The Nissan Fairlady hasn’t really caught on with Sepang’s racers eventhough the model has been a regular in some racing series around the world. MegaLAP was fortunate to have a 350Z competing in round one, a white one driven by Y S Lim. The car is powered by a normally aspirated VQ35 engine, working its rear wheels. The driver was unfortunate not to end up on the podium as a certain German panda beat the 350Z to third placing by only 0.2 of a second. We caught up with Y S Lim for a chat and his plans for MegaLAP Round 2.
MegaLAP: How did you start taking up racing, more specifically time attack events?
Y S Lim: I started with going to trackdays since 2010 in 350Z but since last year, Desmond Yee kept pushing me towards racing and that’s why I’m here now. The first time attack event that I competed was CTA Time Attack in January 2012 and I made my fastest time there. MegaLAP Round 1 is my second time attack event that I had competed in.
ML: What are your plans for the 350Z? More power through forced induction perhaps? Advanced handling mods?
YSL: I have not planned any upgrades actually as the car is currently doing very well. I’m more concerned about getting as much track time as possible as I believe that it is important to improve my driving experience and skills first. I’ll won’t be putting forced induction either, as I feel more comfortable and secure with the power delivery of the current normally aspirated engine.
ML: Why the 350Z and not any other car? What would be the ideal car for you in a time attack event?
YSL: I like rear wheel-driven cars. The Nissan 350Z is a very sporty car and not that expensive as currently a used one can be had for only about RM 80K, so it is very affordable. If money is not an issue, I’d like to have a Prancing Horse or a Bull dedicated for track duties. At the mean time, the 350Z is good enough for me at the moment.
ML: Any tips on driving fast in Sepang?
YSL: I don’t think I’m in the position to give any tips yet but personally I feel that having a good instructor is the faster and safer way to improve circuit driving skills. I have with me Kenny Lee who is mentoring me and he always pushes me to do my best with the words, “There is 2 more seconds to pickup”.
Wise words from Kenny, I’m sure his young padawan Y S Lim will be able to improve his time in the MegaLAP Round 2 scheduled for the 21st of April. The 350Z is a fast car to start with and as the driver continues his tutelage under his master, this MegaLAP competitor will be out for blood come Round 2.
Is this the only ‘Lady’ in Sepang? No sirree, we will be featuring another Lady, a more matured one but a beast nonetheless. Stay tuned folks! 
