PETALING JAYA – Malaysia’s Merdeka weekend is set to come alive with high-speed racing as the Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF) Merdeka Race returns to the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit from 29 to 30 August 2026.
Now in its ninth consecutive edition, this year’s event will bring together more than 200 racing machines and 300 competitors for a weekend of four- and two-wheel competition, culminating in the gruelling MSF SuperTurismo Merdeka 111 Endurance.
The headline car endurance race will see competitors complete 111 laps of Sepang’s 5.534km circuit, covering approximately 615km of racing. The race gets underway at 5.30pm on Sunday, with the field expected to race through the evening before the chequered flag falls just before midnight as Malaysia celebrates its 69th Merdeka Day.
The endurance format will demand more than outright pace. Each team must field at least two drivers and complete a minimum of two compulsory three-minute pit stops, while driving stints remain unregulated. This leaves teams to develop their own strategies around driver changes, pit-stop timing, tyre management and race pace.
The 111-lap endurance will be contested across seven classes: Super Series Limited, EXN GT86 x BRZ Racing Cup, Super Compatto, Standard Production, Standard Production MAX, Super Production and K-Series Battle.
A FULL WEEKEND OF RACING
The action begins on Saturday night, 29 August, with three sprint races from 9.00pm to 11.35pm. The programme features two five-lap races for the Super Unlimited class, followed by an eight-lap Skilldrvn One Make Race Series contest.
Sunday will shift the spotlight to the motorcycles in the morning.
The American V-Twin Cup by Prodigy Racecraft will feature Harley-Davidson motorcycles in a seven-lap race before the MotoMSF Superbikes Merdeka 33 Endurance takes centre stage.
Running from 11.30am to 2.00pm on Sepang’s South Track, the 33-lap superbike endurance race covers almost 183km. Teams will pair two riders, with compulsory pit stops every eight laps. With riders required to manage the physical demands of a long-distance race in full racing leathers under Malaysian conditions, the event presents a very different endurance challenge.
The race has also attracted competitors from around the region, building on its debut last year.
Four-wheel racing returns in the afternoon, beginning with a 10-lap Skilldrvn One Make Race Series race at 2.15pm, followed by the Merdeka 75 Cup at 3.00pm. The 75-minute endurance race features four classes: Saga Cup, MyVi Cup, CamPro Cup and Tuner Production.
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS RETURN
Among the drivers expected to draw attention is veteran racer Faidzil Alang, who returns alongside Mohamed Hafez to defend the overall Merdeka Race title they secured last year.
They will face a competitive field featuring established Malaysian contenders alongside racers from Thailand, Indonesia and Hong Kong.
MSF Principal Adian Yein Khalid said the Merdeka race has developed significantly over the years, with the 111-lap endurance becoming an important milestone for the event.
“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.”
According to Khalid, the event has evolved into a test not only of speed but also consistency, strategy and teamwork, while contributing to Malaysia’s motorsport scene and its regional reach.
MORE THAN JUST RACING
Fans attending the weekend can purchase paddock passes on site for RM45, providing access from 10.00am to 11.00pm.
Children below 12 years old enter free, making the event an accessible option for families looking to spend the Merdeka weekend at the circuit.
Beyond the racing, spectators can explore the paddock, check out participating vendors, enjoy food trucks and browse motorsport merchandise throughout the weekend.
With endurance racing continuing into the night and the 111-lap finale timed to coincide with Malaysia’s Merdeka celebrations, Sepang is set for a weekend where motorsport and national pride share the same track.
