New ball game but JDT driven to make their mark on the racetrack

Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) dominance isn’t just on the football pitch as they could also be a formidable force on the racetrack.

The JDT Racing Team’s recent entry into the world of motorsports saw the inclusion of professional rider Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah into their team for the 2024 Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC).

But Johor have already dipped their toes in four-wheeled racing with the Triple Eight Johor Motorsport Racing (JMR) team, who recently finished third at the Bathurst 12 Hour in Australia.

With their stellar performance in football a glistening example, Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) president Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir said it is only a matter of time until the racing team reaches success.

“Based on what JDT have done in football and car racing, it goes to show the potential for their two-wheeled team to reach great heights,” he said after a MAM lunch event in Sungai Penchala yesterday.

“The chances of a Malaysian team becoming champions in the region are low, that is why I think the success that JDT have reached in football and car racing can be replicated in two-wheel racing as well.

“With Ducati machinery, the opportunity to become champions is even more likely, and knowing JDT, they will execute things the right way and I am confident they are made to win.’’

At the same time, Mokhzani said the new racing circuit being built in Beranang still needs to acquire the proper certification and sanctions from the MAM before any racers take to the track.

Still under construction, Mokhzani said the circuit looks good but will need to be sanctioned by the MAM before it can host races and events.

“Sanctioning a race track is under the MAM’S care. It is not a unique thing to Malaysia. All sports have governing bodies that ensure sporting events are carried out smoothly, regardless if it’s a domestic or an international event.

“In Malaysia, MAM have been given the responsibility by the world governing bodies to ensure races and events prioritise the participant’s safety.

“That is the most important thing for us because accidents can happen anytime in motorsports, and we want to minimise the risk as best we can,” he said.