Sepang International Circuit, September 2, 2020: Looking forward to the 2021 season of the Malaysia Superbike Championship, Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd has unveiled a new initiative aimed at uplifting the full-frame sector of Malaysian motorcycle racing. The new programme, the Boon Siew Honda 250cc Racing Support Programme, will offer race-prepared Honda CBR250RR motorcycles at a discounted price to interested teams and riders in the MSBK250 class. The basic spec of the bikes will be prepared by Boon Siew Honda with the full package valued at MYR50,000. However, teams and riders who opt to purchase these packages, need only pay MYR30,000. Teams and riders who have opted to buy into this package will take part in a sub-category within the MSBK250. “The objective of the Boon Siew Honda 250cc Racing Support Programme is to uplift the sport of motorcycle racing in general. In the PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix Championship, we run a very successful grassroots mono-brand race, the Honda Dash 125 Challenge. This is our talent identification vehicle. In the Asia Road Racing Championship, Boon Siew Honda runs our own factory team to develop the next batch of world-level Malaysian riders. Previously, there was a gap between Cub Prix and ARRC. This programme in the MSBK is aimed at bridging it,” said Yoshitaka Nakamura, Managing Director & CEO of Boon Siew Honda. “We hope to encourage new talents with this support programme, not just riders but also new teams interested to venture into the sport.” The support programme will run in cooperation with race promoters Two Wheels Motor Racing. Interested parties looking for more details can do so by contacted TWMR at 03-8733 8787.
Have you always been curious about the motorcycle racing world? Do you have Rossi-type dreams of flying down the front straight of the Sepang International Circuit? Or do you just want to know how it feels to put a race-prepared 250cc through its paces in a safe and controlled environment? In other words, would you like to try racing without investing heavily into buying a race bike? The answer – Horizon Motorsports. Established in 2017, Horizon Motorsports aims to serve speed enthusiasts who may not necessarily want to become professional riders. Racing is expensive business. For amateurs, the decision to go racing can involve a significant investment and cost outlay. This realization led Horizon Motorsports owner, Mohamad Yusaini, to the idea of creating a unique business catering to this specific market segment. “Horizon Motorsports is based at the Elite Circuit where we conduct advanced riding courses using race-prepared Kawasaki Ninja 250R bikes for motorsports enthusiasts,” said Mohamad, or as he is popularly known in motorsports, Che Mat. “Safety is always our priority and participants are kitted out with proper riding gear and trained by experienced riders such as former GP rider Hafiq Azmi.” For hard core fans who would like to experience a day in the life of a rider by taking part in any one of the local motorcycle series such as the Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK), Horizon Motorsports takes things to the next level by providing race bikes for rental. “We have several types of packages, depending on the clients’ needs. For those who are interested, we suggest they email us so that we can better understand their requirements.” Horizon Motorsports backs up their services with a proven track record in the Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK). In 2019, the Horizon Racing Team emerged as the MSBK1000 Champion with Farid Badrul in the saddle. Horizon Motorsport can be contacted via email, Facebook or Instagram.
Cratered between the high-profile Malaysian Cub Prix and the international FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, the Malaysia Superbike Championship has an important function to play in the entire talent development ecosystem. While we await any upcoming announcements regarding the 2020 season, here are eight frequently asked questions about the MSBK. What is the MSBK? MSBK stands for the Malaysian Superbike Championship. It is a collaboration between the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and race promoters Two Wheels Motor Racing (TWMR). How is it a part of the Malaysian talent development ecosystem? Most Malaysian riders start their racing careers in the PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix Championship astride Underbone bikes. The MSBK plays an important role in the talent development process as the first exposure for Malaysian riders to full-frame racing. At the same time, it serves as a valuable training ground for young riders to gain mileage in full-frame racing. Is this a national or regional race series? The MSBK is a national-level championship, however, foreigners are welcome to participate. How many rounds are there in a season? A typical season runs for five rounds at the 5.5km Sepang International Circuit. How many race categories are there in the MSBK and what functions do they play? The MSBK roster features three main categories. The MSBK250 is often the first step into full-frame racing for upcoming names. From there, riders who are ready for the next level can venture into the MSBK600 followed by the premiere class which is the MSBK1000. Why production bikes? Why not Moto3 or Moto2 class? Cost. Production bike racing, while still expensive, are relatively more affordable and accessible to Asian riders. Racing on prototype bikes will put the championship out of reach for the majority of Asian riders. How competitive is this series? The MSBK aims to create an eclectic mix of well known riders such as former GP riders Zulfahmi Khairuddin and Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, alongside upcoming new names. This process of pitting rookies against the seasoned campaigners has been a proven route to expedite rider development. What about the needs of the professional amateurs? The professional amateur class will run concurrently with the main races. However, the professional amateur class will have its own podium ceremony.
