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Viper Niza Racing Takes 3rd at Michelin 12 Hours Malaysia

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Estimated reading time: 7 minutes


Key Takeaways:

  • Viper Niza Racing secured a hard-fought 3rd place in the GT3-AM class and 8th overall at the inaugural Michelin 12 Hours of Malaysia, closing their 2025 season on a high note despite mechanical setbacks.
  • An unscheduled pit stop due to loose steering rack bolts cost the team precious laps, but their swift recovery showcased remarkable team resilience and strategic execution.
  • The 2025 season was highly productive for Viper Niza Racing, featuring multiple podium finishes across prestigious European endurance races and a 4th overall standing in the Michelin 24H European Series GT3-AM class.
  • Drivers Douglas Khoo, Dominic Ang, and Melvin Moh demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, battling to minimize the impact of technical issues.
  • Looking ahead, Viper Niza Racing plans a full return to the 2026 Michelin 24H European Series, aiming for all five rounds, while advocating for more endurance racing opportunities in Asia.

Table of Contents:


Viper Niza Racing Takes 3rd at Michelin 12 Hours Malaysia: A Masterclass in Motorsport Resilience

Explore how Viper Niza Racing clinched 3rd at the grueling Michelin 12 Hours of Malaysia! Discover the details of their impressive season-ending performance. Imagine the relentless pressure, the precision required, and the sheer physical and mental endurance demanded by a 12-hour motorsport race. Now, add unexpected mechanical failure into the mix. How does a team not just survive, but thrive, securing a podium finish against such odds? This isn't just a hypothetical scenario; it's the gripping reality of what transpired for Viper Niza Racing at the inaugural Michelin 12 Hours of Malaysia, held at the iconic Sepang International Circuit. This article delves deep into the team's inspiring journey, detailing their challenges, their triumphs, and what this remarkable achievement signifies for their future. Prepare to uncover the grit, strategy, and sheer determination that defined their 2025 season closer.


The Challenge: Mechanical Drama and Resilient Comeback

The 2025 Michelin 12 Hours of Malaysia presented an ultimate test of endurance, skill, and teamwork. For Viper Niza Racing, the race began with strong momentum, seeing the local team surge ahead, leading the pack in their Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO. The atmosphere was electric, with perfect weather conditions setting the stage for a spectacular showdown. However, the unforgiving nature of endurance racing soon revealed itself.


At a critical juncture, the team was forced into an unscheduled pit stop. A detailed inspection quickly pinpointed the problem: two loose bolts on the steering rack unit. While the repair itself was swift, the incident was costly, forcing Viper Niza Racing to lose four crucial laps as their sophisticated machine was brought back to peak condition. This setback would test the resolve of any team, but Viper Niza Racing, spearheaded by the formidable trio of drivers Douglas Khoo, Dominic Ang, and Melvin Moh, refused to yield.


The drivers launched a fierce comeback, battling tirelessly to regain lost ground. Despite their Herculean efforts, reclaiming the top spot proved an insurmountable challenge against the clock. Reflecting on the incident, Douglas Khoo, the lead driver and Team Principal, shared his perspective: "This race was quite challenging as we faced a minor technical issue, but fortunately, it wasn't anything major. We lost crucial time in that pit stop, but the most important thing is that we managed to finish this 12-hour race." His words encapsulate the true spirit of endurance racing – perseverance triumphs even when perfection eludes. The team ultimately clinched an impressive 3rd place in the GT3-AM class and an admirable 8th position overall, a testament to their unwavering determination.


GT3-AM Class Results:

  • 1st: Origine Motorsport (Porsche) – 319 laps
  • 2nd: Continental Racing by Simpson (Audi) – 315 laps
  • 3rd: Viper Niza Racing – 311 laps

Notably, all 17 machines that started the arduous 12-hour race successfully crossed the finish line, highlighting the competitive yet robust nature of the field.


A Season of Triumphs: Viper Niza Racing's Impressive 2025 Journey

The Michelin 12 Hours of Malaysia podium was not an isolated success but the culmination of a truly productive and remarkable 2025 season for Viper Niza Racing. Their relentless pursuit of excellence saw them consistently challenging at the front across various international circuits, solidifying their reputation as a formidable contender in the GT3-AM class. Let's take a closer look at their outstanding achievements:


  • Podium at Motul 12 Hours of Sepang (March): Kicking off their season strong on home turf.
  • 2nd Place at Michelin 12H Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium (April): A superb performance at one of the world's most challenging tracks.
  • 3rd Place at 12H Paul Ricard, France (July): Demonstrating consistent pace and strategic prowess on European soil.
  • 4th Overall in Michelin 24H European Series (GT3-AM Class): A truly exceptional performance, especially considering they missed one round of the championship. This result speaks volumes about their competitive edge and the potential they hold.

