[WATCH] Sponsorship, dedication and mentorship crucial for Malaysia’s rally future: Guna

KUALA LUMPUR – Veteran rally driver Gunaseelan Raju, widely known as Guna, has emphasised the crucial role of sponsorship in sustaining and growing Malaysian motorsport, urging racers to maintain professional relationships with backers.

Speaking on Scoop’s Sport Check podcast, the seven-time national champion said the local rally scene has faced challenges in recent years, largely due to a decline in sponsorship and fewer large-scale events.

“The rallying industry in Malaysia has taken a small dip in the last probably a decade,” he said. “Sponsors not really coming by, not much of drivers.”

Guna contrasted the current environment with the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, when rallying in Malaysia enjoyed strong support from major brands.

“During my time, during the 80s, 90s, it was easier because we had big sponsors,” he said, noting backing from Shell and Petronas, alongside proper event organisers.

He explained that sponsorship allowed drivers to focus fully on competing while simultaneously promoting the sport.

“I did it professionally for a good 15 years in my life,” he said, adding that his career also provided a solid income.

According to Guna, modern rally drivers must combine speed and performance with the ability to build trust with sponsors.

“We made the sponsors happy, and we made the country proud,” he added.

He highlighted how sponsorship supported his recent comeback at the Millet International Rally China.

“I spoke to Tourism Malaysia, who agreed to support me,” he said. “I also spoke to Batik Air, which came on board to support me.”

Private sponsors also contributed to making his campaign possible, he added.

Guna believes that experienced drivers have a responsibility to help attract sponsors back to the sport by generating interest and visibility.

“What I'm doing now is I want youngsters to look at the sport, come into the sport, bring sponsors into the sport,” he said.

He also stressed that young racers need to understand that rallying demands discipline, professionalism and long-term commitment, not just speed.

Reflecting on his early days, Guna recalled buying his first rally car, a Proton Saga 1.3, using his savings from only two months of work.

“My first car, two months’ salary I saved, the first two months, and gave it to this guy. I said, ‘Get the loan done, get everything. I want the car, 1.3 Saga,’” he said.

He immediately began modifying the vehicle for competition, even though it remained his daily transport.

“Bought the car today, started trashing it tomorrow, put the roll cage, did the sump guard, prepared everything. After two months, we were rallying the car and I was using the same car to go to work. My daily car,” he added.

Guna said his early sacrifices were motivated by a clear ambition to succeed at the highest level.

“But yes, my career. I wanted to do this. I wanted to be the Malaysian champion. I wanted to be the Asia Pacific champion. I wanted to be among the top. So that was the commitment,” he said.

Recalling the intensity of his early schedule, he added, “And that was my daily car for more than a year. Sunday I rally, Monday I go to work with the same car. We can't see that now. So that was then.” - May 13, 2026

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