Races Dropped, License Issues: That's KL City Grand Prix for You

KUALA LUMPUR: KL City Grand Prix is webbed with issues and grouses with just two weeks before its inauguration. It is the first street racing event in Malaysia that will be three days long starting from August 7 to 9. According to the Malay Mail, the event is still in the approval stage and requires a confirmation from the Malaysian Sport Commission. This is insane, we are just 14 days away and the event is yet to receive an official confirmation.

The Sports Commissioner, Datuk Zaiton Othman stated that she was not even aware of the case that the GT Global Race organiser has applied for a license or not. If the organiser found guilty of not doing the same, then the company could be charged a fine of up to RM5,000 or even a jail sentence or both.

“I doubt this race can go on as there has not been any application to my office. Under the Sports Development Act, the organiser must obtain a licence from us.” Zaiton said.

Although, the Sports Commissioner also added in her statement that she was not sure if an application was made directly to Khairy Jamaluddin, youth and sports minister. Jamaluddin has powers to approve or decline any sporting event happening in the country. On Wednesday, Jamaluddin accompanied Alex Yoong, M. Arrasu, Ja'afar and Simon Gardini who are GT Global Race ambassador, CEO, chairman and race technical director respectively to have a look on various portions of the track. Arrasu said that he was not aware, if there was any need of an application regarding the approval of the event, but added, “If needed we will put in an application”.

Talking about the real thing, that is races, some of them being dropped from the 2015 event including one-make races Audi R8 LMS Cup and Porsche Carrera Cup Asia. Now, the event will feature just four race series, which include Formula Masters, KL GT City Cup, one-make Lamborghini Super Trofeo Cup and an exhibition of Australian V8 Supercars series rolling through the 3.2 Km long circuit.