MSF Merdeka Race Returns to Sepang for Ninth Edition

MSF Merdeka Race 2026: Ninth Edition at Sepang with 111-Lap Endurance Event

The Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF) Merdeka Race is an annual endurance motorsport event held at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit (SIC) in Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia. Organised by Kelab Sukan Motor MSF Malaysia, a registered body with the Malaysian Sports Commission and an affiliate member of the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), the event features both four-wheel and two-wheel competition. The ninth edition, scheduled for August 29–30, 2026, addresses the need for high-stakes, multi-class endurance racing in Southeast Asia, attracting over 200 racing machines and 300 competitors from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong.

The 2026 MSF Merdeka Race is the ninth consecutive edition of Malaysia's premier Independence Day endurance motorsport event, featuring a 111-lap car race and a 33-lap superbike endurance race at Sepang.

Key Facts

The MSF Merdeka Race 2026 paddock pass is priced at RM45, granting access from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm, with free entry for children under 12.

What Is the Format of the 111-Lap Endurance Race?

The MSF SuperTurismo Merdeka 111 Endurance is a 111-lap car race covering approximately 615 km around Sepang's 5.534 km circuit. The race starts at 5:30 pm on Sunday, August 30, with competitors expected to finish just before midnight as Malaysia celebrates its 69th Merdeka Day. Teams must field at least two drivers per car and complete a minimum of two compulsory three-minute pitstops.

Driver stints are otherwise unrestricted, allowing teams to develop their own strategies around fuel, tyres, driver changes, and pitstop timing. 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 111-lap endurance race requires each team to field at least two drivers and complete two compulsory three-minute pitstops, with no other stint restrictions.

What Two-Wheel Racing Is Scheduled at the MSF Merdeka Race?

Two-wheel racing takes place on Sunday, August 30, with the MotoMSF Superbikes Merdeka 33 Endurance held on Sepang's South Track. The 33-lap race covers almost 183 km, with a two-rider team sharing riding duties throughout the endurance event. Compulsory pitstops are required every eight laps, adding a strategic element to a race that tests physical endurance in Malaysia's tropical heat.

The superbike endurance race runs from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. The morning programme also includes the seven-lap American V-Twin Cup by Prodigy Racecraft, featuring Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

The MotoMSF Superbikes Merdeka 33 Endurance requires compulsory pitstops every eight laps, with two riders sharing duties over 33 laps on Sepang's South Track.

What Other Races Are Part of the MSF Merdeka Race Weekend?

The weekend begins on Saturday night, August 29, with three sprint races scheduled between 9:00 pm and 11:35 pm. These comprise two five-lap Super Unlimited races and an eight-lap Skilldrvn One Make Race Series event. Four-wheel racing resumes on Sunday afternoon with a 10-lap Skilldrvn One Make Race Series race at 2:15 pm, followed by the Merdeka 75 Cup at 3:00 pm.

The Merdeka 75 Cup is a 75-minute endurance race featuring four classes: Saga Cup, MyVi Cup, CamPro Cup, and Tuner Production. This multi-class format provides opportunities for a wide range of Malaysian production cars, from national marques like Proton Saga and Perodua MyVi to modified tuner vehicles.

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 Defending Champions and Key Competitors?

Defending the overall MSF Merdeka Race title will be veteran racer Faidzil Alang, who returns alongside Mohamed Hafez. They will face competition from local racers as well as entrants from Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. The event brings together veteran racers, newcomers, established teams, and competitors from across the region.

"The Merdeka race has grown tremendously over the years, and being able to put together the annual 111 laps endurance is a significant milestone for MSF."

— Adian Yein Khalid, MSF Principal

Defending champion Faidzil Alang returns alongside Mohamed Hafez to face regional competition from Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong at the 2026 MSF Merdeka Race.

Who Is This Event For in Malaysia?

The MSF Merdeka Race is designed for Malaysian motorsport enthusiasts, racing teams, and families seeking a Merdeka Day weekend activity. The event is particularly relevant for spectators in the Klang Valley, given Sepang's proximity to Kuala Lumpur, and for those interested in production-based racing featuring Malaysian national cars like Proton and Perodua. The RM45 paddock pass provides access from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm, making it a full-day outing.

The event's class structure — including Saga Cup, MyVi Cup, and CamPro Cup — directly reflects Malaysia's automotive landscape, featuring cars that are affordable and familiar to local consumers. The endurance format, with its emphasis on strategy and teamwork, appeals to those interested in the technical aspects of motorsport, while the free entry for children under 12 makes it accessible for families.

The MSF Merdeka Race is particularly relevant to Klang Valley motorsport fans, featuring production classes for Malaysian national cars including Proton Saga, Perodua MyVi, and CamPro-powered vehicles.

Common Questions

How much are tickets for the MSF Merdeka Race 2026?

Paddock passes are priced at RM45 and provide access to the event from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. Children below 12 years old enter free of charge.

What time does the 111-lap endurance race start and finish?

The 111-lap MSF SuperTurismo Merdeka 111 Endurance starts at 5:30 pm on Sunday, August 30, 2026. Competitors are expected to finish just before midnight as Malaysia celebrates its 69th Merdeka Day.

How many drivers are required per car in the endurance race?

Teams competing in the 111-lap endurance event must field at least two drivers per car and complete a minimum of two compulsory three-minute pitstops. Driver stints are otherwise unrestricted.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the original report published by Paul Tan's Automotive News on August 24, 2026, titled "MSF Merdeka Race returns to Sepang with ninth edition, 111-lap endurance event, racing cars and motorcycles." The source URL is https://paultan.org/2026/08/24/msf-merdeka-race-returns-to-sepang-with-ninth-edition-111-lap-endurance-event-racing-cars-and-motorcycles/.

All statistics, quotes, dates, and pricing information are drawn directly from the source material. No additional data has been invented or extrapolated. Currency is presented in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) as stated in the original source. This article was last updated on August 24, 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the Paul Tan's Automotive News report.