Malaysian Team Delivers Stunning Charge to 3rd Overall After Nail-Biting Final-Lap Duel
NÜRBURGRING, Germany – Malaysian endurance racing outfit Viper Niza Racing Team has achieved its biggest international milestone yet after securing its first-ever overall podium finish in the Michelin 24H Series with an outstanding third-place overall finish at the inaugural 12 Hours of Nürburgring.
Driving the #65 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, the trio of Douglas Khoo, Dominic Ang and Melvin Moh combined flawless strategy, consistency and outright pace to finish third overall in GT3 while claiming second place in the GT3-AM class after an unforgettable 12-hour battle that came down to the final few corners.
A Race Decided by Strategy… and Less Than Half a Car Length
The Malaysian squad executed one of its strongest races since joining the Michelin 24H Series last season.
Having qualified 11th in GT3 and fifth in GT3-AM, Viper Niza Racing quietly worked its way through the field during Saturday’s opening six-hour segment. Clever fuel strategy combined with multiple Code 60 periods allowed the team to climb steadily before a timely red flag following the #921 Mühlner Motorsport accident elevated the team into third overall while leading the GT3-AM category overnight.
Sunday’s final six hours saw Viper Niza Racing become genuine contenders for outright victory.
Dominic Ang took over driving duties and maintained an impressive rhythm, keeping the Malaysian entry firmly among the leaders. At one stage, the #65 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO even led the race outright after completing 172 laps.
As the race entered its closing stages, Viper Niza Racing found itself running second overall and looked set for a sensational runner-up finish.
With just 22 minutes remaining, the team elected to make one final full-service pit stop for fuel and fresh tyres—a calculated gamble knowing the cars ahead would also need to stop.
While Continental Racing by Simpson Motorsport and Proton Competition completed full pit services as expected, the Up2Race Porsche rolled the dice with only a splash of fuel. The shorter stop allowed it to emerge just two car lengths ahead of Ang.
What followed was eleven minutes of pure endurance racing drama.
Armed with fresh Michelin tyres, Ang relentlessly hunted down the Porsche, repeatedly looking for a way through as the two battled wheel-to-wheel around the Nürburgring Grand Prix Circuit. Despite applying immense pressure over the closing laps, the Malaysian driver was denied by determined defensive driving.
When the chequered flag finally fell, Viper Niza Racing crossed the line a heartbreaking 0.4 seconds behind second place—roughly half a car length—to complete one of the closest finishes of the season.
The team completed 300 laps, finishing just one lap behind the race-winning GetSpeed Team JR286 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, while comfortably securing second place in GT3-AM.
Best Result in Team History
For Team Principal and lead driver Douglas Khoo, the podium represented a defining moment for the Malaysian outfit.
“This was the first time getting on the podium for the overall finish and that itself is a big reason for us to celebrate. Second overall was within grasp and the team mapped out a fantastic strategy over the weekend, but most importantly we stayed out of trouble, stayed in contention and ran our best race yet since joining the series last year.
“There’s so much to be thankful for and we hope to carry this momentum into the final 24-hour race in Barcelona.”
Championship Momentum Builds
The Nürburgring result significantly boosts Viper Niza Racing’s championship campaign.
The Malaysian team now strengthens its hold on third place in the GT3-AM championship with 116 points, sitting just eight points behind Hofor Racing and 14 points behind championship leaders GetSpeed Team JR286.
In the overall GT3 standings, the team also climbs to sixth place with 76 points, placing itself firmly in contention heading into the season finale.
Eyes Now on Barcelona
With confidence at an all-time high, Viper Niza Racing now turns its attention to the Michelin 24H Series finale—the prestigious 24 Hours of Barcelona, scheduled for 18–20 September.
If Nürburgring proved anything, it’s that Malaysia’s premier endurance racing team is no longer simply chasing the front runners—they’re now fighting for outright victories.