Since the PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix Championship kicked off the national sporting scene in mid-July, teams, riders and fans of the Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) have been asking for the new MSBK 2020 calendar to be released. At present, series owners Sepang International Circuit and race promoters Two Wheels Motor Racing are working to put together a new calendar which is expected to be announced soon. The calendar is being revamped to suit the current conditions. Stay posted with the latest developments through the MSBK official social media platforms: Malaysia Superbike Championship Facebook Instagram: @malaysiasbk
The Malaysia Superbike Championship welcomes the green light for non-contact sports to resume starting July 15, 2020. This announcement was made on July 10 by Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob. Many have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that the Malaysian sporting events can resume as soon as possible under the new normal. We would like to thank the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) for their cooperation and kind assistance throughout the process of creating the race SoP. But most of all, we thank all our Malaysian frontliners. Without your sacrifice, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Watch this space for more announcements this week.
In compliance with the Malaysian Government’s Movement Restriction Order to halt the spread of COVID-19, the offices of Safe Aim Mutual Sdn Bhd and Two Wheels Motor Racing Sdn Bhd will be temporarily closed from 18th to 31st March, 2020. For the latest information about our various championships, please visit: * www.malaysiancubprix.com * www.asiaroadracing.com * www.malaysiasbk.com Of the official Facebook pages: PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix Championship: @MalaysianCubPrix FIM Asia Road Racing Championship: @AsiaRoadRacing Malaysia Superbike Championship: @malaysiasbk
The dates of the 2020 Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) has been announced. The national-level series, which runs exclusively at the Sepang International Circuit, will see another 5-round season to be run over four race weekends. The 2020 MSBK will kick off with the season opener from April 3 to 5. The second round will be a double-header with the Asia Talent Cup from August 7 to 9. Only the MSBK250 class will gear up for action in Round 3 as the series links up with the Asia Road Racing Championship. The MSBK riders will assemble for the grand double-round finale where Round 4 and Round 5 will be held on the same weekend from October 16 to 18, 2020. 2020 MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP (MSBK) CALENDAR Round 1 April 3 to 5, 2020 Sepang Circuit Round 2 August 7 to 9, 2020 Sepang Circuit Round 3 September 25 to 27, 2020 Sepang Circuit Round 4 October 16 to 18, 2020 Sepang Circuit
The torrential downpour that had deluged the Sepang International Circuit during the MSBK600 Race 3 had eased off by the time the MSBK1000 riders assembled on the grid. However, Race 3 for the premiere class still got off to a gingery start, with all the riders wary of the slippery surface. Polesitter and newly minted MSBK1000 champion Farid Badrul sat as best of the rest throughout the 10-lap race which he completed with a time of 25’59.982s. The returning Ian Dublin, having tamed the mechanical gremlins that stymied his bid for the podium in Race 2, made a strong comeback in Race 3 when he placed himself solidly in P2 behind Farid Badrul in the first half of the race. STK A champion Shahrulnizam Ramli settled into P3, and held off from making any overt moves on Ian until Lap 7. As the racing line continued to dry up, Shahrulnizam closed in and passed Ian on Lap 8. The FTA Liqui Moly Racing Team rider proceeded to carve out a 2-second gap in front of Ian and kept the position up to the finish line. Ian Dublin contented himself with third place. Further down the field, Liam Taylor MacDonald crossed the line in fourth followed by Mohd Harith Farhan. Khoo Chee Yen, Afique Danial Izzad, Osama Aburabu, Muhammad Hamzi and Nik Hadi Nik Mahmood made up the rest of the top-10 in Race 3. The MSBK1000 featured as the show-closer for the 2019 Malaysia Superbikes Championship. Farid Badrul’s hopes for an easy ride to close out the season were foiled when Liam Taylor MacDonald denied him the race lead with a phenomenal ride in the first six laps. Farid tried to take control on Lap 7 but found it hard to shake off a persistent and determined Liam. The 2019 MSBK1000 managed to pull a 1-second gap in the final lap, and stormed to the finish line to claim his seventh win of the season with 22’14.366s. Liam ended his MSBK1000 debut on a creditable note. He joined Farid on the podium in second place while Ian Dublin took third place. In the final points tally, Farid Badrul claimed the title with a whopping 235 points. Zulfahmi Khairuddin finished second overall while Khoo Chee Yen placed third on the standings with 127 points. The SBK B title went to Nik Hadi Nik Mahmood. Shahrulnizam Ramli claimed the STK A crown and Daniel Haiqal was the champion of the STK B class.
