Mazda Autokhana 2010 with Motorsport Channel, Bermaz and Goodyear

We had the opportunity to go up to Genting with the Goodyear Drift team to organize a small autokhana session with the Mazda Owner’s Club, a yearly event that was organized this time around with the support from Motorsport Channel, Bermaz as well as Goodyear Malaysia. An event for amateur drivers featuring the handling prowess of the RX-8 car, it was also an opportunity for Goodyear to showcase the effectiveness of its Eagle F1 Asymmetric tire which was fitted on the 2009 facelift RX-8 demo car.

As usual, a gallery after the jump

The simple roadcourse was laid out on one of Genting’s many parking lots and apparently, it was simple to GRA drivers Mike and Ariff. Being first-timers to the autokhana sport, we had MANY off-course runs during the setup of the track!

Before the drivers had a chance to hit the track though, they had to attend a briefing by Ariff regarding the two new Goodyear tires; the durable Excellence and the range-topping Eagle F1 Asymmetric. Ariff also introduced the new driver lineup for Goddyear’s Drift team, consisting of old boy Michael Gan, Jane, Ariff and new team member Loyai replacing Johan Norman. The club also gained first-hand knowledge of Bermaz’ plans to bring in the award-winning Mazda 2 and the *koff* MPS3 *koff*

Of course, the drivers were hesitant at first to actually participate in the autokhana, so a few runs with the demo car piqued their interest. With about 14 participants, the drivers were first briefed on the dos and don’ts as well as the importance of tire choice and pressure. After a few runs, it was clear that the balance of the RX-8 allowed even first-timer drivers to come close to the time set by Ariff in the demo car. The biggest surprise however came not from a rotary, but from a Mazda Lantis whose driver showed off how an autokhana track should be driven, complete with handbrake donuts!

The champion of the day however was Dennis Woo in a Goodyear Eagle RS-Sport equipped RX-8! The top three winners also went home with two Goodyear tires and cash prizes too, congratulations!