC Chief Instructor, and assisted by Jeffrey Ewe, a fellow instructors too. Also the excellent support from driving buddies from BC Machine guys as Pit crew. Julian guided me well from his rigorous trainings, and managed to clocked my fastest lap time during qualifying of 2 minutes 40 seconds. The exposure, the race, the party, the friendships and the end, was like a festival. It's awesome.

Q : What do you see yourself in this big future world of racing?
Zoggee : To be able to perform better than some of my fellow My Kart members in the 2009 My Kart racing series... *grin grin* To be able to promote safe driving on the road for future racers before racing. To be able to boost branding for those who support me and Team Kookaburra and my peers.

Q : Any advise to those who want to be racers, both young and old?
Zoggee : Noticed that a lot of motorsports enthusiasts are taking their driving for granted. Being owners of powerful and souped up cars doesn't mean they can handle the car well. Learn the limits of their cars. Do it in safe and in control environments. Don't drink and drive, discipline and fitness are some of the criterias needed to be a racer. Would like to quote a saying by Proton HNT Instructors, "To be a racer, you need to be able to think as a racer, walk like a racer, dress like a racer!" I have high regards to all those Instructors. Knowlegable and yet humble.

Video of Zoggee (Kenny Hwang) lapping the Sepang track in a EG6.

You can learn more about Zoggee at his blog : http://zoggee.blogspot.com/

-END-

KooKaburra Events in Pictures

2008-10-12T00:26:00.003+08:00

Team KooKaburra also participated in various other events around town! Nothing is spared! You'll see it in all kinds of motorsports races, runs, events etc.

One the most regular events are the High Performance Challenge (HPC) track days. Many of the team members of KooKabura are track and racing instructors of the HPC. More info on HPC can be found at http://www.hpcmotorsports.com/

Some of the pictures from past events :
HPC Events Pictures
Litar Dato Sagor
Kampung Gajah Track Day
Other Motorsports Events

MME 08 Team Kookaburra Photos

2008-09-12T00:13:00.007+08:00

Some pictures of Team Kookaburra Racing during the MME 2008.

Photo credits to the photographers - Louise Fon, Fabian Yee and Wei Li.

The racers and the team!

The drivers most important protection, helmets

The 3 drivers having a light moment!

And the 3 drivers are...

Assistant Team Manager Jeffrey

Without the KooKaburra crew, the race is nothing!

And of course, a team always have their race queens!

Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race 2008

2008-09-10T19:19:00.008+08:00

The Merdeka Millennium Endurance (MME) Race is a highlight event held yearly at the Sepang International Circuit. The race started in year 2000 by Dato Mokhzani Mahatir who is the Chairman of the Sepang Formula 1 Circuit to develope the rising fame of Malaysian Motorsports. The MME is also known as Asia's biggest race attracting lots of international race drivers as well.

Team KooKaburra made its Malaysian racing debut in the famed MME in August 2008. Lots of hard work and sweat were put into the team with many months of preperation. And all goes together to setup for a great MME race debut!

The team ran a Levin in Group C and headed by team manager Jeffrey Ewe. Kenny Lee, Andrew Chew and Han Wee Yiau were the drivers for the team. It was indeed a great experience and the team achieved the goals aim forth - to compete in the MME 2008!

Look forward to 2009 for the next challenge!

RallyX at Sepang 13 July 08

2008-07-13T13:54:00.007+08:00

Even MAM's Rally X series you'll see Kookaburra! On 13th July 2008, Kenny brings his Toyota Starlet for a race, dirt style in Sepang rally course! This is Kenny's first outing on Rally X and he did well.

Note: Rally X is organized by MAM, Motorsports Association Malaysia. More info about Rally X can be found here : http://www.mam.org.my/rallyx/index.php

The Rally X course layout

The KooKaburra Starlet flying through the course

Kenny sweating in the hot day

Kenny collecting his prize! Congrats!

For more pictures of Kenny in action, you can view them here : http://picasaweb.google.com/zoggee/RallyX13thJuly2008

Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race

2008-02-14T01:19:00.006+08:00

The Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race, also known as MME, is a 12-Hours endurance race event held annually since it2000 at the Sepang International Circuit on late August as part of the Merdeka festivities in Malaysia.

In the late 90s, Malaysian auto manufacturer Proton used to organize a 500km race at Shah Alam circuit for local racers racing with Protons, to celebrate Merdeka in Malaysia. When Sepang International Circuit was built the race was shifted to the F1 circuit, with the winners of the race entitled to a new Proton road car.

But after the 1999 race, a dispute happened between Proton and Sepang International Circuit, resulting in Proton's sponsorship withdrawal. Sepang therefore decided to host a replacement race by itself and started the Merdeka Millennium 12 Hours Endurance Race in 2000. The race also opened up for non-Proton entries.

Since then, the race has evolved and has been organized annually ever since.

Visit the official MME website. The full history can be found here : http://malaysiangp.com.my/story/mme-history

KooKaburra Starlet

2008-01-04T00:23:00.006+08:00

The KooKaburra Starlet - the infamous yellow Toyota Starlet!! Raced in many events and appeared in many track days, it's finally featured on the web. Albeit from the looks, it's one powerful machine and does magical wonders!

"It's NA and the detail mods are kind of a secret" says Kenny. The car is able to drift like the best of them under Kenny's hands.

The KooKaburra Starlet during a recent event

Watch Zoggee drive the Starlet in Litar Dato Sagar in Kampung Gajah, Perak.

Sepang F1 Circuit

2007-12-25T02:48:00.006+08:00

The Sepang International Circuit (also known as Sepang F1 Circuit or SIC) is Malaysia's very first F1 circuit build by German designer HermannTilke, who has design various other racing circuits in the world.

The track is 5.542km in length and has 15 turns. The longest straight is almost 1km from Turn 15 to Turn 1. The track comes with latest technology of track circuits around the world, equiped with pits, paddock club, media center, storage area etc.

This circuit is the host of many international events like Formula 1 (F1), Moto GP, A1 GP, Super GT, MME and many more. Local races like MSS, Drag Battle etc are also held here.

Many open track days are organized throughout the year for track enthusiasts to bring the private car or track car for practise.

Below is the map of the SIC race track with the Turns outlined.

A Team Was Born

2007-12-21T21:21:00.008+08:00

Team KooKaburra Racing is a group of friends, fellow racing enthusiasts with a strong passion to achieve what all racing hearts want... to race! The passionate team would be involved in any sort of motorsports, advance driving and motor vehicle activities possible.

The passionate team consists of individuals from various diversities, cultures and different backgrounds from the motoring scene, and thus the heart of Kookaburra Racing.

That's the true spirit of Kookaburra, a name of a bird which originated from Australia and has a very distinct call and colorful character which shares the same trait as the team.

More about the bird can be found here : http://www.answers.com/topic/kookaburra

Listen to the sound of the Kookaburra bird :

The team has the same traits and quality - Distinct, Unique Identity and Personality!

Team KooKaburra Racing is borned!

The original team KooKaburra Racing Logo