Malaysia’s Kegani Racing Academy (KRA) has announced two major milestones that are set to reshape grassroots motorsports in Asia, the launch of the SKILLDRVN Swift Pro-Cup in 2026 and the establishment of KRA Japan, its first international franchise.
SKILLDRVN Swift Pro-Cup: A New Chapter for Malaysian Motorsports
Scheduled to debut in 2026, the SKILLDRVN Swift Pro-Cup will be recognized as a national championship featuring five competitive rounds. This new series complements KRA’s existing SKILLDRVN One Make Race (OMR) and aims to provide a clear pathway for emerging drivers to progress to professional teams.
To qualify for the Pro-Cup, drivers must complete KRA’s SKILLDRVN Driver Development Program (DDP), participate in three OMR races, and achieve strong results with championship points. Once eligible, racers will enter a draft system in January 2026 to be picked by professional teams.
“This is a big step for Malaysian motorsports,” said KRA Principal and Chief Coach Kenny Lee. “The SKILLDRVN Swift Pro-Cup offers cost-effective racing while maintaining professionalism and competitive spirit. It’s designed to nurture talent and give brands an opportunity to participate by owning their own teams.”
The 2026 season will feature 10 exclusive teams, with Team Bendix Malaysia, Team Profimax, and Team Ultra Racing already confirmed. Each team will start with one car entry, with the possibility of expanding to two cars in future seasons.
KRA Japan: Building an International Grassroots Ecosystem
On 13 August, KRA officially launched KRA Japan in collaboration with Fujii Engineering, a renowned name in racing car manufacturing and next-gen mobility development. The academy, based in Mie near Suzuka Circuit, will replicate KRA’s proven training model of classroom sessions, simulators, and on-track practice to accelerate driver development.
“This collaboration creates a two-way bridge for talent,” said Kenny Lee. “It allows Malaysian drivers to experience Japan’s historic circuits while elevating training standards across the region.”
KRA Japan will also run short courses, such as track day preparation and SKILLDRVN Driver Development Programs, tailored for beginners and aspiring racers. Fujii Engineering Director Mitsuru Fujii highlighted the program’s structured approach as a game-changer for young Japanese drivers, providing a sustainable ecosystem for motorsports careers.
With grassroots racing in Japan facing challenges such as declining participation, KRA Japan aims to revive excitement while creating an efficient and cost-effective pathway for drivers and engineers to succeed.
For more information or to join the SKILLDRVN One Make Race Series and SKILLDRVN Swift Pro-Cup, contact KRA at 012-614 4141 (Kenny Lee) or visit facebook.com/skilldrvn.
