The 11th running of the Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia saw problems for the Imak Team
This year the MMER started unusually at midnight, a decision made to try to avoid the monsoon type storms which hit the Sepang International Circuit at this time of year in the afternoon.
One other little problem to affect the whole field, was that Pirelli managed to deliver not one wet weather tyre, so a preliminary decision was made to red flag the race immediately if any wet weather was to arrive, and restart the race going by the previous laps positions if necessary.
David Wall took the first stint in the Mosler which qualified in 11th place, and settled into a comfortable groove in the field, rising to 7th at one point, and maintaining a creditable 9th place, which was held by Andrew MacPherson and Mike Reedy for the first 5 1/2 hours.
As Wall was settling back for his second stint, a starter motor problem hit the car and he ground to a halt out on the circuit. With the rules stating only a driver can touch the car in such circumstances, then began the slightly ridiculous episode of Wall legging round to the garage, collecting a mechanic for verbal assistance, and getting the starter motor going, but then running out of his allotted time, so jogging back again to get Mike Reedy. By the time dawn broke over the circuit Andrew MacPherson was nursing the Mosler in more work by the crew.
With hope of any decent standing left in the placings gone, the crew determined to finish the race and this they achieved.
“This weekend was all about giving Andrew his first taste of international endurance GT racing and of course when he asked me to be a part of the team I jumped at the chance,” said David after the race.
“To have the opportunity to compete against the level of competition the race saw this year has been a great opportunity.
“I think the determination the team showed to get the car back out on the track and to overcome everything we encountered is a credit to them. We were running against teams and drivers who are among the best in this sport and what the team lacked in experience they had in determination and hard work.
“I think we definitely win the award for the team whose drivers ran the most around the circuit between our broken car and the pit garages!
“On a personal note it was great to come back to Sepang. Of course it is disappointing that we did have the electrical problem that put us out for so long, but I was pleased I was able to run comfortably in the top 10 all weekend.
