Malaysian GT3 outfit builds on its strongest Michelin 24H Series campaign yet, expanding its international racing programme with a return to South Africa and a full-season Porsche Carrera Cup Asia entry.
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian-owned GT3 racing outfit Viper Niza Racing is entering a new chapter, announcing its rebranding as Viper 65 Racing as the team prepares for an expanded international motorsport programme in 2027.
The rebranding follows an impressive 2026 campaign in the Michelin 24H Series European Series, where the team secured fourth overall in the GT3 category and third overall in the GT3-AM Class, marking its strongest performance after two full seasons in the championship.
For 2027, Viper 65 Racing will continue its European endurance racing campaign while adding a brand-new 24-hour race in South Africa and committing to the full calendar of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Championship.
The team’s international campaign will begin with the inaugural 24H of Kyalami in South Africa, marking the return of international GT3 racing to the circuit since 2023.
The Michelin 24H Series European Series will subsequently feature five rounds, beginning with the 12H of Mugello in Italy, followed by the 12H of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, 12H of Paul Ricard in France and 12H of Red Bull Ring in Austria, before concluding with the 24H of Barcelona in Spain.
The team will once again campaign its Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, retaining its familiar number 65 racing identity.
A bigger commitment to Porsche Carrera Cup Asia
Beyond endurance racing, Viper 65 Racing will take on the complete 2027 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Championship, which is scheduled to feature 13 rounds across four countries.
The championship calendar will begin at Zhuhai International Circuit and Shanghai International Circuit in China, followed by three rounds at Fuji Speedway in Japan.
Malaysia will host six rounds at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, giving local motorsport fans multiple opportunities to catch the team competing on home soil.
The season will conclude with two rounds at Singapore’s Marina Bay Street Circuit, held in conjunction with the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Team Principal and lead driver Douglas Khoo will spearhead the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia campaign individually while continuing to lead the team’s GT3 endurance programme alongside longtime racing partners Dominic Ang and Melvin Moh.
Reflecting on the team’s progress, Khoo described 2026 as an exceptionally strong and rewarding season, highlighting the team’s ability to deliver competitive results despite being relatively new to the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia championship.
Although endurance racing remains the team’s preferred discipline, its debut in the Porsche series saw it secure fourth place in the Masters’ Class.
The story behind Viper 65
The rebranding carries personal significance for Khoo, with the number 65 representing more than just a racing number.
Born in 1965, Khoo has maintained a special connection with the number throughout his motorsport journey. The first race car he purchased, a Ford Capri that competed in the Asia Classic Car Challenge in 2013, also carried the number 65.
The connection extends to the Chinese zodiac, with 1965 being the Year of the Snake, providing the inspiration behind the Viper identity and the team’s distinctive green racing livery.
The new Viper 65 Racing name therefore represents a continuation of the team’s heritage while establishing a stronger identity for its next phase of international competition.
Flying the Malaysian flag internationally
As a fully Malaysian-owned racing outfit with Malaysian drivers and technical crew, Viper 65 Racing remains committed to developing local motorsport talent.
The team intends to continue providing opportunities for aspiring Malaysian drivers and technical personnel to gain international racing experience while representing the country on some of the world’s most demanding circuits.
Its motorsport credentials extend well beyond the Michelin 24H Series. Before entering the European endurance championship, the team competed in the TCR Asia Series, TCR International Series, TCR Thailand Series and WTCR World Touring Car Series with a SEAT Leon Supra.
Its racing portfolio also includes the Asian Le Mans Series and Michelin Le Mans Cup with a Ligier JS P3 LMP3, as well as the Blancpain GT Series.
In 2019, the team became the first Malaysian outfit to participate in the Road to Le Mans race, the prestigious support event that serves as a precursor to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
With its expanded 2027 programme, Viper 65 Racing is positioning itself for another significant step forward in international motorsport.
The team will continue to receive support from existing partners Motul, IWC as its Official Watch Brand, Momentum Autoparts and SPARCO Italy.
For Malaysian motorsport, the Viper 65 Racing rebrand is more than a change of name. It represents another opportunity to put Malaysian talent, engineering and racing ambition on the international stage.
