Thursday, October 30, 2008

Part 3 - Polini Malaysian MotoGP 2008

Please click here to view 56 photos by courtesy of Shukri, taken on Sunday 19 October - The Final Event Day.
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Please click here to view 120 photos taken by yours truly (KC) on Sunday 19 October. This is the final posting for MotoGP 2008.

Event: Polini Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2008
Venue: Sepang F1 Circuit, Malaysia
Date: 17-18-19 October 2008
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Click here for Part1, Part2.
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Attention grabbing poster - The spectators are pleasantly surprise to see two pretty models (backed by the latest machine) stationed at the main entrace to greet them with sweet and friendly smiles. Since nothing happens, I presume the message on the poster is for the motorbikes... :-)
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I actually brought along my flash unit this time wanted to re-take those models (for better photos) in the Kawasaki and Yamaha booths. Interestingly, the models were all gone leaving only the spectators to admire the motorbikes (and nothing else).

.. This off-road machine costs RM 30,000 !!
. Standby ... Vroom, Vroom, Vroom...
. Go, go, go ... with deafening roar!
. When I arrived at the Sepang F1 Circuit at 9:30 a.m., the main car park was full. Today (Sunday 19 Oct), the crowds are coming in full force. I could see big groups of bikers thronged to the Circuit. Many big bikes are bearing Thailand and Singpore number plates; of course, many supporters from Malaysia.
. The other grandstand is almost full of spectators
. Fans rushing from side to side trying to catch an extended glimpse of their idol riders
. Sea of spectators leaving the Sepang F1 Circuit after the race.
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The action photos below are extracted from Shukri's photo album.
. Keenly competing for top position
. Superb shot !
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Notice that the back wheel is lifted above the ground when braking hard at high speed.
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Tremendous momentum - This one is clearly visible
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Proud moment that is greeted by cheering fans
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The winner addressing the crowds and supporters in style.
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Note: The next sports car racing event, A1GP, will be held from 21-22-23 November 2008 at Sepang F1 Circuit.
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Click here for previous A1GP 2007: part1, part2, part3, part4.
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Posted by KC
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Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Demise of Boey Kong Wah

The late Boey running in Asthma Charity Run on 11 May 2008. Photo courtesy of Jason Lee.

We have just learnt with grief about the demise of SH Tan's beloved husband, Boey Kong Wah who passed away on 23 October 2008 while running. The late Boey is a Pacesetters runner.

SH Tan is the immediate past Club Secretary and Editor of Footloose Magazine of Pacesetters Club, Malaysia.

Let us join together in expressing our deepest sympathies and condolences to SH Tan and members of her family on their loss. Our hearts go out to the bereaved family and we unite with them in thought and deed in this moment of profound grief – as runners who continue to take on challenges.
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Sharing common interest - With SH Tan in Mizuno Wave Run on 18 December 2005.
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hoto by KC.

With Heartfelt Condolences

Posted by KC Leong

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Extracted from Comments posted by SH Tan:
Dear friends,

I just want to express my deep appreciation for the tremendous support given by all the Pacesetters to me and my 2 daughters in our saddest moments. Your presence and generosity were most heart warming.

It took me quite a while to accept Boey's departure and letting him go at the funeral was painful. Right now I am grappling with the reality of not having him around to talk to and turn to when I need help. He took such good care of me and my two girls and we miss him so much. I have also lost a running partner who trained me for my first and only marathon.

My only consolation is that he died doing what he loves and he did not suffer too much.

Take care while running and God bless.

SH Tan

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Polini Malaysian MotoGP 2008 -Part2

Okay, yours truly is back from holidaying in Bali. Yes! the tropical island that is blessed with beaches, scenic landscapes, enchanting culture and mystical belief. Stay tuned... Meantime, let me continue with the journey on MotoGP which was held here right in our land.
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Please click here to view 72 photos taken by yours truly (KC) on Saturday 18 Oct.

Please click here to view 28 photos by courtesy of Shukri (taken on Friday 17 Oct).

