Malaysian motorsport outfit Viper Niza Racing is entering a new chapter, announcing a rebranding to Viper 65 Racing as it prepares for an expanded international racing programme in 2027. The name change follows a successful 2026 campaign in the Michelin 24H Series European Series, where the team secured third overall in the GT3-AM Class and fourth overall in the overall GT3 standings. Building on that achievement, the team will return to the European endurance racing championship while committing to a full-season campaign in the 2027 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Championship.

The upcoming season will also see Viper 65 Racing take on a new challenge with the 24H of Kyalami in South Africa, a standalone endurance event that marks the return of international GT3 racing to the circuit since 2023. The team’s 2027 Michelin 24H Series European Series campaign will retain its five-round format, beginning with the 12H of Mugello in Italy. The championship will then move to Belgium for the 12H of Spa-Francorchamps, followed by the 12H of Paul Ricard in France and the 12H of Red Bull Ring in Austria. The season will conclude with the demanding 24H of Barcelona in Spain.

For Viper 65 Racing, however, the journey will begin earlier with the 24H of Kyalami, adding another international endurance challenge to its calendar. Beyond endurance racing, the team is also strengthening its presence in Asia through the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Championship. The 2027 season will feature 13 rounds across four countries, starting with two rounds at Zhuhai International Circuit and another two at Shanghai International Circuit in China. Three rounds at Japan’s Fuji Speedway will follow, before the championship heads to Malaysia for six rounds at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit.

The season will wrap up with two races at Singapore’s Marina Bay Street Circuit, held in conjunction with the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix. According to team principal and lead driver Douglas Khoo, the decision to expand its racing commitments comes on the back of one of the team’s strongest seasons to date. He highlighted that 2026 represented a significant milestone, with the team achieving its best results after two full seasons in the Michelin 24H Series European Series. Its maiden Porsche Carrera Cup Asia campaign also proved encouraging, with the team finishing fourth in the Masters’ Class despite being relatively new to the championship.

While endurance racing remains the team’s preferred discipline, its experience in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia has opened up another avenue for development and competition. The rebranding itself also carries personal significance for Khoo. The number 65, which has been synonymous with the team throughout its racing journey, represents his birth year. It also happens to be the number carried by the first race car he purchased, a Ford Capri that competed in the Asia Classic Car Challenge in 2013.

There is also a cultural connection behind the team’s identity. The year 1965 falls under the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac, providing the inspiration for the word ‘Viper’, while the team’s distinctive green livery completes its visual identity. Khoo will continue to lead the GT3 programme alongside longtime teammates Dominic Ang and Melvin Moh. The trio will campaign the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, retaining the familiar number 65. For the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, Khoo will spearhead the team’s entry individually.

Beyond its on-track ambitions, Viper 65 Racing is also keen to maintain its identity as a fully Malaysian-owned racing outfit, supported by local drivers and technical personnel. The team intends to continue providing opportunities for aspiring Malaysian racers and mechanics to gain international experience while representing the country on some of the world’s most recognised racing circuits. Its participation in every round of the Michelin 24H Series European Series also makes it a notable presence among Asian-based racing teams competing in the European championship.

The team brings considerable international experience to its latest chapter. Before joining the Michelin 24H Series European Series, it competed in several touring car championships, including the TCR Asia Series, TCR International Series, TCR Thailand Series and WTCR World Touring Car Series with a SEAT Leon Supra. Its endurance racing background also includes campaigns in the Asian Le Mans Series and Michelin Le Mans Cup with a Ligier JS P3 LMP3, as well as participation in the Blancpain GT Series.

One of its notable milestones came in 2019, when it became the first Malaysian team to compete in the Road to Le Mans race, the support event that serves as a stepping stone towards the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Through these different racing programmes, the number 65 has remained a constant part of the team’s identity, making its inclusion in the new name a fitting continuation of its history. As Viper 65 Racing looks towards 2027, it will retain the support of existing partners Motul, IWC as its Official Watch Brand, Momentum Autoparts and SPARCO Italy.