CARLSEN AGAINST THE ODDS
At just 15 years old, Carlsen Jacob Solis has already proven that chasing dreams knows no borders. The SSC – HONDA PHILIPPINES – GS BATTERY RACING TEAM rider is not only holding his ground in the 2025 AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP, but thriving, sitting third overall after two rounds. What sets him apart is more than raw talent. It’s his extraordinary commitment. While most riders train close to home, Carlsen flies back and forth between the Philippines and Malaysia, sacrificing time and comfort to learn under Malaysian ace Md Ramdan Rosli.
For Carlsen, the decision to train under Ramdan was a logical yet strategic move.
“Since I am competing in MSBK, it made sense to be coached by a Malaysian rider who is also internationally renowned. He can share with me not only his mastery of the local tracks here in Malaysia but also his international experience,” he explained.
Such dedication is no small feat for a teenager. Flying across countries just to train requires resilience beyond his years, but Carlsen remains unfazed.
“My dream to reach and excel on the international stage is my biggest drive. It keeps me going despite the difficulties and challenges of training abroad,” he shared.
Under Ramdan’s guidance, Carlsen has discovered a coaching style that pushes him to grow in ways he had not experienced before.
“Coach Ramdan has a very focused approach to training. He meticulously guides me section by section and compares data to help me achieve results,” he said.
Among the many lessons, one stands above the rest. And it has shaped Carlsen not just as a rider, but as a person.
“Patience and trusting the process, because success doesn’t happen overnight,” Carlsen said. Under the guidance of Coach Ramdan, he has embraced the philosophy that true progress is built gradually. Every lap and every training session adds up, reinforcing the importance of long-term growth over instant results.
He is also acutely aware of how different his development might have been had he stayed home.
“Training on world-class race tracks has contributed a lot to my development. Back home, training keeps me active, but abroad, it truly helps me improve,” he noted.
Now, with Round 3 of MSBK 2025 taking place this weekend, Carlsen is focused on continuing his momentum and proving himself among the very best in the MSBK250 B class.
“My main target for Round 3 is to match and beat my personal best time, and to battle with the leaders in my category. I will give my very best this round,” he affirmed.
Looking further ahead, the Filipino rider’s vision is crystal clear, but his heart remains tied to the MSBK paddock.
“In a few years, I want to see myself competing on the world stage, but I will definitely come back to MSBK,” he said.