This sequence of strong finishes underscores Viper Niza Racing's commitment to continuous improvement and their ability to compete at the highest levels of international endurance motorsport. Each race was a learning curve, building experience and refining strategies that ultimately led to their successful conclusion to the 2025 campaign.


Looking Ahead: The Road to 2026 and Beyond

With the 2025 season successfully concluded, Viper Niza Racing is already setting its sights on an even more ambitious 2026. The team is keen to build upon their consistent performance and elevate their presence on the global endurance racing stage. Their primary goal is a full-scale return to Europe, where they plan to participate in all five rounds of the prestigious Michelin 24H European Series.


Mark Your Calendars: Michelin 24H Series Europe 2026 Schedule

  • 12H Mugello, Italy: March 20–22
  • 12H Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium: April 17–19
  • 12H Paul Ricard, France: June 5–7
  • 12H Nürburgring, Germany: July 3–5
  • 24H Barcelona, Spain: September 18–20

Beyond their European aspirations, Viper Niza Racing also holds a strong desire to foster the growth of endurance racing in their home region. They express hope for the organization of more endurance races in Asia, which would undoubtedly boost local talent and bring the thrill of international motorsport closer to home. This strategic outlook combines global ambition with a deep commitment to regional development.


Partners Paving the Way: Our Valued Sponsors

Success in motorsport, especially at the endurance level, is a collaborative effort. Viper Niza Racing's achievements would not be possible without the unwavering support of their dedicated partners and sponsors. These collaborations provide the crucial resources, technology, and backing necessary to compete at the highest echelons of racing. The team is proud to be associated with:

  • Motul: A global leader in lubricants and motor oils, ensuring peak engine performance.
  • Endless & Momentum Autoparts: Providing high-performance braking systems and essential automotive components.
  • IWC: The Official Team Watch, embodying precision and excellence.
  • Jen Orchard Gateway Hotel Singapore: A hospitality partner, ensuring comfort and convenience.
  • Vida: The refreshing carbonated drink, keeping the team energized.

These partnerships are more than just logos on a car; they are integral to the team's operational capability and competitive edge, enabling Viper Niza Racing to continuously push boundaries and achieve new milestones.


Summary: A Testament to Endurance

The 2025 season closure at the Michelin 12 Hours of Malaysia encapsulates Viper Niza Racing's fighting spirit and unwavering dedication. Securing a podium finish despite early mechanical challenges is not just a statistical achievement; it is a powerful narrative of resilience, expert teamwork, and driver skill. From their consistent European podiums to their strong overall series standing, Viper Niza Racing has proven their mettle. Their vision for 2026 promises an even bolder assault on the international endurance racing scene, further cementing their legacy in motorsport. This team doesn't just race; they inspire, showcasing how determination and strategic partnership can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. Explore how Viper Niza Racing clinched 3rd at the grueling Michelin 12 Hours of Malaysia! Discover the details of their impressive season-ending performance. and it becomes clear this is a team poised for greatness.


What are your thoughts on Viper Niza Racing's incredible comeback? Share your predictions for their 2026 European campaign in the comments below! Don't forget to follow Viper Niza Racing on their official channels to stay updated on their journey, and explore more about endurance racing on our site!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Q1: What was the main challenge faced by Viper Niza Racing at the Michelin 12 Hours of Malaysia?

A1: The primary challenge was an unscheduled pit stop due to two loose bolts on the steering rack unit of their Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO. This mechanical issue cost the team four crucial laps, forcing them to fight back from a significant deficit to secure their podium finish.


Q2: How did Viper Niza Racing perform in the overall 2025 Michelin 24H European Series?

A2: Viper Niza Racing had a highly successful 2025 season, finishing 4th overall in the Michelin 24H European Series for the GT3-AM class. This impressive standing was achieved despite the team missing one round of the championship, highlighting their consistent performance and competitive edge throughout the series.


Q3: What are Viper Niza Racing's plans for the 2026 season?

A3: For 2026, Viper Niza Racing plans to return to Europe to participate in all five rounds of the Michelin 24H European Series. They also express a keen interest in seeing more endurance racing events organized in Asia to further develop the sport in the region.


Q4: Who are the key drivers for Viper Niza Racing?

A4: The primary trio of drivers for Viper Niza Racing consists of Douglas Khoo, who also serves as the Team Principal, Dominic Ang, and Melvin Moh. Their combined experience and skill are instrumental to the team's success in endurance racing.

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