SHAH ALAM – Former MotoGP racer Shahrol Yuzy Ahmad Zaini underscores the need for event sanctioning in motor sports following the latest of continuous fatalities at unsanctioned events, emphasising the crucial role of sports governing bodies in ensuing fairness and safety.
Shahrol who is also the president of Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Motor Sports Association stressed that all sports events must not be exempted from sanctioning so that it can be conducted according to established standards, rules and guidelines.
His two-cents over the matter came against the backdrop of the death of drag racer Hattem Rashdi, reportedly due to technical issues with his bike, at the unsanctioned Malaysia Drag Bikes National ET Record Championship (Round 3) on Sunday.
The event was organised by MUSC Motorsports.
"In recognised motor sports events, two or more stewards will be appointed to adjudicate and ensure that the competition adheres to the prescribed regulations and laws. In addition, one of the recognition procedures is to ensure that the track conditions are safe.
"Typically, the sports governing body will send a track inspector to examine every inch of the competition venue. This inspection is thorough and covers every aspect of the venue, not just the track conditions,” Shahrol explained.
For example, he added, was the placement of the advertising and sponsorship boards which needed to be positioned away from the track so as to not obstruct racers’ trajectory in case of a fall.
"If there is no spacious area around the racing trajectory where a racer might fall, the inspector will ensure that the sponsorship boards are made of materials that will easily break if a racer falls and comes into contact with them.
"This will protect the racer from serious injuries,” he remarked.
Interestingly, last year, MUSC Motorsports also held an unsanctioned racing event in Gong Badak, Terengganu, which had to be stopped immediately after one of its participants died after crashing into a tree.
Earlier this year, in January, a spectator was killed after being hit by a race car at another unsanctioned event by Cilik Motorsport held at the Dato’ Sagor Circuit.
The unfortunate collision happened when he entered the circuit to record videos.
"Motor sports are high-risk and dangerous activities. Recognition is an important aspect to ensure the safety of spectators, officials, and racers alike.
"Insurance providers will only cover sporting events recognised by a legitimate sports governing body,” Shahrol said.