ZAKIRAH BREAKING BARRIERS
Among the competitive MSBK250 B grid of the 2025 AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP, one rider has been quietly yet powerfully making history. Saidatul Zakirah Zairin of LADY BOSS RACING TEAM is currently the only female rider in the top five overall standings after two rounds, proving that determination, skill, and consistency can break barriers in a sport often dominated by men.
For Zakirah, the achievement feels rewarding, but she doesn’t see herself defined solely by gender.
“It feels really rewarding to be in the top five overall, especially knowing how competitive the field is. At the same time, I don’t look at it purely as being the only female rider as I see myself first and foremost as a racer. My goal is always to perform at the highest level regardless of gender. That said, I do hope my presence in the top standings can inspire more women and young riders to believe they can succeed in this sport too,” she said.
Competing against male riders brings unique challenges, but Zakirah has learned to rise above them with focus and resilience.
“Sometimes people may underestimate me before I even get on the bike, so I’ve had to prove myself through performance rather than words. On track, the intensity is high and the margins for error are so small. I overcome this by training harder, staying disciplined, and keeping my mindset strong. Once the helmet is on, gender doesn’t matter. It’s about skill, strategy, and determination,” she explained.
Her place in the top five has not come by chance. Experience abroad, particularly racing in Europe, has given Zakirah valuable growth that she has translated into her MSBK season.
“Racing in Europe with the girls there has really helped me improve my skills, and I’ve brought that experience into this season. Consistency has been key, with finishing strong, collecting points even in tough conditions, and preparing well off the track. Physical training, studying data, and trusting my team have all played a big role in securing my position so far,” she shared.
Zakirah treats every competitor equally but admits that her role as one of the few female riders motivates her to push harder.
“I treat every rider the same regardless of gender, because once we’re on the grid it’s about performance. But yes, being one of the few female riders pushes me to raise my standards, not just to prove myself, but to show that women can compete at the same level in this sport. I hope that inspires more women to step into racing,” she said.
Her training routine reflects the intensity required to compete at this level.
“Physically, I focus a lot on strength and conditioning, cardio for endurance, and core strength for control. Mentally, I prepare by reviewing race data, visualizing scenarios, and keeping a strong, positive mindset. Racing can be unpredictable, so mental focus is just as important as the physical side,” she explained.
With Round 3 of MSBK 2025 taking place this weekend, Zakirah remains focused on the bigger picture.
“My main target is to stay consistent and keep collecting strong points, because that’s what makes the biggest difference over the season. Of course, I’d love to move higher up in the standings, and I feel confident with the preparation I’ve done and the experience I’ve gained. The competition will be tough, but I’m ready to give it my best,” she affirmed.
Above all, Zakirah hopes her journey continues to pave the way for others.
“I want young women to know that racing is not limited by gender. If you have the passion and determination, you can achieve your goals. It’s not always an easy journey, but with hard work and belief in yourself, it’s possible to compete at the same level as anyone else. I hope my journey shows that there’s a place for women in so-called ‘male-dominated’ sports too,” she said.