In response to criticism after allowing a drag race to occur May 27, on a makeshift track where a racer lost control of his car and crashed into a crowd, injuring 17 spectators, the government of Malaysia has announced plans to build four drag racing facilities.
The first track is expected to be completed within a year at a cost of RM15 million (approx. US$5 million) and will be at least 800 meters (approx. 2500 feet) long.“Building the track is the Government’s effort to handle the illegal racing menace and if possible, eliminate it. We want to provide motorsports enthusiasts a proper place to race,” Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said.
These will be Malaysia’s first purpose-built drag strips. A five-race “Drag Battle” series is currently held annually on a temporary course using the front stretch of the country’s Sepang Formula 1 circuit (above), with this year’s finale scheduled for Nov. 24.
(Photo courtesy Malaysiangp.com.my)
This story was originally published on October 25, 2012. 
