KAZZEN

A Tribute

2010-11-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

In loving memory of
Kazzen
Geevarajah TR Rajadurai

13.06.1979 - 27.10.2010

A dedicated team member, a great friend, an amazing person.
The great moments together will be cherished forever.
May God bless your soul.
RIP.

2010 Sepang 1000km Race update

2010-06-08T20:09:00.001-07:00

It's been 4 days since the race ended and i am pleased to announce that we managed to finish Top 10 both, in class and overall.

6th place in Class and 8th Overall! Woot woot!!

We started at position 21 on the starting grid (overall) out of 56 others after the Qualifying session (in which Muzamil clocked 2:41 only after 3 laps and decided not to utilise the ample time to make a few more attempts. *eyes rolling*) and was 8th over 35 cars at the chequered flag 177 laps later. Cassim did a 2:40 lap, the fastest among 3 drivers during the race and Hichame was ecstatic to see the chequered flag for the first time since joining. Kudos, guys! *clap clap*

Of course, this was only made possible with the strong effort from the dedicated team members; Team Manager Rizal, Pit Wall Leader Nazlee, Pit Leader Rezza, The crew: Shariff, Geeva, Asrol, Hasrul, JD, Fahrein, Razi, Syafiq, Wah Chai, Jimmy, Big Wong and Small Wong) and supporting crew (Photographer Erman & the F&B gals) as well. So, give yourselves a pat on the back! Well done, Team! :)

Click the following for the full results:
Qualifying
Class 1 & 2

More story on the S1K race here.

(Photos will be up soon!)

Gearing up

2010-05-06T03:30:00.001-07:00

We had our very first AGM last February. Tonnes of serious stuff were discussed to get the club up and running and for us to grow in the industry. I am happy to report that we have some activities planned up our sleeves for the members in the future however, we will only be focusing on the Sepang 1000km race at this moment as there's a lot to be done before any execution can take place and that the S1K is only weeks away now!

So right now, i shall say the guys are pretty busy, busy, bih..zeeeee!

..even the lil' ones helped!

Majlis Taklimat Serta Penyerahan Sijil Pendaftaran Badan Sukan

2009-10-08T00:22:00.000-07:00

Pesuruhjaya Sukan Malaysia, Dato' Nik Mahmud bin Nik Yusof handing over the official certificate of Kazzen Motorsports Club to our Timbalan Presiden, Muzamil at the Majlis Taklimat Serta Penyerahan Sijil Pendaftaran Badan Sukan today at Bukit Jalil.

It's official!

2009-09-24T00:58:00.001-07:00

Kazzen Motorsports Club is now officially a registered body under Pesuruhjaya Sukan Malaysia effective 10th September 2009!
(Reg. no. 3336/2009).

Look out for updates & more!

Kazzen Rezza Spelling Out a Bright Future

2009-06-12T04:30:00.000-07:00

Rezza Abdul Rashid, our Pit crew leader for the Sepang 1000km Race was featured in the June issue (Vol. 92) of Hypertune magazine talks about how he got to where he is today with Lexus Malaysia. To know more, get your copy of the magazine now!

You can also find his "HUGE" photo in the advertisement for TOC (The Otomotif College) in Hypertune and The Star daily.

[It's a good thing you started running last year, ey Rezza? Good move! ;)]

They've only just begun

2009-06-09T21:19:00.000-07:00

Subsequent to completing their debut race in the Top 10 (Class 2) of the Sepang 1000km Race, Fahrein & Edrin are looking forward for more involvement in motor racing. Below are their profiles.

Fahrein Rahim

Age: 32

Status: Married to Evelyne Wan Mokhtar (Our talented lady driver) and a father to the potential little lady driver, Myiesha.

