On the right track

Two young go-karters dream of one day joining the elites of Formula One, writes

WITH the sky so clear, it’s turning out to be a beautiful Sunday at the Sepang International Kart Circuit. On the tarmac, which is identical to the main track at the Sepang International Circuit, racers in their karts are suitably pumped for Round 6 of the Malaysian Rotax Max Challenge for the junior category.

In kart No. 181, 13-year-old Hayden Haikal from Prodigy Racing Team is ready to show his mettle. Not far from him is team-mate Oscar Ng, also 13, in kart No. 122. The roar of the Rotax engines, the most popular karting engine in the world, resounds around the circuit. Tension is high.

Suddenly, the “GO” light appears and off shoots the racers. From my vantage point at the side, I can see how intense it is with racers taking turns to overtake each other and attempting to manoeuvre the 11 challenging bends of the 1.247m-long track.

I am so engrossed with the pulsating action that I fail to see the skies darkening. Within minutes, the heavens open, drenching the track and the drivers. Young Hayden is aware of the need to change his strategy. But he’s understandably nervous as this is the first time that he’s racing in rainy weather ever since he took up go-kart racing in 2013. He takes it slow for the first few laps to build up his confidence before proceeding to go full throttle. It’s a strategy that pays off handsomely as he finds himself clinching the No.1 spot.

Meanwhile, unlike Hayden, Oscar was confident from the beginning. But the change in the chassis setup of his kart, which had been set for dry and hot weather resulted in him struggling somewhat. No one predicted the rain and as per regulation, racers aren’t allowed to change chassis once they’re in the parc ferme (an enclosed and secure area in the paddock where the cars are weighed and any other checks deemed necessary by race officials are made). But there’s no way that Oscar’s giving up and despite the challenges, he manages to secure a 3rd place finish.

OFF THE TRACK

It’s interesting just how different the boys are on and off the track. Today, as I find myself in their company again at the Marriott Hotel, Putrajaya, for a meet & greet session with Sauber F1 Team driver Pascal Wehrlein organised by independent Swiss watch-maker Edox, the premium partner of the prestigious Formula One Sauber F1AE Team, the teens are decidedly more subdued and shy.

The duo, selected by Edox for their impressive racing records, are being given the opportunity to interview Wehrlein and to learn a thing or two about F1. Many F1 drivers, Wehrlein included, developed their skills from a young age, with most starting from the go-karting arena.

Also, in conjunction with the recent Malaysia Grand Prix, Edox proudly unveiled its latest timepiece, Edox Chronorally Sauber F1 Team Limited Edition, specially created for the partnership between the two Swiss giants.

The hall erupts as a dapper-looking young man makes his entrance. Donning a Sauber F1 Team dark blue collared t-shirt over a pair of shorts, the German-Mauritian is all smiles as he prepares to meet his fans. Teens Hayden and Oscar look nervous as they take their turn on stage and pose some racing-related questions to the everobliging Wehrlein.

The session is lively with the 22-year-old driver spending time signing autographs and taking photos before bidding goodbye so he can have a good rest before his big race the following day. As the guests begin to disperse, I manage to corner the boys for a quick chat. Hayden, in his baby blue collared t-shirt and Oscar, in grey, are all smiles, pleased as punch after their brush with Wehrlein.

“I was 7 when my dad first put me in a kart. I couldn’t even reach the pedal at the time and I was really nervous,” confides Hayden, his voice soft, as he recalls his beginnings.

Hayden’s father, Mohamad Haikal Zubir, who’s here with his son chips in: “Then when he was 8, I tried putting him in a kart again and he managed to drive all by himself. He was quite fast too for a first-timer.” Recognising Hayden’s natural talent and growing passion, Haikal threw in his full support, financial included, and registered Hayden for local races.

Meanwhile, racing has always been in Oscar’s blood. His father, Ng Wai Leong, was an untouchable karter during his prime, reaching the first historic milestone in Malaysian motorsports when he won the Asian Formula 2000 (known later as Formula Asia).

Now the manager of Prodigy Racing Team, Ng has been imparting his racing wisdom to both Oscar and Hayden. Unfortunately, Ng couldn’t be here today; instead, Oscar is accompanied by his aunt and team’s financier, Evon Chiw, and Nurul Huda Mohd Khair, the team’s secretary.

PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT

Ever since the boys took up racing, they’ve not looked back, improving every step of the way. In Hayden’s first full season in the