GTA Confirms Postponement of Sepang Round

SUPER GT has confirmed this year’s Sepang 300km will not go ahead as scheduled owing to the fallout of the current situation in the Middle East as well as cost concerns.

Sportscar365 reported on Monday that the race, scheduled on June 19-21 as the third round of the 2026 season, was facing cancellation owing to a request from the Malaysian government, a major backer of last year’s running of the event, in light of the uncertain fuel situation arising from the U.S./Israel-Iran conflict.

On Wednesday, the GTA and event promoter HARO Sports & Entertainment issued a joint statement confirming the event’s postponement.

It cited the “escalating and uncertain situation in the Middle East, which has introduced significant operational and logistical challenges” as well as “substantial increase in international freight costs and air travel expenses” as the main reasons for the decision.

It added that both “GTA and HARO Sports reaffirm their commitment to bringing SUPER GT back to Malaysia when conditions allow for a safe, stable, and high-quality event.”

However, the long lead times required to freight cars and equipment from Japan to Malaysia mean the prospects of the Sepang race being held on an alternative date in 2026 appear remote considering the makeup of the rest of the schedule.

“Firstly, our prayers are with all those impacted by the current crisis in the Middle East,” commented HARO managing partner Fahrizal Hasan. “We pray for a peaceful and amicable resolution.

“While this was not what we envisioned for the second year running of the Malaysian round, we would like to thank GTA, the teams and all valued stakeholders – our partners, sponsors, the media and especially all fans – for their strong support and understanding in these challenging times.

“The race will be back in Malaysia, and when it does, we are committed to making it twice as exciting!”

GTA chairman Masaaki Bandoh added: “We would like to thank HARO Sports & Entertainment and everyone involved in Malaysia for their efforts in preparing for the event.

“This was a difficult decision to make, but we would like to thank our Japanese fans, entrants, sponsors, and media for their understanding.

“We will continue to build a cooperative relationship with HARO Sports & Entertainment and everyone in Malaysia so that Malaysian fans can once again enjoy an exciting SUPER GT.”

The announcement did not mention any possibility of an alternative race in Japan being added to the schedule, although most sources consulted by Sportscar365 regarding the matter believe the prospect is unlikely.

If there is no replacement race, and the Sepang race cannot be rescheduled in time, it would leave the 2026 campaign at seven races, the lowest figure since 2004 (counting points-paying races only).

The agreement between the GTA and HARO was for three years, but the 2026 event’s postponement raises the possibility of a one-year extension.