2021 aprc

[the sniper]

Karamjit Singh is trying to put a deal together to run a Proton Iriz R5 (Rally2) car.

I think this may be a bit optimistic? It seems these reports have come about because Karamjit fell on hard times, had to sell his cars and apartment, was going to become an e-hailing driver, but seemingly this got reported by the press and the Malaysian Sports Minister got involved. Looks like they're helping him, but not financially. Well, not in terms of funding a program.

https://www.nst.com.my/sports/motor-...rn-flying-sikh

"I spoke to the Sports Minister (Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican) today, and he has verbally agreed to help me secure RM3 million to race in the APR next year.

"The ministry will provide me with supporting letters to approach potential sponsors," said Karamjit in Bukit Kiara yesterday.

However, there will be no direct allocation from the ministry for rallying purposes.

National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) chairman Datuk Noorul Ariffin Majeed accompanied Karamjit when he met Reezal in Parliament yesterday.

"Karamjit and I met the Sports Minister today. He has also been promised work at the Sepang International Circuit as a safety car driver and will also conduct their CSR programmes on road safety," said Noorul.

The former rally ace almost became an e-hailing driver, before he was 'rescued' by Yakeb and the Sports Ministry.

He said: "I sold my apartment, three cars and used my EPF money to the tune of RM1 million since 2012 to support my driving.

"I hope to drive for the country again, so I can make Malaysia proud."

In 2005, Karamjit was promised a monthly pension of RM5,000 by the Sports Ministry for winning the world title but it did not materialise.

If he gets the cash from sponsors, he will race for the Proton team. If I can raise RM3 million, I will race with a Proton Iris R5, which is actually ready in England right now.

"The sum will be used for spare parts and the APR," Karamjit added.

Is that a Mellors Elliot car from the UK, or is there another source of Iriz R5's in the region?

That's what he's hoping.