MSF Merdeka Race Returns to Rock Sepang This Weekend

MSF Merdeka Race Returns to Sepang: Event Overview

The Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF) Merdeka Race is an annual motorsport endurance event held at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit (SIC), organised by the Kelab Sukan Motor MSF Malaysia, a club registered with the Suruhanjaya Sukan Malaysia and affiliated with the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM). The event returns for its ninth consecutive edition on 29 and 30 August 2026, in conjunction with Malaysia's 69th National Day celebrations. It addresses the demand for high-competition, multi-category racing for both four-wheel and two-wheel motorsport enthusiasts in Malaysia, featuring over 200 racing machines and 300 racers.

Key Facts

What Is the MSF SuperTurismo Merdeka 111 Endurance Race?

The MSF SuperTurismo Merdeka 111 Endurance is a non-stop endurance race covering 111 laps, or approximately 615 km, around the 5.534 km Sepang circuit. Each team must field at least two drivers per car and complete a minimum of two pit stops, with each stop lasting at least three minutes. The duration each driver spends behind the wheel is not fixed, allowing teams to plan strategies based on race conditions, driver capability, and pre-race calculations.

The race is divided into seven classes: Super Series Limited, EXN GT86 x BRZ Racing Cup, Super Compatto, Standard Production, Standard Production MAX, Super Production, and K-Series Battle. The main event starts at 5:30 PM on Sunday, 30 August, with racers expected to cross the finish line before midnight, just ahead of the 69th National Day celebrations.

The 111-lap endurance format demands consistency, strategy, and teamwork, not just raw speed, making it a significant achievement for MSF's annual Merdeka Race programme.

What Are the Race Schedules and Categories for 2026?

The event spans two days, with Saturday dedicated to night sprint races and Sunday featuring endurance races and motorcycle events. On Saturday, 29 August, three night sprint races will be held between 9:00 PM and 11:35 PM, including two five-lap races for the Super Unlimited class and an eight-lap Skilldrvn One Make Race Series.

Sunday morning shifts focus to two-wheel machines. The American V-Twin Cup by Prodigy Racecraft features Harley-Davidson motorcycles in a seven-lap race. The MotoMSF Superbikes Merdeka 33 Endurance runs on the South Track from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, with teams of two riders sharing duties over 33 laps and mandatory pit stops every eight laps. Four-wheel action resumes with a 10-lap Skilldrvn One Make Race Series at 2:15 PM, followed by the Merdeka 75 Cup at 3:00 PM, a 75-minute endurance race covering four classes: Saga Cup, MyVi Cup, CamPro Cup, and Tuner Production.

The Merdeka 75 Cup is a 75-minute endurance race featuring four classes: Saga Cup, MyVi Cup, CamPro Cup, and Tuner Production.

Who Are the Key Competitors and Defending Champions?

Veteran racers Faidzil Alang and Mohamed Hafez will return to defend their Merdeka Race title from last year. The competition is expected to be intense, with the grid featuring local racers alongside participants from Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. MSF Principal Adian Yein Khalid highlighted the race's unique ability to bring together veteran racers and newcomers, as well as experienced teams and regional competitors, on a single grid.

"Keistimewaan perlumbaan ini ialah kemampuannya menghimpunkan pelumba veteran dan muka baharu, selain pasukan berpengalaman serta pelumba dari rantau ini dalam satu grid."

— Adian Yein Khalid, Principal, MSF (translated: "The uniqueness of this race is its ability to bring together veteran racers and newcomers, as well as experienced teams and racers from the region on one grid.")

Defending champions Faidzil Alang and Mohamed Hafez will face challengers from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong at the 2026 Merdeka Race.

What Is the Paddock Pass Price and Visitor Experience?

Paddock passes are priced at RM45 at the venue, granting access to the event from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Children under 12 years old enter free of charge. Visitors can explore the paddock area, purchase food from food trucks, and buy motorsport merchandise and souvenirs from participating vendors across the two-day event.

A paddock pass for the MSF Merdeka Race costs RM45 at the venue, with free entry for children under 12 years old.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This event is designed for Malaysian motorsport fans, racing teams, and families seeking a National Day weekend activity. The event's structure accommodates both hardcore enthusiasts who follow endurance racing strategy and casual visitors interested in the paddock experience, food trucks, and merchandise. The Sepang circuit's location makes it accessible from Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley, with the night race format on Saturday and the full-day Sunday schedule providing options for different visitor preferences.

Malaysian families and motorsport fans from the Klang Valley can access the event via the Sepang circuit, with paddock access from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM over the two-day National Day weekend.

Common Questions

How much does a paddock pass cost for the MSF Merdeka Race?

A paddock pass costs RM45 at the venue. This provides access to the event from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Children under 12 years old can enter for free.

What are the mandatory pit stop rules for the 111-lap endurance race?

Each team must have at least two drivers per car and complete a minimum of two pit stops. Each pit stop must take at least three minutes. Driver stints are not time-limited, allowing flexible team strategy.

Which motorcycle classes are featured at the Merdeka Race?

The event features the MotoMSF Superbikes Merdeka 33 Endurance, a 33-lap race covering approximately 183 km, and the American V-Twin Cup by Prodigy Racecraft, which showcases Harley-Davidson motorcycles in a seven-lap race.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the original source material published by Careta, titled "MSF Merdeka Race Kembali Gegarkan Sepang Hujung Minggu Ini!" by Firdaus Razani, dated 24-08-2026. The source URL is https://careta.my/article/msf-merdeka-race-kembali-gegarkan-sepang-hujung-minggu-ini. All facts, quotes, and figures are drawn directly from this source. No currency conversions were required as all prices were already listed in Ringgit Malaysia (RM). This article was last updated on 24 August 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the original Careta publication.