Profession: Chief Operating Officer

Racing Experience:

Sepang 1000km Race Challenge 2009
Sepang International Circuit
Class 2
Car: Proton Gen2
Qualified 22nd over 24 in Class 2 (3:03 sec)
Finished 10th in Class/ 30th Overall (154 laps)

MAM-SIC Rally X (Round 2) 2009 - Tarmac
Sepang International Circuit
Class B3
Car: Suzuki Swift Sport 1.6
Qualified xxth over xx in Class B3 (x:xxsec)
Finished 4th in Class/ xxth Overall

Edrin Wan Mokhtar

Age: 23

Status: Single but not available

Profession: Technical Advisor

Racing Experience:

Sepang 1000km Race Challenge 2009
Sepang International Circuit
Class 2
Car: Proton Gen2
Qualified 22nd over 24 in Class 2 (3:03 sec)
Finished 10th in Class/ 30th Overall (154 laps)

MAM-SIC Rally X (Round 2) 2009 - Tarmac
Sepang International Circuit
Class N
Car: Honda Civic SIR (EG6)
Qualified xxth over xx in Class N (x:xxsec)
Finished 2nd in Vtec Class/ 1st in Junior Class

S1K 2009 - What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger

2009-06-06T01:44:00.000-07:00

I'm sad to announce that we did not complete the Inaugural S1K Race due to engine failure after 66 laps. Muzamil, our First Driver managed to do 24 laps, Hichame 22 laps and the engine blew while Cassim, the Third Driver was driving his 21st lap. But hey, that's how it is in motorsports. (We will be back next year! With a better engine - and a spare, and hopefully ehm.. *crossing fingers* sponsors to boot! ;)).

A BIG thank you to those who came to support the team and to all crew members who worked very hard and for finding the time (and braved their wives/girlfriends) to be part of the team for this event, especially the folks who came all the way from south!

And finally, we are proud of Kazzen Fahrein and his brother-in-law, Edrin who finished 10th in Class driving their "wretched" Gen-2. With a ruthless engine, lacking in manpower and equipment but fuelled with courage and exuberance the guys clocked 2:57.839 as best time and finished their very first race slowly, but surely. That's the spirit! Well, done, guys!!!

Live update from Sepang International Circuit - Qualifying (S1K Race)

2009-06-05T02:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, being the day for scrutineering and practice was a fruitful day. After the car engine blew at practice the night before, we manage to get back on track (literally) by working on another engine from dusk till dawn. Well, almost. Phew! (What a nerve-wrecking day!!!)

All 3 drivers did their laps for Qualifying earlier today, and Kazzen manage to be in the 17th position out of 55 cars. Muzamil being the fastest with timing of 2:43.682. May tomorrow bring us good fortune!

More updates on the Sepang 1000km (S1K) Race.

Open Track Day - May 24th, 2009

2009-05-26T02:36:00.000-07:00

(in this photo: Muzamil, Cassim, Hichame, Rizal, Nazlee, Rezza, Harun, Fahrein, Shazreen, Azra, Hazim).

Presenting our new pride..

2009-05-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

Our new Toyota Levin AE 111 BZR

Work in Progress

2009-05-15T18:15:00.000-07:00

We have been quiet but it's been quite a busy year for us so far. The team has been working hard putting the new car together (yes, we have a new car! Well, it's used but a new car for us to work on nevertheless) and preparing ourselves for the Sepang 1000km challenge that will be held early next month. The above photo was taken after the car was all stripped and it is now 80% complete :)

Another car is also being prepared by another Kazzen member and this means that we might enter with 2 cars in the upcoming competition. So, fingers crossed!

August Open Track Day

2008-08-21T00:33:00.000-07:00

25.08.2008
(in this photo: Muzamil, Cassim, Hichame, Rahim, Fahrein).

24.08.2008
(in this photo: Muzamil, Cassim, Hichame, Rezza, Kamaruzaman, Geeva).

20.08.2008
(in this photo: Muzamil, Hichame, Rezza, Geeva, Razi, Fahrein, Azra, Jaja).

Open Track Day - July 15th

2008-08-04T06:33:00.000-07:00

(in this photo: Muzamil, Cassim, Hichame, Geeva, Razi, Shazreen).

Open Track Day - July 14th

2008-08-04T06:24:00.000-07:00

(in this photo: Muzamil, Cassim, Hichame, Rezza, Harun, Razi, Sarip, Rizwani & wife, Shazreen).

Photo blogging on the recent Go Kart outing

2008-05-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

Date: Sunday, 5th May 2008
Time: 5pm
Venue: Shah Alam Go-Kart circuit

Driving for a good cause

2008-03-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

Brothers, Hisham and Harun Ghaffur, were seen at the Supercars for Charity held at Sepang International Circuit recently. The event was held in aid of Malaysians who were affected by the recent floods in the country.

