Tekan Habis Podcast — EP55: Karting Sebagai Akar Umbi Motorsports, Bagaimana Ke Depan?
Date: October 7, 2025
Hosts: Thoriq Azmi, Irzal Kamal, Aiman Shuhaimi

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, the Tekan Habis team dives deep into the world of karting as the grassroots foundation of motorsports in Malaysia. The hosts discuss why karting matters, the challenges facing the industry, and what needs to happen to nurture the next generation of racing talent. The conversation touches on accessibility, affordability, exposure, and compares Malaysia’s approach to that of other countries.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Karting as the Foundation of Motorsports (02:30 – 15:00)

• Importance of Karting
  • The hosts emphasize how almost all international race drivers begin their journey through karting.
  • Thoriq: "Kalau ikut sejarah, semua pelumba F1—tak kisah siapa, dari Sebastian Vettel sampai Max Verstappen—memang mula dari karting." (03:15)
• Current State in Malaysia
  • Irzal shares that karting is present in Malaysia, but public perception is limited to just leisure or hobby activities.
  • Aiman notes many parents consider it an expensive, exclusive sport, limiting widespread grassroots participation.

2. Accessibility & Affordability (15:01 – 28:40)

• Rising Costs
  • Thoriq explains karting can cost thousands per month due to equipment and maintenance, making it prohibitive for average families.
  • "Bila tengok yuran, kos sewa track, kos minyak…dulu RM200 boleh main satu hari. Sekarang RM200 pun kadang-kadang tak cukup." — Aiman (17:10)
• Need for Support Systems
  • Discussion on the lack of government or corporate sponsorship that could make karting more accessible.
  • Irzal: "Di negara lain, ada program akar umbi dibiayai kerajaan atau syarikat besar. Di sini masih belum cukup." (21:23)

3. Exposure & Athlete Development (28:41 – 42:30)

• Building a Pipeline
  • The need for talent identification and a structured path for young drivers is highlighted.
  • Thoriq points to Malaysia’s past success stories like Jazeman Jaafar and urges a more systematic approach.
• Role Models & Inspiration
  • Aiman stresses the importance of local heroes in inspiring kids:
    "Bila nampak pelumba tempatan naik podium luar negara, anak-anak kita pun akan rasa nak ikut jejak dia." (35:35)

4. Comparison to Other Countries (42:31 – 52:00)

• Learning from Global Examples
  • Hosts discuss structured European programs and how Japan’s “kart schools” feed into professional racing.
  • Malaysia’s "island" approach—clubs are siloed, with little coordination between them.
  • Thoriq: "Kita perlukan satu ‘ecosystem’ yang betul. Bukan sekadar litar dan kelab saja, tapi sistem sokongan." (48:04)

5. Looking Forward — What Needs to Happen? (52:01 – 58:40)

• Policy and Collaboration
  • Suggestion for government incentives, stronger national motorsport bodies, direct involvement from car manufacturers.
• Host’s Call to Action
  • All hosts agree parents, schools, and industry players must collaborate:
    "Kita semua kena main peranan—bukan harap pada kerajaan saja." — Irzal (56:50)
  • Encourage more public events, affordable karting leagues, and educational outreach.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Thoriq Azmi (03:15): "Kalau ikut sejarah, semua pelumba F1—tak kisah siapa, dari Sebastian Vettel sampai Max Verstappen—memang mula dari karting."

• Aiman Shuhaimi (17:10): "Dulu RM200 boleh main satu hari. Sekarang RM200 pun kadang-kadang tak cukup."

• Irzal Kamal (21:23): "Di negara lain, ada program akar umbi dibiayai kerajaan atau syarikat besar. Di sini masih belum cukup."

• Aiman Shuhaimi (35:35): "Bila nampak pelumba tempatan naik podium luar negara, anak-anak kita pun akan rasa nak ikut jejak dia."

• Thoriq Azmi (48:04): "Kita perlukan satu ‘ecosystem’ yang betul. Bukan sekadar litar dan kelab saja, tapi sistem sokongan."

• Irzal Kamal (56:50): "Kita semua kena main peranan—bukan harap pada kerajaan saja."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro to karting’s importance: 02:30–03:30
• Affordability and access issues: 15:01–21:59
• Exposure and athlete pipeline: 28:41–35:50
• International comparisons: 42:31–48:40
• Solutions and way forward: 52:01–58:40

Tone & Style

• The conversation is down-to-earth, passionate, and at times nostalgic.
• Hosts use relatable analogies, sharing personal anecdotes and opinions with openness and humor.

In Summary:
This episode delivers a thought-provoking discussion on the urgent need to strengthen karting as the backbone of Malaysian motorsports. The Tekan Habis team unpacks current hurdles, the societal mindset, and actionable solutions, calling on all stakeholders to band together for a brighter, more inclusive future in racing. An essential listen for motorsport fans, parents, and policymakers alike!