Malaysia’s Kegani Racing Academy (KRA) has officially launched the 2026 SKILLDRVN Swift Professional Series, marking a major milestone for local grassroots-to-professional motorsports development with the country’s first-ever driver draft system.
The historic draft saw four drivers selected by four participating teams, making it the first time a formal draft mechanism has been used in Malaysian circuit racing to allocate drivers to teams.
The Professional Series is open exclusively to privately owned teams and companies, and will be contested over five rounds at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit. The inaugural season is capped at 10 teams, with four teams already confirmed:
- Bendix Ultimate Racing Team
- Profimax Racing Team
- Team Ultra Racing
- ELF Evolution Team
Driver selection was conducted via a ballot-based draft.
Step Up From SKILLDRVN One Make Race Series
Classified as a national-status championship, the SKILLDRVN Swift Professional Series represents a clear progression from the SKILLDRVN One Make Race (OMR) Series, which was introduced in 2023 as a development gateway for young and new racers.
“The Professional Series was introduced to give Malaysian companies, brands and products an affordable, visible and most importantly a sustainable presence in motorsports. Everyone competes on the same level in terms of machinery and budget, the cost of entry is immensely attractive, and they will have a pool of competitive racers to choose from by way of the draft. At the same time, racers competing in the SKILLDRVN One Make Race (OMR) Series will now have something even more exciting to fight for in that they have the potential to drive professionally for teams,” said Kegani Racing Academy Principal and Chief Coach, Kenny Lee.
Standardised Cars, Controlled Costs
All teams will race production-based 1.6-litre Suzuki Swift race cars, similar to those used in the OMR Series, but fitted with upgraded engine mapping for the Professional Series. And from 2027 onwards, teams will also have the option to enter two cars per season.
The equal-car philosophy is designed to prioritise driver skill, racecraft, and consistency, while keeping costs manageable for teams and sponsors.
Pathway to Becoming a Professional Series Driver
Entry into the SKILLDRVN Swift Professional Series is strictly merit-based.
To be eligible for the draft, drivers must first compete in the SKILLDRVN One Make Race (OMR) Series and accumulate at least 700 career championship points.
With a maximum of 500 points available per OMR season (100 points per round across five rounds), consistency across multiple seasons is key.
The only exception to the 700-point requirement applies to drivers who:
- Score the maximum 500 points in a single season
- Win the Rookie of the Year award in the same season.
Once drafted, Professional Series drivers receive full racing sponsorship from their respective teams. This removes the need for drivers to purchase race cars or participate in costly “arrive-and-drive” programmes.
Team Perspectives
Bendix Ultimate Racing Team
“Bendix was motivated to support the SKILLDRVN Swift Professional Series because it provides a relevant motorsport platform where braking performance, durability, and consistency are tested under real racing conditions. The Series’ structured format and competitive parity closely reflect the demands placed on braking systems in motorsport, making it a meaningful environment for Bendix to support driver development through reliable and proven braking solutions.
“The SKILLDRVN One Make Race platform allows drivers to develop critical braking and vehicle control skills in a controlled, equal-equipment environment. With identical cars, drivers must rely on consistent braking points, modulation, heat management, and feedback sensitivity rather than mechanical advantages. These fundamentals are essential at grassroots level and form the technical foundation required before stepping up to professional racing.
“Motorsport thrives when drivers and partners commit to long-term development. For drivers, consistent participation builds experience and exposure. For partners, supporting structured series like SKILLDRVN is an opportunity to contribute to the growth of the sport while engaging authentically with the motorsport community.”
— Alicia Choong, Assistant Marketing Manager, FMP Automotive (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Profimax Racing Team
“At Profimax, our business ideology is performance through protection and consistency. Whether it’s on the road or on the track, real performance only comes when the fundamentals are done right. The SKILLDRVN One Make Race platform reflects this same philosophy. At the grassroots level, drivers need a controlled, equal, and reliable environment to learn proper racecraft, vehicle behaviour, and discipline. When all cars are on the same platform, the difference comes down to driver skill, preparation, and understanding, not shortcuts. This is very similar to how we approach our products at Profimax.
“Our Automotive solutions are designed to deliver consistent protection, reliability, and efficiency, especially under demanding conditions. In grassroots racing, consistency and protection are what allow drivers to push limits safely and build confidence.
“The SKILLDRVN Swift Professional Series represents the next logical step in a complete motorsport development pathway. The aspects that appealed most to us are the series’ professional structure, technical discipline, and emphasis on consistency rather than excess spending.
“From a product perspective, motorsports is the ultimate proving ground. The Professional Series creates real-world, high-stress conditions where reliability, protection, and efficiency truly matter. This aligns perfectly with Profimax’s philosophy of delivering maximum effectiveness at a reasonable cost, both on the track and for everyday drivers.
“More importantly, we see this series as a way to support sustainable growth in motorsports—where talent progression is clear, costs are managed, and performance is built on strong fundamentals. To potential partners, motorsports today is not just about visibility—it’s about value, authenticity, and long-term impact. Supporting platforms that are well-structured and accessible allow brands to connect with real enthusiasts while contributing to talent development and community growth.”
— John Liew, Technical Specialist, HD Technic Sdn Bhd
Team Ultra Racing
“The SKILLDRVN One Make Race Series provides a clear, structured pathway where each driver’s performance and progress can be tracked throughout the season. You can clearly see how drivers improve step by step, which reflects their true capability and potential. There are no shortcuts in this system, and that transparency makes it easier to identify genuine talent and also attracts motorsport enthusiasts who appreciate real driver development.
“Our motivation is the opportunity to grow together with the PRO Series. We see strong potential in the platform and the level of talent competing in it. By being part of the PRO Series, we hope to build long term collaboration, support talented drivers, and contribute to achieving even better results together in the future.
“Both the SKILLDRVN One Make Series and the PRO Series has a very well-structured system that develops drivers step by step, from beginners all the way to the professional level. We are confident in their training approach because it focuses on fundamentals, consistency, and real race experience. At the same time, our products complement this platform by improving car handling and giving drivers better confidence and control on track, which helps them maximise their performance as they progress.”
— Kenny Kuan, Marketing Manager, Ultra Racing
2025 SKILLDRVN One Make Race Overall Champions
Kegani Racing Academy also confirmed the 2025 SKILLDRVN One Make Race (OMR) Series overall standings, with Loke Yin Yee crowned the first-ever double overall champion, having previously won the title in 2024.
- Overall Champion (2025): Loke Yin Yee
- Runner-up: Andy Boey
- Third Overall: Vox Lim (Car #390)
Boey, 34, was also the overall champion in 2023.
How to Join or Enquire
To join the SKILLDRVN One Make Race Series, enquire about the SKILLDRVN Swift Professional Series, or learn more about Kegani Racing Academy’s programmes, interested parties may:
- Contact/WhatsApp Kenny Lee at 012-614 4141
- Contact Ju at 012-686 6177
- Visit Kegani Racing Academy’s website: www.keganiracing.com
- Visit the SKILLDRVN Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/skilldrvn
- Visit Kegani Racing Services, No. 7, Jalan Serindit 2, Puchong Jaya, 47100 Puchong, Selangor
CarTok Editor’s Note
A structured draft system, cost-controlled racing, and a clear path from grassroots to professional competition — the SKILLDRVN Swift Professional Series has potential to become one of Malaysia’s most meaningful talent pipelines in circuit racing and a stepping stone for aspiring racing drivers.
