THE proposed motorsports circuit in Kedah took a step closer towards becoming a reality after the state signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sepang International Circuit (SIC) with the project expected to be completed within the next three years.
The MoU, signed by Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) general manager Dr Mahadi Mohamad and SIC chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali in Sepang yesterday will see SIC act as the technical adviser for the construction of the circuit and management adviser once it is completed.
Plans to build the track were first announced last year.
The facility will be built in Sungai Petani on a plot of land over 70 hectares with room for expansion in the future. The length of the circuit will be at least 1.6km.
The track will also include an off-road course, drag strip, grandstand and hillstand seating, a paddock building and retail premises.
Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, who witnessed the signing, said he hopes to make the state a hub for motorsports in the northern region with the circuit playing a key role in boosting talent development and spurring economic growth.
“We wanted to replicate the success of SIC albeit on a smaller scale which is why we have looked to their (SIC’s) expertise to make our dream a reality,” said Mukhriz.
“We were looking at three to four sites with SIC but finally decided on a spot in Sungai Petani which is not far from town and is also near to the international airport which we have plans to build.
“We have a healthy number of motosports enthusiasts in the north and since we announced our intentions to build it, it has created excitement among the people, including those from Thailand, who keep asking when it will be ready.”
Mukhriz, however, declined to reveal how much it would cost to build the circuit.
Razlan said the track will be able to host a variety of motorsport events.
“We are going through various designs at the moment and expect it to be completed by 2016 or 2017,” said Razlan.
“It will be good to have it longer than 2km but it will be at least 1.6km. It is a FIA and FIM grade four circuit which means we can have group N cars, single seaters, touring cars, cub prix as well as national championships but not world championships there. Its proximity to southern Thailand will also allow it to become similar to how popular SIC has become with Singaporeans.
“We want to make it self sustaining with room for scaleability and have development potential for the hotel industry.” By Fadhli Ishak