Batu Tiga Shah Alam Circuit 1996 (Pt.1, Super Car)

BATU TIGA SHAH ALAM CIRCUIT, MALAYSIA. (Historical Perspective)

The Batu Tiga Shah Alam Circuit in Malaysia is now long gone. The land where the circuit used to be is now an exclusive housing development area for the middle to upper income family. Still, the memories of the racing events that took place in the once famous classic design and highly technical racing circuit still remains among the loyalist and fans alike.

Most of the racing professionals who started their career at Batu Tiga Circuit are still active today. From humble beginnings, and spectacular ones as well, they all prospered to other organizations and venues in continuing their motorsports' profession.

Andre Couto (Middle)

The Super Car category was one of the most anticipated race by most fans who flock the Batu Tiga Circuit. In this category, they will usually be able to witness some of the most recent racing cars from outside the country, racing right here in Malaysia, usually by invitation. The drivers of the cars more often than not, are the top prospect from other racing series.

One of them was Andre Couto from Spain. He came to Batu Tiga to race in Kremer's Porsche turbocharged GT car.

The management of the Batu Tiga Circuit at the time was Shah Alam Motorsports Promotion (S.A.M.P). They did a good job in bringing in top contenders from other countries, but Malaysia clearly was not ready to either provide a competitive team nor a driver to really mount a challenge on Kremer's Porsche and Andre Couto.

Andre Couto on pole position

With clearly a runaway car and a top driver, Kremer's Porsche easily landed pole position, with more than few seconds to spare.

Andre Couto exiting last corner

When the race starts, Andre Couto quickly began to lap most of the competing cars, The only challenge he faced was against Ron Lim in his RX-7 Savannah, a Ferrari Challenge 355 Cup Car and Ringo Chong in his BMW E30 M3. Eventually all of the grid were lapped by Couto!

Ringo Chong in 2nd Place. His M3 were no match for Couto's Kremer Porsche

When Couto realised he was way too fast for the race, he noticibly began short shifting. The crowd shifted their attention to the middle of the grid as the racing was closer.

Andre Couto easily won the Super Car category

The race was decided a little more than after the halfway point. Andre Couto won by quite a large margin. In fact, he was actually racing all by himself.

3rd place guy was driving a Ferrari 355 Challenge Car
(If anybody know who this guy is, please let me know. Thanks)

Ringo Chong 2nd (L), Andre Couto 1st (M), 3rd ?

All is good fun after all

CM.