Malaysia has always been a hot spot for motorsport events and enthusiasts. In 1991, Formula One came to Malaysia and drew in motorsports fans from all over the region. But even before that happened, the nation was a leader in motorsports events.
As of 2010, Malaysia was the current host for the World Motorcycle Grand Prix. And if Razlan Razali, the CEO of the Sepang International Circuit, has his way, this huge and exciting event will remain in Malaysia for at least the next two decades. He is proud to have the world’s largest motorcycle racing event–the MotoGP–in Malaysia as it has received an impressive reaction and following from residents of all ages throughout the country and surrounding region.
In addition to the reception the MotoGP has received in Malaysia, Razali also says that the event brings in massive dollars from tourism. Thousands of tourists come to watch the event live, and they need lodging, food, and other necessities during their stay. This helps the nation’s economy and hundreds of local businesses in the area. On the actual day of the race, there is anywhere from 35,000 to 40,000 fans at the event. About one-third of those fans are tourists who have come to Malaysia for the specific purpose of watching the motorcycle races. There are also many fans that use online sports betting from their homes to add another element of excitement to the event.
In 2009, the MotoGP had its largest attendance to date. There were 59,206 fans at the track on race day, which helped encourage Razali to make the 2010 event even bigger. Many Malaysians are also entering the championship tournament, which adds to the event’s continued success. If the upcoming year’s numbers are anywhere near what Razali expects, there is a good chance that Razali will get his wish of Malaysia hosting the championship series for many years to come.