Malaysian powerhouse Johor Motorsports Racing (JMR) is set for its most ambitious international campaign yet after officially confirming entries for three of the world’s most prestigious endurance races — the 24 Hours of Le Mans, CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, and the Suzuka 1000.
Fresh from a podium finish at the Bathurst 12 Hour earlier this year, the Johor-based team is preparing for what it has dubbed the “Season of Icons” — a campaign that could mark a defining chapter in Malaysian motorsport history.
The headline announcement sees JMR owner-driver Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim make his long-awaited debut at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Johor royal will partner experienced JMR driver Ben Green and rising British talent Lorcan Hanafin aboard a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R operated in collaboration with TF Sport.
The 24-hour endurance classic remains the crown jewel of global sports car racing, featuring 62 entries across multiple categories and demanding relentless concentration over a grueling 13.6-kilometre circuit combining public roads and permanent racing facilities.
For Prince Jefri, the opportunity represents the realization of a dream years in the making.
“I’ve wanted to line up at Le Mans since I started racing seven years ago, and I can’t wait to experience such an iconic and challenging circuit,” said Prince Jefri.
“The level we’re racing at now is something I’ve envisioned since I began competing in 2019. It’s rewarding to see the team achieving the goals we set together.”
Just weeks after Le Mans, JMR will head to Belgium for another endurance racing monument — the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa.
After successfully completing the demanding GT3 event in 2025, JMR now returns with significantly higher expectations.
The team will field Prince Jefri, Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Ben Green and Australian ace Jordan Love in the Corvette GT3 machine.
Unlike last season, where the focus was largely on development and gaining experience, the team’s sights are now firmly set on challenging for silverware.
“Last year, simply finishing Spa was an achievement,” Prince Jefri explained.
“This year we’re aiming for more. With our experience, our car and our driver line-up, we believe we can fight for a podium.”
Prince Abu Bakar echoed those ambitions.
“The team has grown tremendously over the last year. Everyone understands their role and we’ve become much stronger collectively.
“Returning to Spa, we’d love to achieve a podium or even a class victory.”
JMR’s endurance campaign will culminate in September with a return to Japan’s iconic Suzuka Circuit.
The Malaysian outfit enjoyed outstanding success at Suzuka in 2025, securing podium finishes in both the Pro and Pro-Am categories.
That performance has only fueled greater ambition for this year’s edition.
Prince Jefri, Prince Abu Bakar and Ben Green are already confirmed for the Pro-Am entry, with additional team announcements expected in the coming months.
Having finished runner-up in the 2025 GT World Challenge Asia standings, Prince Jefri believes JMR is now ready to take another significant step forward.
“We were delighted with our podium finish last year, but now we’re aiming for something better.”
For Ben Green, Le Mans represents the ultimate milestone.
“Le Mans is on every driver’s bucket list from the moment they start racing. Racing there alongside Prince Jefri is a fantastic opportunity and a lifelong dream.”
Meanwhile, Hanafin believes the combination of JMR’s preparation and driver quality could deliver a surprise result.
“JMR builds a very fast race car and has proven itself with podiums and victories around the world. If we stay consistent and avoid trouble, we’ll be in the fight when it matters.”
Jordan Love, preparing for his sixth Spa 24 Hours appearance, also believes the team possesses the ingredients required to challenge the world’s best GT3 programs.
“With our pace, our Corvette package and our driver line-up, we know a podium result — and potentially a win — is possible.”
JMR’s entry into Le Mans represents one of the most significant milestones ever achieved by a Malaysian racing organisation on the global endurance stage.
From competing regionally to now contesting the sport’s most prestigious endurance races, the Johor-based squad continues to elevate Malaysia’s presence in international motorsport.
Credit Photo : JMR
