Johor Prince goes racing
Already renowned for their deep affinity and passion for the world’s finest supercars and hypercars, it’s safe to say that speed runs in the veins of the Johor Royal Family’s bloodline.
In fact, this passion for speed can be traced all the way back to the southern state’s fourth modern sultan, Almarhum Sultan Iskandar (better known as Iskandar of Johor) who indulged in the sport of motor racing himself, famously winning the 1960 Johor GP in the hot seat of a Mercedes-Benz race car.
Now, his legacy lives on as his grandson, HH The Tunku Paglima of Johor (TPJ), Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, marks his debut as a professional race car driver. The announcement came through a glitzy ceremony held in the heart of the Johor Bharu state capital last weekend.
His father and current Sultan of Johor, HRH Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj graced the event held on Saturday evening. Present too were several special guests including retired five-time 500cc world champion rider Mick Doohan.
Like his late grandfather, TPJ has chosen to compete with a Mercedes-Benz too, though he’s adopted a more modern Mercedes-AMG GT3 machine instead. He’s also opted to compete in one of the region’s most prestigious sports car racing series, that being the Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia.
“I am very excited and really looking forward to doing my best in this series. The support from my family has also been amazing,” he told the Royal Press Office.
Of course, the 26-year-old prince isn’t going at it alone. The endeavour sees him competing under his very own Johor Racing team, which is managed by famed Australian racing powerhouse Triple Eight Race Engineering.
Johor Racing Team - Mercedes-AMG GT3
On top of that, TPJ has roped in local racing protégé Jazeman Jaafar as his teammate. Joining the duo too is experienced New Zealand racer Shane Van Gisbergen, with the 29-year-old completing the team’s three-driver line up.
Also 26 years of age and a proud native of Johor state, Jazeman is no stranger to both the series and the Johor Racing team’s race machine.
“It feels good to be back driving in a competitive car that I have spent a lot of time in and gotten good results. I feel we have a competitive package coming into this season,” said Jazeman. Previously, the former Formula 1 hopeful was crowned runner up in the same series back in 2016 whilst piloting a similar machine.
You can catch TPJ, Jazeman and Shane in action with the Johor Racing team’s AMG GT3 as the 2019 Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia season kicks off in Sepang International Circuit on April 6 and 7.
After which, the trio will continue their efforts in the season’s scheduled rounds in Buriram, Thailand (May 11-12); followed by Suzuka (June 22 and 23) and Fuji (July 6 and 7) in Japan; Yeongam, Korea (August 3 and 4) and the season finale in Shanghai, China (Sept 27 and 28).
Johor Racing Team Launch - Johor Bahru
Johor Racing - TPJ & Jazeman Jaafar
