AUTOPOLIS, JAPAN | 6 April 2026 — Wing Hin Motorsports’ ambitious expansion into Japan and its long-term driver development vision has made an immediate statement, with the Malaysian outfit securing a podium finish and a top-six result in the opening round of the 2026 Toyota GAZOO Racing GR86/BRZ Clubman Series at Autopolis Circuit.
Fresh off its championship-winning campaign in 2025, the defending series champions returned to Japan this season with renewed purpose — not only to defend its title, but to establish a strategic pathway for Southeast Asian racing talent to progress into the highly competitive Japanese motorsport scene.
That vision received an early boost as Malaysian touring car ace Mitchell Cheah delivered an outstanding second-place finish on his debut in the series, while Indonesian driver Jordan Johan impressed with a solid sixth-place finish in his first outing on Japanese soil.
The results mark a significant milestone for Wing Hin Motorsports’ expanding Driver Development Program, which is being developed in collaboration with Masahiro Sasaki, a Toyota Gazoo Racing and Rookie Racing driver.
Dream Debut for Cheah
Starting from second on the grid, Cheah made a superb launch to lead into Turn 1, immediately throwing himself into contention for victory. An intense opening-lap battle briefly dropped him to third, but the 28-year-old quickly regrouped and reclaimed second position by Lap 3.
From there, Cheah stayed glued to the race leader, breaking away from the chasing pack and crossing the line just two car lengths behind the winner after a fiercely contested race.
The podium result further strengthens Wing Hin Motorsports’ title defense as it begins the seven-round season with strong momentum.
Cheah arrived in Japan with an already decorated résumé. He was instrumental in Wing Hin’s successful 2025 regional and international campaigns, including the TSS The Super Series GT4 Class championship, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge Super Sporting title, and previous victories in the Malaysia Championship Series and Sepang 1000KM.
His experience in Europe, including a class fourth finish at the ADAC Nürburgring Langstrecken Series, has clearly translated well into Japan’s demanding one-make racing environment.
Strong Japan Debut for Jordan Johan
Also making his debut in Japan, Indonesia’s Jordan Johan showcased promising pace and racecraft with a composed sixth-place finish after qualifying seventh.
Representing Toyota Gazoo Racing Indonesia, Jordan held his own in a tightly fought midfield battle, climbing one place during the race and demonstrating the value of the program’s real-race development approach.
The 2024 Indonesian national champion in the ITCR 1200 Rising Star category, Jordan continues to build on his growing reputation as one of the region’s emerging talents.
A Southeast Asian Gateway to Japan
Wing Hin Motorsports’ move into Japan is part of a broader long-term strategy aimed at creating a professional development ladder for drivers from Malaysia, Indonesia, and across Southeast Asia.
The program provides far more than race entries — including technical support, engineering analysis, data review, driver coaching, and direct exposure to Japan’s disciplined and highly competitive racing ecosystem.
By placing drivers in real door-to-door competition rather than isolated testing environments, the team aims to accelerate racecraft, mental resilience, and technical understanding.
This strategy already proved successful last season when Wing Hin claimed the overall championship in its first full year competing in Japan.
Momentum Builds for 2026 Campaign
The 2026 GR86/BRZ Clubman Series now heads to Sportsland Sugo for Round 2 in May, followed by stops at Okayama, Tokachi, Fuji Speedway, Suzuka, and Mobility Resort Motegi.
With an immediate podium and dual points finish already secured, Wing Hin Motorsports’ campaign has started exactly as a defending champion would hope — but more importantly, it validates the team’s larger ambition of becoming a key launchpad for Southeast Asian drivers into Japan’s elite motorsport arena.
Powered once again by long-time lubricant partner Moty’s, the team also continues to pioneer sustainable racing solutions with the use of its new RRBO (Re-Refined Base Oil) engine oil, adding an innovative technical edge to its 2026 assault.
