Heart-Stopping Action at the Rally Sprint X-One 2024

The Rally Sprint X-One 2024 , held on 27th October 2024 at the KL Flyzone – KL Base, Sungai Besi delivered an electrifying day for rally fans. With perfect weather and 31 drivers taking to the challenging course, this year’s rally was packed with high-speed action, intense competition, and inspiring performances from new and experienced racers alike.

Setting the Stage: Excitement and High Energy at the Flag-Off

Rally Sprint X-One 2024 kicked off with a grand Start Ceremony, featuring MAM Steward En. Mohd Kurnia Abdol Sakor flagging off the racer. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as each team showcased their cars to their chosen music, setting the tone for an adrenaline-filled event.

The teams faced six relentless Special Stages (SS) in Leg 1, each demanding precision and endurance. With every second crucial to their standing, drivers raced against time, while fans and teams closely followed the live updates, adding to the charged atmosphere.

Leg 1: Fast Times and Hard Hits

The opening leg saw impressive times and tough setbacks. Leading the pack, Car No. 3’s Hj Sutan Mutaffa and co-driver Hj Kamarul Anuar posted the quickest time of 17:04, closely followed by Car No. 17’s Saladin Mazlan and co-driver Arish Qutb, trailing by just four seconds. Their times set a high standard, with the rest of the competitors pushing hard to close the gap.

The course, however, took its toll on several teams. Car No. 29, driven by Muhamad Roni and co-driver Teh Yie Sing, veered off course in a heart-stopping incident, forcing them to retire due to mechanical issues. Cars No. 2, 31, and 86 also faced mechanical problems but worked tirelessly to make repairs and rejoin the competition, highlighting their resilience and determination.

Among the 2-Wheel Drive and Rookie categories, Car No. 11’s Tarunraaj and Tamilselvan led with a strong time of 19:08, with Car No. 7’s Syahmie Ruzainie and Dinie Nazmie close behind at 19:18. These impressive times set the stage for a gripping second leg.

Leg 2: Final Push to the Finish Line

In the final leg, competitors tackled the last four Special Stages (SS7 to SS10), pushing themselves to secure a place on the leaderboard.

The finale was filled with drama as one team’s vehicle flipped off the course, marking a shocking end to their race. Two other teams suffered mechanical breakdowns, leading to Did Not Finish (DNF) statuses, but the remaining competitors battled on with grit and determination.

RESULTS: Overall Category

Champion: Saladin Mazlan & Arish Qutb (27.35)
2nd: Hj Sutan & Hj Kamarul (27.40)
3rd: Mitch Chong & Muhammad Fadzli (29.01)
4th: Shafiq Samsudin & Shasha Shafie (29.47)
5th: Faidzal Alang & Zamri Muhamat (30.21)

Class P12 – Over 2000cc
Champion: Saladin Mazlan & Arish Qutb (27.35)
2nd: Hj Sutan & Hj Kamarul (27.40)
3rd: Faidzal Alang & Zamri Muhamat (30.21)

Class P11 – Over 1601cc up to 2000cc
Champion: Mitch Chong & Muhammad Fadzli (29.01)
2nd: Shafiq Samsudin & Shasha Shafie (29.47)
3rd: Zaidan Zainuddin & Ahmad Hafiyuddin (31.41)

Class P10 – Over 1401cc up to and including 1600cc
Champion: Kang Chin Wan & Brandon Choong (31.25)
2nd: Syahmie Ruzainie & Dinie Nazmie (31.26)
3rd: Mohd Syu’aib & Mohammad Dzuan (31.44)

Class P9 – Up to and including 1400cc
Champion: Mohamed Zahid & Kamal Shukri (32.27)
2nd: Lim Huei Hwang & Tan Yee Ling (32.35)
3rd: Tiew Ban Heng & Jameel As’san (33.40)

Category 4W
Champion: Saladin Mazlan & Arish Qutb (27.35)
2nd: Hj Sutan & Hj Kamarul (27.40)
3rd: Faidzal Alang & Zamri Muhamat (30.21)

Category 2W
Champion: Mitch Chong & Muhammad Fadzli (29.01)
2nd: Shafiq Samsudin & Shasha Shafie (29.47)
3rd: Kang Chin Wan & Brandon Choong (31.25)

Rookie Cup Classic
Champion: Mohd Syu’aib & Mohammad Dzuan (31.44)
2nd: Hasrin Tahir & Hafiz Azema (34.51)
3rd: Nik Ammar & Muhammad Aiman (36.18)

Junior (25yo and below)
Champion: Syahmie Ruzainie & Dinie Nazmie (31.26)
2nd: Ryan Ahmad & Marcus Chan (37.21)
3rd: Saif Danial & Ahmad Fadzlan (39.17)

Ladies Cup
Champion: Chan Sook Ping & Chan Jen Shyuan (35 mins)

Rookie Cup (Manual)
Champion: Tiew Ban Heng & Jameel As’san (33.4)
2nd: Nik Ammar Mohamed & Muhammad Aiman (36.18)
3rd: Ryan Ahmad & Marcus Chan (37.21)

Rookie Cup (Auto)
Champion: Lim Huei Hwang & Tan Yee Ling (32.35)
2nd: Muhammad Farid & Mark Levon (33.58)

Spotlight on the Rookie Cup: Muhammad Farid and Mark Levon Gregory

One of the most inspiring performances of the event came from Rookie Cup contenders Muhammad Farid and his 16-year-old co-driver, Mark Levon Gregory.

YETZAA RALLY co-driver, Mark Levon Gregory, son of renowned international rally co-driver Sean Gregory, makes his rally debut

Gregory, the youngest co-driver in Malaysian rallying and son of renowned international rally co-driver Sean Gregory, impressed fans by finishing second in the Rookie Cup (Auto) with a time of 33:58. This rookie duo showcased skill and determination, paving the way for an exciting rally future.

Looking Ahead: Rally Sprint X-One Returns in 2025

With the Rally Sprint X-One 2024 now in the books, motorsport fans are already looking forward to February 2025, when the event returns for another thrilling season. Rally enthusiasts can expect fierce competition and fresh talent as the series continues to grow and evolve.

The Rally Sprint X-One 2024 proved to be a spectacular event, filled with intense action, challenges, and triumphs. From the pulse-pounding moments at the start to the dramatic close, the event captured the true spirit of rally racing, leaving fans with memories that will last until next year’s event.