WELCOME

Thanks for visiting Ruslie Sophian’s blog.

Ruslie Sophian is no stranger in the motoring circle, in which he was involved since 1970s. Out of his great interest and enthusiasm in motorcycles and motorsports, he became a member of Malaysia Motor Sport Club (MMSC) in 1972 (Membership N. R4) and participated in few clubman races.

In 1974 he participated in the Selangor Grand Prix where he finished 2nd in the Series Production event for motorcycles, riding a 250cc bike in his first race. The burning spirit and desire started to push him further to participate in more races held in Batu Tiga Circuit (been demolished and turn to housing estate) and the Penang Circuit at the esplanade Penang.

He gradually upgraded the class event to 500cc & above and started participating in the Grand Prix Motorcycle International events before his retirement in 1977. After being proven on the tracks with his machines, he was the first Malay rider to race under the Castrol color.

After quitting motorcycle races, the fast lane competition still haunted him and decided to give a try in car rally and participated in the Ist Tour of Malaysia Rally 78 and continued to rally until 1979 where he was force to lay-off due to financial constraints.

Almost for the whole year he was merely a spectator in motoring events, though quite reluctant to leave the circle entirely. At the end of 1979 he was given a wildcard entry to compete in the Selangor Grand Prix to replace a 1600cc Saloon Limited Formula driver who withdrew earlier. He managed to finished a commendable 3rd placing.

In 1980 he signed up with Team United Cycle/Mitsubishi. He emerged champion in the 1600cc Saloon Limited Formula race of the Penang GP that year. Difficulties in getting sponsors forced him to leave competitive events in 1984, after 10 years of involvement.

As a lover of outdoor activities and adventure, Ruslie had participated in local 4WD events with Dr. Zaini Sharani (Camel Trophy Australia 89) and Halim Rahman (Camel Trophy Madagascar 87). In 1992 he attended Sabah Camel Trophy training camp. Occasionally he organizes Motorcycle Tours and Treasure Hunt.

In between racing, Ruslie Sophian was a successful car salesman. With over 18 years sales experienced started from rank and file. He had worked with various motoring companies and was involved in the planning, marketing and sales department of the private and commercials vehicles. In 1983 he then joined BMW Concessionaires as the Senior Sales Executive assisting to the General Sales Manager. With the economy downturn, he was retrenched from BMW in 1987.

His career took an unexpected turn in 1989 when he was offered to be a motorcycle editor for a motoring magazine. Ever since then, he realized that his vast experience and numerous contacts in motoring circles where his great asset in journalism and creative writing. Today Ruslie Sophian is a novelist cum screenwriter. He also receives offers to act in TV dramas, movies and commercial advertisements.

Best wishes to all of you.

Ruslie Sophian

This table lamp stainglass was hand crafted by me during my free time. I just learn how to do it through a stainglass book which I’ve bought it from the secondhand book shop. Infact it was a lot of try and error before I could master it. Well, it’s so not nice, but I’m happy and satisfied with my achievement.