Upon arrival, they were treated to a sea of supercars owned by Malaysians. Visitors had the chance to sample rides on these exotic cars for as low as RM 300 such as on the Ferarri 355. More adventurous visitors can pay RM 500 for faster cars and RM 1000 for even faster cars such as the Lamborghini Murceilago!

If being driven wasn’t their thing, like the two brothers weren’t, RM 1000 got them seats on Sepang International Drive and Race Academy (SIDRA) Porsche Cayman S! This option enabled them to do a Slalom Time Attack run, in which both of them finished 2^nd and 3^rd fastest, earning F1 tickets for their efforts.

They then were given 3 laps around the track with the Porsche’s, Hisham being accompanied by Jeff Wong and Harun by Tommy Lee.

“It was great, getting to drive on the track with automatic transmission and with air-conditioning on!” were Hisham’s remarks.

Some shots taken at the event:

Our Exceptionally Brave & Talented Lass!

2008-02-06T19:44:00.001-08:00

Redbull, with racing team partner AMN Motorsports, launched a first of its kind Female Driver Search campaign on 20th June 2007 to seek young female drivers and to create a platform for these young talents to live their dreams to compete in the national circuit.

The drivers were selected from over 600 hopefuls and were narrowed down to 12 drivers who went through their development and selection programme and finally the best 4 were selected to compete in the 2008 MME.

Those selected were to be trained by the Red Bull X1R Racing Team professional drivers – celebrity DeannaYusoff, Hiroko Nakamura, Philippa Yoong and Nurul Alis Aidil Akhbar also known as Kiki.

The 12 trainees came from all walks of life ranging from former drifters to an engineer who is none other than our very own, Evelyne Wan Mokhtar. However, after going through the tough trainings and battling yoga - in which she said was the hardest, Evelyne was not one of the lucky four to make it into the Red Bull X1R team.

In spite of this, she pulled off an impressive feat during training including clocking the 2^nd best time in the first control test (and no cones were hit – this is amazing, you will know what I mean if you know her in person ;)), 2^nd fastest overall and resulted in her team to emerge 2^nd in the Go Kart challenge and finally, again the 2^nd fastest in the straight shoot out test during the programme.

We are so proud of you, Evie!

Team Manager

2008-02-06T08:48:00.000-08:00

Mohd Rizal Abdul Rashid

Age: 32

Status: Married to Iliana Yussof (the Kazzen blog creator) and a father to the future Team Manager of Kazzen, Harris.

Profession: Systems Engineer

Experience:

Sepang 1000km Race 2010

Sepang 1000km Race 2009

Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race 2007

Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race 2004

Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race 2003

Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race 2002

Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race 2001

Drivers

2008-02-06T08:17:00.000-08:00

Mohamad Cassim Mohd Hanef

Age: 35

Status: Married to Shazreen Shah (Secretary II of Kazzen Motorsports Club) and father to future little Kazzen member, Hazim.

Profession: Manager, International Trade Services

Racing Experience:

Sepang 1000km Race 2010
Sepang International Circuit
Class 2
Car: Toyota Levin AE111 BZR
Qualified 21st over 56 Overall (2:43.025 sec)
Finished 6^th in Class / 8^thOverall (177 laps)

Sepang 1000km Race 2009
Sepang International Circuit
Class 2
Car: Toyota Levin AE111 BZR
Qualified 8th over 24 in Class 2 (2:45sec)
DNF

Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race 2007
Sepang International Circuit
Class C
Car: Toyota Corolla SEG 1.6
Qualified xxth over xx in Class C (x:xxsec)
DNF

Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race 2004
Sepang International Circuit
Class C
Car: Toyota Corolla SEG 1.6
Qualified xxth over xx in Class C (x:xxsec)
Finished 15^th in Class / 49^th Overall (30 laps)

Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race 2003
Sepang International Circuit
Class C
Car: Toyota Corolla SEG 1.6
Qualified 16th over 24 in Class C (2:44sec)
Finished 3^rd in Class / 19^th Overall (241 laps)

Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race 2002
Sepang International Circuit
Class C
Car: Toyota Corolla SEG 1.6
Qualified xxth over xx in Class C (x:xxsec)
Finished 3^rd in Class / 15th Overall (233 laps)

Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race 2001
Sepang International Circuit
Class C
Car: Toyota Corolla SEG 1.6
Qualified xxth over xx in Class C (x:xxsec)
Finished 8^th in Class / xxth Overall (xx laps)

Muzamil Mohamad

Age: 36 (Oldest member of Kazzen)

Status: Married to Azra Abd Rashid (Secretary I of Kazzen Motorsports Club and kid sister to Team Manager, Rizal - who also maintains the Kazzen blog.. ;))

Profession: Aviator

Racing Experience:

Sepang 1000km Race 2010
Sepang International Circuit
Class 2
Car: Toyota Levin AE111 BZR
Qualified 21st over 56 Overall (2:43.025 sec)
Finished 6^th in Class / 8^thOverall (177 laps)

Sepang 1000km Race Challenge 2009
Sepang International Circuit
Class 2
Car: Toyota Levin AE111 BZR
Qualified 8th over 24 in Class 2 (2:45sec)
DNF

Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race 2007
Sepang International Circuit
Class C
Car: Toyota Corolla SEG 1.6
Qualified xxth over xx in Class C (x:xxsec)
DNF

Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race 2003
Sepang International Circuit
Class C
Car: Toyota Corolla SEG 1.6
Qualified 16th over 24 in Class C (2:44sec)
Finished 3^rd in Class / 19^th Overall (241 laps)

Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race 2002
Sepang International Circuit
Class C
Car: Toyota Corolla SEG 1.6
Qualified xxth over xx in Class C (x:xxsec)
Finished 3^rd in Class / 15th Overall (233 laps)

Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race 2001
Sepang International Circuit
Class C
Car: Toyota Corolla SEG 1.6
Qualified xxth over xx in Class C (x:xxsec)
Finished 8^th in Class / xxth Overall (xx laps)

Hichame Abd Ghaffur

Age: 31

Status: Single & Available (any interested future Kazzen member may apply)

Profession: Electrical Engineer

Racing Experience:

Sepang 1000km Race 2010
Sepang International Circuit
Class 2
Car: Toyota Levin AE111 BZR
Qualified 21st over 56 Overall (2:43.025 sec)
Finished 6^th in Class / 8^thOverall (177 laps)

Sepang 1000km Race Challenge 2009
Sepang International Circuit
Class 2
Car: Toyota Levin AE111 BZR
Qualified 17th over 24 in Class 2 (2:45sec)
DNF

Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race 2007
Sepang International Circuit
Class C
Car: Toyota Corolla SEG 1.6
Qualified xxth over xx in Class C (x:xxsec)
DNF

Autocross Kansas 2001-2002
Wichita Kansas
Car: Toyota Celica GT4

MME 2007 - Kazzen & its unfortunate mishap

2008-02-06T01:57:00.000-08:00

Team KAZZEN Motorsports was established. Hisham Ghaffur (who prefers his name spelled HICHAME) joined the team as our third driver. The team once more received a sponsorship from Air Asia Berhad among others. However, after months of hard work it was not to be as history repeated itself - they went through another painful race with a mechanical failure. Although they qualified for the race, the engine cooling system broke down and caught fire while Cassim was driving, forcing them to retire in the very first lap.

L-R: Muzamil, Cassim, Hichame & Rizal

Final Discussion

The guys

... and the ladies

MME 2004 - Unsuccessful year

2008-02-06T01:56:00.002-08:00

The driver line-up for MME 2004 was Cassim Hanef, Azlan and Kenny. Muzamil’s absence to partake in the competition was due to poor health. According to the Team Manager, the last minute preparation had lead them to suffer from mechanical problems wherein they experience overflowing engine oil throughout the race. Nonetheless, despite the crisis the team still finished the race at 15^th place (Class C).

