FAHMI: FROM ZERO TO RACER

For most motorcycle riders, the journey begins at a young age. From riding pocket bikes, slowly climbing the ranks through years of racing experience. But for Mohd Fahmi Abdul Wahaf of FGRT PROJECT ONE, the road into professional racing began differently.

There were no junior championships. No childhood racing background. No early years spent on circuits.

Instead, Fahmi’s journey began in 2022 with a purchase that would unexpectedly change the course of his life, with a Ducati Panigale V4.

“First of all, I got involved in motorsports after buying my first superbike, a Ducati Panigale V4, in 2022,” Fahmi recalled.

“I attended my very first track day in July 2022. After experiencing track riding for the first time, I realised that simply riding during track days was no longer enough for me. Something inside me wanted more. That was when I decided to join riding classes with Coach Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, and that marked the true beginning of my journey in racing.”

What started as curiosity quickly evolved into commitment.

Fahmi still remembers his first riding lesson with former national rider Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman on 22 September 2022, a moment he now sees as the turning point of his racing career.

“At the beginning, my goal was simply to learn the correct riding techniques for track days,” he explained.

“But over time, under Coach Azlan’s guidance, I improved and became more confident on the bike. Eventually, I shared my dream of becoming a racer with him, and he took my ambition seriously. From that moment onward, the training became much more intense and focused because we were no longer preparing just for track days, we were preparing for racing.”

Unlike many riders in the paddock who began racing at a young age, Fahmi entered the sport later in life and directly into superbike racing, a path he admits came with its own challenges.

“Yes, my journey is definitely different from most professional riders,” he said.

“I started at a much later age, but age has never stopped my passion for motorsports. Every rider faces challenges in this sport. Some riders are naturally gifted and adapt very quickly. For me, I relied more on determination, discipline, hard work, and consistent training to reach this level.”

That determination soon led him to the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship, the platform that would ultimately shape his racing career.

Fahmi made his debut in the MSBK1000 A category during Round 4 of the 2023 season at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit on 17 December 2023, which became a moment that remains unforgettable.

“At that time, my best lap time at Sepang was around 2’19:000s,” Fahmi recalled.

“Back then, I joined races mainly to gain experience and learn as much as possible. I was also very fortunate to begin my racing journey with FGRT PROJECT ONE, a team that gave me the opportunity and support during the early stages of my career.”

But the rider who entered the grid then is vastly different from the one competing today.

“Now, my mindset is completely different. Today, I race to compete with other riders and fight for podiums, victories, and championships.”

While the journey has been rewarding, it has also demanded sacrifices.

“The biggest challenges for me are fitness, time, and energy management,” Fahmi admitted.

“At my current age, I have to compete against younger riders and full-time professional racers. At the same time, I also have responsibilities outside racing, including my career and family commitments. Because of that, I need to work even harder to remain competitive at this level.”

Yet, through hard work and persistence, Fahmi’s progress in MSBK has opened doors far beyond Malaysia, earning him an opportunity to race in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship.

Still, Fahmi never forgets where it all truly began.

For him, MSBK was not just another championship.

It was the platform that transformed a newcomer with zero racing experience into a rider capable of competing at a professional level.

And for those who believe it may be “too late” to pursue a dream, here’s Fahmi’s message to all:

“I believe there is no such thing as ‘too late’ in any field, including racing. The most important things are passion, dedication, consistency, and the willingness to work hard for your dreams.”