Malaysia Speed Festival 111 laps Merdeka Race returns to Sepang Circuit
Race fans are invited to experience the long weekend with more than 200 racing machines and 300 competitors for a weekend of high-speed four and two wheels racing ahead of Malaysia’s 69th Merdeka celebration in the 2026 MSF Merdeka Race at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit from 29-30 August.
Now into its 9th consecutive edition, the MSF Merdeka Endurance races will feature a grueling 111-lap non-stop endurance race for cars that will cover approximately 615km around the 5.534km circuit, and a 33-lap non-stop endurance race for Superbikes with a race distance of almost 183km.
The MSF SuperTurismo Merdeka 111 Endurance for cars requires teams to field at least two drivers per car, and make a minimum of two three-minute compulsory pitstops – unregulated driving stints by each driver creates a unique arrangement of strategies to unfold as each team will have their own plan to race to, based on their pre-race calculations. It is divided into seven individual classes: Super Series Limited; EXN GT86 x BRZ Racing Cup; Super Compatto; Standard Production; Standard Production MAX; Super Production; and K-Series Battle.
The MSF SuperTurismo Merdeka 111 Endurance race flags off at 5.30pm on Sunday 30 August, with teams battling through the evening before crossing the finish line just before midnight as Malaysia celebrates its 69th Merdeka Day.
The high-octane weekend will consist of the MSF SuperTurismo and MotoMSF battles for both four and two wheels respectively.
Kicking off the two-day race weekend on Saturday, 29 August will be three night sprint races, featuring two five-lap races in the Super Unlimited class and an eight-lap race in the Skilldrvn One Make race Series, running from 9.00pm to 11.35pm.
The action continues on Sunday, 30 August, with two-wheel competitors taking centrestage in the morning. The American V-Twin Cup by Prodigy Racecraft will feature Harley-Davidson motorcycles in a seven-lap race, followed by the MotoMSF Superbikes Merdeka 33 Endurance, a 33-lap superbike endurance race held at the circuit’s South Track between 11.30am and 2.00pm.
The MSF Superbikes Merdeka 33 Endurance race pits a team of 2-riders sharing racing duties to complete the race non-stop, with compulsory pitstops every 8-laps – in the Malaysian heat this is a major feat of physical endurance by the riders in their full-leather suits. Riders from around the region come to complete in this race which was first run last year and has grown in prominence.
Four-wheel racing resumes Sunday afternoon with the second stint of the Skilldrvn One make Race Series, featuring a 10-lap race at 2.15pm, followed by the Merdeka 75 Cup at 3.00pm. The 75-minute endurance race will feature four classes – Saga Cup, MyVi Cup, CamPro Cup and Tuner Production.
“The Merdeka race has grown tremendously over the years, and being able to put together the annual 111 laps endurance is a significant milestone for MSF,” said Adian Yein Khalid, MSF Principal.
“What makes this race special is that it brings together veteran racers and newer faces, established teams and some of the region’s experienced competitors on the same grid. It is a true test of speed, consistency, strategy and teamwork, and we are proud to see how far the event has come as well as how it has contributed to motorsports both locally and internationally.”
Returning to defend the overall Merdeka Race title they won last year will be veteran racer Faidzil Alang and Mohamed Hafez, amidst a grid of strong local contenders as well as racers from Thailand, Indonesia and Hong Kong.
Paddock passes are available on site for just RM45, giving fans access to the race weekend from 10.00am to 11.00pm. Better yet, children below 12 years old enter free, making it a perfect family weekend at the circuit. Beyond the racing action, fans can explore the paddock, refuel at a selection of food trucks, and shop for merchandise and motorsport goodies from participating vendors throughout both days.
The MSF Merdeka Race is organized by Kelab Sukan Motor MSF Malaysia, an official club registered with the Malaysian Sports Commission and an affiliate member of the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM).