MME 2003 - Another Victory and Air Asia

2008-02-06T01:56:00.001-08:00

The third appearance was made in 2003 where the team had received a major sponsorship from Asia’s leading and largest low cost carrier, Air Asia Berhad. A roadshow was held by Air Asia at the Sungei Wang Plaza to introduce the team to the public prior to the race wherein it was joined by a few local artists namely Ning Baizura, Fadzley, Hazami, Deja Moss, Ani Mayuni, Syikin and Datin Sheril Aida and hosted by Azhar Sulaiman dan Red 104.9 radio DJ, KC Ismail.

Driving the same humble car again, the 1.6 Toyota Corolla SEG (now painted red) and with the help from an extended number of crews, the team once again emerged 3rd in its Class but this time, the cousins completed the race with driver Khaidi Kamaruddin’s involvement replacing the initial driver, Adian Yein Khalid. The team was left behind by 1.04 seconds due to the problem they had with the broken exhaust mounting at the final hour of the 12-hour race.

Drivers and their winnings

Climbing the podium for the second time

Lining up

Assiduous crew

Sharing the joy

With some of the artistes at the roadshow

MME 2002 - First Win

2008-02-06T01:55:00.000-08:00

They made a comeback in the subsequent year with the same set of drivers and loyal crews. Rizal once again lead the team and what started as fun turned into leading the team to a victory when they were announced as the 3rd place in Class C category and 15^th in the overall category of the MME 2001, driving the 1.6 Toyota Corolla SEG.

A similar standard engine set up was once again being tailored by Muzamil and his team of mechanics. No sponsors for the guys this time. The only contribution they received was their mothers’ sandwiches, bihun goreng and nasi lemak. The cash prize of RM5,000 was used to pay off the costs of preparing the car, injected by the drivers prior to the race.

Learning from their previous experience, Rizal planned for more efficient pit stops and it worked out well. If it weren’t for the accidents they had at Turn 1 and Turn 10 at the track, the team would have achieved a better result as Muzamil was leading in the Class C category before he had the accident at Turn 10. Nonetheless, it was a fantastic achievement considering the competition against very experienced drivers.

From then on the cousins decided to make MME an annual event for the team. No limited funds and workforce will stop these guys from taking part and performing well.

The Team in the earlier days

Its second act

MME 2001 - The Debut

2008-02-06T01:54:00.001-08:00

Making their debut with only less than 10 members and a very limited budget in the in the 12-hour endurance race in 2001, the cousins joined by another driver, William Chong under the management of their friend and Team Manager Rizal Abd Rashid, finished 8^th in the overall Class C category.

Muzamil who enjoys working on his car engine ever since he got the 1.6 Toyota Corolla SEG in 1996 was responsible in preparing the engine for the MME, emphasizing on the brakes, suspensions and getting the car lighter with the help from their personal mechanics. He even went all the way to Hong Kong and return on the very same day to get parts for their car. That was how passionate these guys were, willing to go the extra mile for their fast car. Approached by an agent for small sponsorship to aid their team financially, they went for it without any hesitation. This time the cousins pretty much have to stick to the standard engine set up due to SIC rules in contrast to a more flexible race at Batu Tiga.

Being involved for the first time in such event, the team lost a lot of time on account of the pit stops they made throughout the race. The problem of not being equipped with a fuel catch tank resulted in some fuel surge problems during the second half of the race was another difficulty they faced. Nonetheless, despite all the challenges, they still manage to complete the race among the Top 10 in the Class C category.

Making its first appearance

Front profile of THE Toyota Corolla SEG

How it started

2008-02-06T01:53:00.000-08:00

It all started circa 1999 when Muzamil drove all the way from JB to meet up with his cousin Cassim for their regular Saturday Night races at the Batu Tiga track, where racing avids were able to quench their adrenaline thirst by making 5 hot laps in their road cars.

It was when Muzamil first heard that Sepang International Circuit (“SIC”) was having the very first Merdeka Millennium Endurance ("MME") Race in year 2000 that he had the bold idea of transforming the 1.6 Toyota Corolla SEG he owned (and in which he drove to work every day) into a racing machine for real. Sharing this idea with his then 26 year-old cousin, Cassim couldn’t be any happier as he has always dreamt of driving in the fast lane without having to sacrifice his own ride. It was merely an idea that they kept secret from their parents and started putting their heads together for the preparation and racing strategy to turn their dream into a reality. They recruited their brothers, cousins and friends and formed their very own team.