SINGAPORE will make its debut at the Kuala Lumpur leg of the 2009 Super Grand Touring (GT) race series this weekend.
Melvin Choo, the Republic's top touring-car driver, will represent American manufacturer Mosler Automotive as he drives its MT900R at the Sepang International Circuit.
This will also be the Florida based company's debut foray into the Asian legs of the Super GT series, and Choo will be provided with original spares and a crew from Britain who are specially trained in handling the car.
During a press conference at the Formula One pit building to unveil the car yesterday, Choo revealed that Mosler had wanted to introduce the MT900R to Asia and, hence, approached him to drive the car.
He added that it is a "wonderful opportunity" to be given the chance to drive what he called "the dream car".
Currently, the MT900R is being featured in GT races across Britain, where it is dominating the races.
Capable of reaching speeds of 200kmh in under 10 seconds, the car is fitted with a seven-litre engine and is capable of producing horsepower well in excess of 500bhp.
For the Super GT race at Sepang, the $607,000 car will be restricted to just 300bhp.
This is in keeping with the rules and regulations of the GT300 Class - which Choo and co-driver Martin Short will take part in.
GT Association chairman Masaaki Bandoh said the duo's participation in the race held "deep significance" for the event and its supporters.
He added that it was a strong wish of his to have Singapore included as part of the nine-leg touring-car series, and hinted that "there have been offers from various South-east Asian countries, including Singapore", which are interested in hosting a stage of the GT Series.
For now, though, Choo remains focused on his maiden race on Saturday. He added: "The race is a physical challenge, but we remain cautiously optimistic.
"I know the track well and we believe I have a fair chance of doing well.
