The curtain came down on Season 8 of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia Vios Challenge with two days of gripping, high-stakes racing at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit, where intensity, strategy and resilience defined a championship that went right down to the final chequered flag.

The season-closing doubleheader marked the first-ever use of the 2.609km South Track in the Vios Challenge, a layout that proved more technical and demanding than anticipated. With RM300,000 in total prize money at stake, the final races reshuffled expectations as dark horses emerged and championship favourites were pushed to their limits across the Super Sporting, Sporting and Rookie classes.

Super Sporting Class: Consistency Triumphs Over Drama

Race 1 saw Laser Motor Racing’s Ady Rahimy deliver a commanding performance from pole position, converting a strong start into a hard-fought victory despite a late safety car that erased his early advantage. While the win strengthened Ady’s overall standing, it was Telagamas Toyota’s Freddie Ang who played the long game.

Heading into the final race weekend trailing championship rival Mitchell Cheah, Ang’s steady fifth-place finish in Race 1 kept him firmly in contention. Starting ahead of Cheah in the reverse-grid Race 2, Ang capitalised on track position and composure to secure victory, sealing his first-ever Super Sporting championship after eight seasons of competition. He concluded the season with 163 points, taking home RM80,000 and cementing his reputation as the series’ most consistent performer.

Sporting Class: A New Champion Emerges

The Sporting Class delivered wheel-to-wheel excitement throughout the weekend. Teenage standout Adam Mikail thrilled spectators by winning Race 1 after a tense duel at the front, but it was consistency rather than outright wins that defined the overall title.

Former Rookie Class champion Jwan Hii of Hong Huat X Armada KK Racing entered the final round with a commanding points lead and did exactly what was required—two solid fourth-place finishes—to clinch the championship with 167 points. The title marked a successful return for Hii after a four-year hiatus and earned him promotion to the Super Sporting Class next season.

Rookie Class: Youthful Grit and Opportunity

The Rookie Class remained wide open until the final moments of the season. While Harkiesh Geeva stole the spotlight by winning Race 1, the championship battle ultimately belonged to Justin Rahul Dev. Demonstrating maturity beyond his years, the 21-year-old overcame fierce competition to secure the Rookie title, earning the opportunity to step up into the Sporting Class for Season 9.

Behind him, Ian James finished runner-up, followed by Harkiesh Geeva, Aydan Khaliq and Genevieve Ooi, the sole female driver in the class.

Vios Classic Race: Heritage Meets Competition

Adding a nostalgic twist to the finale was the inaugural Vios Classic Race, which brought previous generations of Vios Challenge race cars back onto the grid. After post-race penalties reshuffled the results, Axle Sports’ Alister Yoong and Aman Nagdev claimed victory, highlighting the enduring competitiveness of the one-make format. With strict stock regulations and mandatory pit stops, the Classic Race underscored the series’ emphasis on driver skill over machinery.

A Championship Built on Talent and Tenacity

Reflecting on the season, UMW Toyota Motor President Datuk Ravindran K. praised the competitiveness of the series and its role in developing motorsport talent. Once again, the Vios Challenge lived up to its reputation as Malaysia’s premier one-make racing platform—where championships are decided by racecraft, consistency and determination.

As Season 8 draws to a close, attention now turns to the future, with new champions crowned, rising stars promoted, and anticipation already building for the battles to come in Season 9.