After a remarkable five-race winning streak in the MSBK600 category, BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM’s Muhd Helmi Azman found himself off the podium in Race 2 of Round 3 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Helmi, who had dominated both rounds leading up to Round 3 by winning every race, was left to settle for 4th place in wet conditions, as Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND took the victory. Helmi’s teammate Muhd Syarifuddin Azman secured the third spot, while Japan’s Okaya Yuta finished second. Helmi, though, couldn’t hide his disappointment as he saw his winning streak come to an end. Helmi revealed the struggles that led to his unexpected result, “In Race 2, I was still trying to win despite the wet conditions,” Helmi said. “But something happened with the electronics after I used launch control on the grid. The bike was stuck with a speed limiter, so I couldn’t push as hard as I wanted to.” The P4 finish was a stark contrast to his earlier performances in the season, where Helmi had established himself as the rider to beat. When asked about his feelings on seeing his winning streak broken, he remained composed. “I’m still feeling positive,” he shared. “This doesn’t affect me much mentally. I missed out on the win this time, but I will come back stronger for the last round.” Helmi was candid about what went wrong in Race 2 and what needs to improve moving forward, “The bike needs to have the right setup for grip,” he explained. “If the grip isn’t there, it’s tough to manage the race. It’s something we need to focus on.” Looking ahead to the final round, Helmi is determined to fine-tune both his bike and his riding strategy, “For Round 4, I’ll be focusing more on the bike setup and making my riding smoother. It’s about finding that consistency in lap times.” The battle for the championship is now heating up, with Thanat proving to be a strong contender. Helmi, however, is not letting the pressure get to him. “Thanat is definitely the main challenger, but for me, it’s about staying focused on each race and fighting for the win,” he concluded.
In his debut at Round 3 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship, Farres Putra Mohd Fadhil of YAMAHA TEKHNE RACING TEAM ASIA proved himself a formidable talent. The young rider took the MSBK250 A category by storm at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, where he dominated both Race 1 and Race 2 to claim the title of Weekend Champion. Despite being a newcomer, Farres managed to outperform more experienced riders, securing two hard-fought victories and making a strong impression in his debut. Farres expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity and was quick to thank his team and supporters for helping him reach this point. “I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to compete in the MSBK250 A category,” Farres shared. “Winning both races in my first appearance feels amazing, especially because it’s so tough to achieve. I didn’t expect to be a weekend champion in my debut, and I’m really happy with the result.” The battle in Race 2 was especially tense, as Farres found himself up against his teammate Ahmad Afif Amran and a strong contingent of Honda riders, including Kitsada Tanashot of HONDA RACING THAILAND, as well as Irfan Ardiansyah and Gerry Salim, duo of HONDA NWN SCK RACING TEAM. Despite being outnumbered on the track, Farres credited the teamwork between himself and Afif as a key factor in their success. “Race 2 was incredibly intense,” he said. “Honda had more riders, so it was just Afif and me representing Yamaha. Even though we had less support, Afif’s experience really helped us both get on the podium. His guidance was invaluable.” Farres also reflected on how much he owed his success to the mentorship of Afif Amran, a three-time Malaysian Cub Prix CP150 category champion, as well as the technical expertise of his crew chief. “Afif has been a role model for me since I was young. Having him as my teammate is a dream come true. And Amir, our crew chief, was a huge help in solving issues with the bike throughout the weekend. Without them, this wouldn’t have been possible,” he explained. Looking ahead, Farres is clear about his ambitions. Winning has boosted his confidence, but he knows there’s more work to do if he wants to maintain his winning form and improve his overall performance. “This victory has given me a lot of confidence, but it also drives me to work even harder,” he said. “I want to keep winning, but I also want to focus on improving my lap times. Even though I’ve won, I know I’m not yet the fastest on track. That’s something I’m working to change.”