Please click here to view 102 photos by courtesy of Shukri (taken on Saturday 18 Oct).
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Note: when in photo album, press F11 (to expand display) and click SlideShow (at top left corner)..
Event: Polini Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2008
Date: 17-18-19 October
Venue: Sepang F1 Circuit, Malaysia
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Stay tuned for more exciting photos on final day (Sunday 19 October).
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Try to fucus on these photos captured by Shukri. What can you say about them? You will notice that only the motorbike is in focus, everything else is blur. When you look closer at the wheels, you can see that the wheels are still spinning.
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According to Shukri, the shutter speed of the camera is lower (just like the Limbo Rock - How LOW can you GO?) to a slow speed that is bordering the limit of causing the whole photo to be blurred due to unsteady hands. Don't forget, the motorbike is speeding at a blistering pace, much faster than the runners... :-) Nevermind, if this is too difficult to understand, just appreciate that this is sifu (master) skill.
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Full throttle ahead
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Courting with danger - The red-white band is the border of a very wide road. But these riders chose to ride at the edge (for gaining split second advantage). x
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Precision manoeuvring
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Shukri in action with his bazooka lens
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Okay, this photo is taken by yours truly (KC)... notice the wheels are still spinning and the reflection too.
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Posted by KC
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Monday, October 20, 2008

Mizuno Wave Run 2008 Photo Gallery

Please note that I will be going on holidays. Same crew members... click here, different destination. Next posting will resume on 29 October 2008.
Happy Running and Trekking... from KC Leong

Event: Mizuno Wave Run 2008
Date: Sunday 19 October
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Venue: Padang Merbuk, Kuala Lumpur
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All photos are by courtesy of Jason Lee, The Photographer of Pacesetters Runners.
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Nikon DSLR D200
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click here (Press Ctrl + Click to open a new tab, or Press Shift + Click to open a new browser page) for Album 1 (173 photos)

click here for Album 2 (172 photos)

click here for Album 3 (171 photos)


Nikon DSLR D80
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click here for Album 1 (171 photos)

click here for Album 2 (170 photos)

click here for Album 3 (168 photos)

click here for Album 4 (167 photos)
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Jason Lee
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Sea of runners for this Mizuno Wave Run
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Calm before the return of runners
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Christine
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Posted by KC


Sunday, October 19, 2008

Polini Malaysian MotoGP 2008

Note: Work is in progress to process photos from Mizuno Wave Run taken by Jason Lee this morning (Sunday 19 October).

Event: Polini Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2008
Date: 17-18-19 October
Venue: Sepang F1 Circuit, Malaysia

The photos below are taken by yours truly (KC) on Saturday 18 October. Stay tuned for more photos on final day (Sunday 19 October).

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Kawasaki + beautiful model = excellent attraction. Of course, I do admire the motorbikes also.
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Fierce and mean machine + gorgeous model = sound insurance (if in case you are not attracted to the machine, you probably are attracted to the ...)
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Yours truly (KC) at the Harley Davidson booth (photo is taken by Shukri)
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Huge machine + petite model = also a superb combination
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Good or bad design? Too close for comfort: (a) two exhaust pipes together (not balance); (b) the leg of a rider could accidentally touch the burning hot and unshielded pipes
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Denso Spark Plug - Without doubts, lots of electrifying sparks are flying around !!
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Shukri (at right) and yours truly are going to the racing circuit... notice the storm clouds brewing high above.
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Daredevil stunt performance
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Look ma! Hands are not needed!
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VIP Village pit lane walk. Click here for Japan GP (June 2008) at Sepang F1 Circuit for comparison. click here, here, here also.
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The show must go on despite the wet ground. It was raining heavily at noon.


Shukri in action with his bazooka lens
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Sepang F1 Circuit - the writing is on the chairs
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These are the 800 cc motorbikes. Prior to this event, 250 cc and 125 cc qualifying events.
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The bigger capacity motorbikes roar with deafening and deep VROOOM sound compared to the other two lower cc motorbikes
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Big and small - cameraphone against huge SLR with huge telephoto lens
Another group of enthusiasts
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A lone motorcycle is passing by an empty grandstand
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Support from Japan (we need more support from Malaysia)
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This event is called MotorGP2, specially for Ducati members/fans. This is a special 990 cc bike (as informed by Shukri). Each pillion rider only go through one circuit ferried by the same professional rider. That must be a hair-raising rides (okay, not noticable with the helmet) for the pillion rider going through lightning speed and negotiating tight corners.

The rider could maintain balance with only one wheel even with someone riding pillion. Before completing the round, the front of the motorbike was raised; just before reaching the finish point, the back of the motorbike was then raised up!


Posted by KC