Category: 2020

HOW TO RACE WITHOUT A RACE BIKE

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.

EIGHT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MSBK

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.

HOLD YOUR HORSES, NEW 2020 CALENDAR COMING SOON

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

MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP WELCOMES THE GREEN LIGHT TO RE-START

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.

MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP 2020 CALENDAR

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