Malaysia’s Wing Hin Motorsports has taken a major step forward in its regional ambitions, officially launching a full-season campaign in Japan for 2026. The team will compete in both the ENEOS Super Taikyu Series and the Toyota GAZOO Racing GR86/BRZ Cup, marking its most significant international expansion to date.
The move follows a successful 2025 season, where the team clinched the GR86/BRZ Cup Clubman Series title and built a strong foundation for stepping into one of Japan’s most competitive racing environments.
Encouraging Debut at Motegi
Wing Hin Motorsports made its Super Taikyu debut at Mobility Resort Motegi, fielding the #338 Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2 in the ST-Z class. The driver lineup featured Malaysians Naquib Azlan and Amer Harris, alongside experienced Japanese racer Shuji Maeshima.
In a competitive 30-car field, the team secured 7th in class and 11th overall in Round 1 after four hours of racing. Despite finishing two laps behind the class-winning Audi R8 LMS GT4, the team demonstrated promising pace throughout the race, consistently running within one second of the frontrunners.
However, the result did not fully reflect their potential. Both drivers were affected by poorly timed Full Course Yellow periods, which cost valuable track position during key moments of the race.
Amer Harris acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic, noting that while there is still room for improvement, the team is progressing in the right direction despite the steep learning curve against seasoned competitors, many of whom come from Japan’s top-tier racing categories.
Naquib Azlan echoed similar sentiments, describing the debut as a valuable benchmark. Competing in Super Taikyu for the first time required the team to build its data, strategy, and race experience from scratch, but starting in the midfield rather than at the back was an encouraging sign.
A Long-Term Vision in Japan
Wing Hin Motorsports’ entry into Super Taikyu is part of a broader long-term strategy to establish a sustainable pathway for young Asian drivers to progress in international motorsports.
Team Principal William Loh highlighted that the decision was driven by the team’s success in 2025 and its commitment to nurturing talent. Beyond Super Taikyu, the team has also demonstrated competitiveness internationally, including a class result in the ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken Series.
Super Taikyu, first established in 1991, is widely regarded as Japan’s premier pro-am endurance racing championship. The 2026 season features seven demanding rounds across iconic circuits, including Suzuka Circuit, Fuji Speedway, and Autopolis, with race formats ranging from sprint endurance events to the gruelling 24-hour race at Fuji.
Round 2 will take place at Suzuka in April, where Wing Hin Motorsports will continue its development in a longer five-hour race format.
Title Defence in GR86/BRZ Cup
Parallel to its Super Taikyu campaign, Wing Hin Motorsports will return to the GR86/BRZ Cup as defending champion. Malaysian driver Mitchell Cheah will lead the team’s charge for the 2026 season.
Cheah brings extensive experience, having secured multiple class victories and championships across regional competitions, including success in Thailand’s Super Series and endurance racing outings in Europe.
The team will also expand its footprint through its Customer Racing Program, supporting emerging talents such as Indonesian driver Jordan Johan, who will compete under the Toyota GAZOO Racing Indonesia banner. The initiative provides drivers with full technical and race support, aimed at lowering barriers to entry and accelerating development.
Experienced Guidance and Technical Innovation
Wing Hin Motorsports’ Japanese programme is supported by advisor Masahiro Sasaki, a Toyota and Lexus development driver with experience across Super Taikyu, the Nürburgring 24 Hours, and Super GT competition.
In addition to its competitive ambitions, the team is also introducing an environmentally conscious initiative for 2026. All race cars will run on a newly developed engine oil using Re-Refined Base Oil (RRBO), supplied by Pentas Flora. The product, developed in partnership with Moty’s, will be tested under the extreme conditions of endurance racing.
Building Momentum
While the opening round result at Motegi may not have delivered a podium finish, it marked an important first step for Wing Hin Motorsports in one of Asia’s most competitive racing arenas.
With a full season ahead, a growing driver programme, and a clear long-term vision, the team’s expansion into Japan represents more than just participation—it signals intent.
As the 2026 season progresses, Wing Hin Motorsports will be aiming to convert its early promise into stronger results, continuing its mission to elevate Southeast Asian talent on the international stage.
