Last year, when Perodua dealership DMM Sales Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of Daihatsu Malaysia) decided to enter a Myvi in the Sepang 1000-km endurance race (S1K), it raised some eyebrows. While the car has come to be known as ‘King’ to Malaysians with its ‘amazing feats’ that can probably rival Chuck Norris, Perodua never designed it for racing.
However, the team that was formed was determined to show that the Myvi had potential to race and was reliable enough to participate in an endurance event. They had encouragement from Team Principal, Datuk Dr. Zahari Husin, who provided valuable guidance and also the unwavering dedication to excellence and passion for motorsport of everyone concerned.
Completed race on first attempt
The DMM Team’s single Myvi entry defied the odds as it not only finished the 181-lap race – on its first attempt – but also claimed an outstanding P10 class finish in the SP2V category.
New name for the team
The outcome of the S1K entry in 2022 gave strong encouragement to return this year, and the team – now known as DMM 204 Speedster – has taken whatever was learnt in the race to make improvements to the racing car. Racing is very high-pressured for not only the drivers but also everyone else in the team but it is valuable experience to have.
The racing car, with new livery, is a pre-facelift Myvi Gen 3 (AV variant) and has a standard 1.5-litre engine as well as standard ECU. The 4-speed automatic transmission is also standard but is a new unit.
Permissible changes made to improve performance include a performance air filter, full race exhaust, enhanced suspension, endurance brake pads, braided brake hose and -pot calipers by NThree Brake Specialist.
RAXER RP10X 15-inch wheels (also used in 2022) with performance wheel studs are fitted and shod with Yokohama AD09 (195/50/15) tyres.
Two new drivers
From the original 3 drivers who took part last year, only Faiz Sulaiman will go into ‘battle’ as Shafiq Rosli will assume the role of Race Director, while Fariqe Hairuman is Race Technical Director. In their places are Ashraff Dewal, who has years of racing experience (including some in GT cars), and Aiman Haziq who came on top of the driver search program conducted the team.
DMM 204 Speedster will be supported by DMM Performance which is the title sponsor. Other sponsors and partners are Vort-X Malaysia, EXN, Wrap Autowerks, Raxer Wheels, Max Racing, AES, 4 Qul, Fawster, Recaro Malaysia, RnR Autosport, 204 Autoworks, and MS Racing. Most of the partners are Malaysian companies, further reinforcing the national spirit that is already incorporated in the team since its inception.
Best of luck to DMM 204 Speedster in the S1K which will take place on November 23 – 26!