Race 3 for the MSBK600 class got off under wet racing conditions with Azroy Hakeem Anuar on pole. The race, which was delayed by 20 minutes, presented the 600cc riders with challenging racing conditions. Shigenaga Toranosuke from Chunetsu Racing was the first to fall prey to the slippery track surface when he crashed out on the warm-up lap. Another lightning fast start from Helmi Azman carried him into the holeshot at Turn 1 and placed the race lead firmly in his hand. 0.2 seconds behind Helmi, title contender Azroy Hakeem Anuar kept pace. With a 40 point lead at the top of the championship ladder, Azroy could afford to take things easy in the final two races. However, Azroy was clearly not one to rest on his laurels. The Boon Siew Honda Racing Team rider slipstreamed past Helmi for the lead on Lap 5, setting the stage for a 2-bike duel in the closing laps. The battle between the two riders came to a head in the final lap when Helmi expertly negotiated his way past a gaggle of backmarkers and attached himself firmly to Azroy’s rear wheel. The two riders were pushing the envelope on the wet track as Helmi slipped into the lead at Turn 11. Neck to neck down the back straight, Azroy managed to tuck into the inside line at the Turn 12 hairpin and hung on to his position to take his first win of the weekend with 25’07.379s. Hong Leong Yamaha’s Ahmad Afif Amran settled into his customary solo position in third. Khurana Dhiraj Tan and Oh Kah Beng finished fourth and fifth respectively. The most impressive rider on the 600cc grid was rookie Shahrol Syazras Shahrol Yuzy. Racing astride the 600cc machine for the very first time, Syazras’s consistent laptimes was good enough to put him within the top five in the qualifying and Race 1. Unfortunately for the young rider, Syazras crashed out of Race 2 and fell victim to the wet track in Race 3. Further behind, another 600cc rookie, Mohd Akid Aziz, also struggled in the rain. Akid, engaged in a fierce battle against Khurana Dhiraj Tan for P5 until he highsided on Lap 5. The 600cc race of the season was declared as a wet race. The rain from earlier in the day had subsided but there were still patches of wet on the track. However, the riders were free to use their choice of wet tyres or slicks. The majority of the grid opted to stay on slicks. Azroy wasted no time getting into the holeshot in Race 4 but lost the lead on Turn 3 when Ahmad Afif Amran surprised him with an unexpected attack. Unlike his previous 600cc rides, Afif looked to be on fire in the final MSBK race of the season. The Hong Leong Yamaha rider stretched out a 2.6 second gap within a lap, leaving Azroy to deal with Helmi Azman in P2 and P3. However, a blistering fast lap from Helmi Azman on Lap 2 closed the gap against Afif. With Azroy in tow, the two Honda riders pushed Afif down to third on Lap 3 and regained control of the race pace. Helmi took a third win from the weekend with a 1.7s gap in front of Azroy Hakeem Anuar. Azroy completed his title-winning season in second place followed by Afif, once again, in third. Mohd Akid Aziz rode a solitary race in fourth while Shahrol Syazras Shahrol Yuzy triumphed over his tussle with Khurana Dhiraj Tan to cross the finish line in fifth place. Boon Siew Honda Racing Team’s Azroy ended the season with 211 points. Helmi Azman moved up to second overall with 171 points and Afif Amran in third overall with 126 points.
The TVS 310RR continued to impress at the 2019 Malaysia Superbike Championship finale at the Sepang International Circuit. After two podium finishes in the first day (technically, Round 4), the three TVS riders made drastic improvements in Race 3 when Vorapong Malahuan piloted his TVS machine to their first MSBK250 win. Race 3 for the 37 bikes in the MSBK250 class revved off on a dry track. Within the first lap, the first eight bikes had pulled a small gap ahead of the rest. Mohd Idlan Haqimi Raduan led the field astride his Honda CBR250RR but the 15-year-old rider faced stiff competition from Vorapong Malahuan, Jegan Kumar, MSBK250 champion Mohd Aiman Tahiruddin, Abdullah Qayyum Razak, Mohd Kanafi Kamaruddin and and Mohd Syafieq Aiman Fauzi. Vorapong’s team mate, Jegan was prominent in the first half of the 8-lap race. The Indian rider stole the limelight with a gutsy performance that saw him challenging for the lead in the first three laps. Unfortunately, Jegan could not sustain the race momentum and dropped down the field as the race progressed. By the final lap, the top group of eight had been whittled down to four. Vorapong held the upper hand against Idlan, Aiman and Abdullah Qayyum. As the four riders thundered down the back straight, Haqimi gambled with the outside line while Vorapong got into the inside, almost ran wide, but slipstreamed past Aiman to take the win with 20’12.483s. Idlan chalked up another podium experience in second place and Aiman Tahiruddin ended the race in third. A few hours later, an incident in the Race 4 opening lap caused the group to break up almost immediately. Jegan Kumar, who went from eighth on the grid to fourth in the front group, crashed out on the first lap, very nearly collecting Mohd Syafieq Aiman Mohd Fauzi in the process. The incident also interrupted Mohd Idlan Haqimi’s race rhythm. The youngster dropped to sixth and with 13kg of added weight on his bike, found it hard to make up for lost ground. Up in front, Vorapong Malahuan had his hands full with Abdullah Qayyum Abdul Razak, Mohd Aiman Tahiruddin and Mohd Kanafi Kamaruddin. The punishing pace set by the top four created a 30 second gap at the front of the group. CKJ Yamaha Racing’s Abdullah Qayyum led the quartet into the final lap, coolly absorbed the pressure from Vorapong Malahuan, held on to his line, and sprinted to his first MSBK250 win of the season with 23’07.408s. Vorapong picked up another podium in second place. The Thai rider lost out to the fired up Abdullah by only 0.007 seconds. Aiman Tahiruddin came home in third and completed his 2019 season with 190 points. Mohd Kanafi Kamaruddin trailed the winning trio home in fourth place. Behind Kanafi, Idlan Haqimi Raduan out-raced Mohd Syafieq Aiman to finish fifth.