How old do you have to be in order to become an accomplished car racer? For young Petronas drivers – Muhammad Alif Azri and Sharul Fahmi, both 18, from The Otomotif College (TOC), age has never been an issue.
The two were spotted for their talent since they started go-karting at the age of eight and 12, respectively.
Sharul Fahmi was selected to enter a racing school under the Petronas Formula Xperience (FPX) programme in 2009 and, in the same year, was identified as one of the top 10 participants to undergo training and evaluation at the next level.
“I’m currently enrolled in the Diploma in Automotive Technology at The Otomotif College (TOC) to learn the basics about cars before qualifying for a degree in motorsports. This gives me the chance to venture into different areas with two different qualifications.” Fahmi said.
He was the envy of his classmates for his courage and ability to handle high performance cars.
He counts himself lucky to have made the right choice in enrolling in TOC.
Fahmi was particularly impressed with the state-of-the-art-in house dynamometer. TOC boasts of being the first college in Malaysia with its own four-wheel Dynojet.
Students are privileged to use this high-end apparatus to learn about fine tuning sports cars from qualified trainers.
Fahmi’s favourite subject is Engine Mechanical. He feels it is important because of the engine is the heart of a car and all that controls it.
His college senior and fellow racer Alif Azri agrees with him.
Alif has a total of 22 podium finishes and six of the fastest lap records to his name. Alif participated in the 2009 Formula BMW Asian Championship and his skills were recognized by Petronas Motorsports. He was then chosen to undergo training in Germany.
Alif credited his mechanic and manager – his mentor until he was 13. By then, he has already learnt 80% of what one has to know at go-kart competitions.
At the age of 16, Alif started to follow pit crew members to gain exposure in the world motorsports.
TOC allows students the opportunity to tinker with engine tuning.
The software of the MoTeC Engine Control Units used in TOC is regularly updated with the latest features.
Alif is eager to get hands-on experience using this industry-standard equipment.
Said Alif, “Malaysia is in a unique position as one of the few automotive countries in the world and we will need qualified and competent professionals to fulfil the demands of this ever-growing industry. My education at TOC will prepare me well to enter this industry at the right time.”
TOC is a pioneer in motorsport education in Malaysia and offer excellent automotive certificate and diploma courses with options for degree programmes at op universities worldwide.
Established in 2005, TOC has grown by leaps and bounds with local and foreign students now numbering about 1,300 at its Petaling Jaya campus.
TOC students benefit from cutting-edge facilities, top trainers, advanced equipment and software, besides guaranteed career placement and development.
TOC has offices in Penang and Sabah to offer information about automotive courses, careers and its unique lifetime job placement.
Its new Penang office is located at Kristal Suites, Bayan Lepas, call 04-640 2867 for information.
Those in Sabah can visit the office at Kompleks Asia City or call 088-488 950.
Prospective students and their parents will be able to learn about the automotive world at TOC’s OTTO Camp (Open Day) at its Petailing Jaya campus on Jan 15 from 10am to 4pm.
Reservations are required. Call 03-7955 2811 or visit www.toc.edu.my to register for the limited seats. Drop by at the Start Education Fair and visit TOC’s B33-37 and B4-48 booths on Jan 8 and Jan 9 (11am to 7pm) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
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