It’s a moment that no athlete ever expects to face. In an instant, the excitement of the race turned to dread. For Muhd Adie Putra Sukarno, that moment arrived during Free Practice 2 at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. What began as a promising day for the young rider quickly turned into a nightmare that would change everything. Adie entered the MAM Malaysian Superbike Championship full of hope, competing in two categories: the Berjaya Sompo YAMAHA Y16ZR Race MasterClass and the YAMAHA R15M Race Elites. He had just set the fastest lap time in the Free Practice 2 of YAMAHA Y16ZR Race MasterClass, his dreams soaring with every turn. But fate had a cruel twist in store. Later, during the Free Practice 2 for the YAMAHA R15M Race Elites, disaster struck. A sudden crash resulted in a broken femur, leaving Adie’s aspirations shattered and his spirit in turmoil. The dreams he had fought for now seemed distant, overshadowed by pain and uncertainty. Reflecting on that fateful moment, Adie shared, “In the last five minutes, I fell at Turn 14 at maximum speed. Suddenly, Arash Tsunami Kamarudin of HIAP AIK RACING TEAM’s bike was right in front of me. At that moment, the distance was too close to avoid it. We collided, and I was thrown high into the air, landing hard. At that moment, two bikes crashed into me, and I ended up with a broken right femur.” His words capture the chaos of a split second, a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change. The thrill of racing, once exhilarating, had turned into a harrowing experience that would leave a lasting mark on his life. “Honestly, I am very sad,” Adie confided, the weight of his disappointment evident. “I had prepared myself for this race and set targets for this round. But it seems it wasn’t meant to be. Insha Allah, I believe that something better will come in the future. I will strive to recover and race again as soon as possible.” For Adie, this isn’t just about racing; it’s about the passion that fuels his life. The pain of this setback feels insurmountable, but deep down, there’s a flicker of hope that refuses to be extinguished. As he navigates this difficult chapter, Adie remains resolute in his determination to recover. “Right now, I’m still not fully healthy. But if I follow all the doctor’s instructions, Insha Allah, I will recover soon.” The support from his team and fans is a lifeline, yet the road ahead is daunting. Each physical therapy session will serve as a reminder of both the struggle and the passion that drives him to return to the track. Adie also shared the advice from his doctors: “I need to adhere to a strict medication schedule and undergo physical therapy to fully recover.” This practical approach highlights the reality of his situation as he contemplates the long journey back to competitive racing. For Adie, the path to recovery is not just a physical journey; it’s a test of resilience and hope—a testament to the unwavering belief that brighter days await just beyond the next bend in the track.
What a way to celebrate a victory! Thanat Laoongplio of Honda Racing Thailand just gave us the most entertaining post-race moment we never knew we needed after clinching his first win at Race 2 of the MSBK600 during Round 3 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. As he crossed the checkered flag, Thanat felt the thrill of triumph surged through him, and in a burst of exhilaration, he stood up on his bike, throwing his arms wide in a triumphant salute. But here’s the kicker: standing on a speeding motorcycle while wind whips around you isn’t exactly the best plan. In an instant, the adrenaline-fueled celebration took a comedic turn. As he raised his arms in joy, he suddenly realized he could see about as well as a raccoon in daylight. Trying to regain control, he reached for the handlebars—but his hand slipped, sending him tumbling backward like a scene straight out of a slapstick comedy. The bike continued on, oblivious, while Thanat became the star of his own unexpected blooper reel. The audience erupted in laughter, witnessing a moment that instantly became legendary. We caught up with Thanat for his thoughts on this unforgettable moment. He said, “I feel so happy that I can’t describe it—like I just won the lottery! Achieving my goal was amazing, but I might need to rethink my victory moves! It’s my first victory on the International stage! A tough battle, but now I know it’s also about nailing my celebration… or not!” “After crossing the finish line, I decided to stand on the bike to celebrate, feeling like a champion! But then my hand slipped, the wind got involved, and I ended up auditioning for the role of ‘Fallen Hero’! Who knew victory could be so slippery?” “On the positive side, this win is something people will never forget! It’s crucial for my future, plus now I have the best story for gatherings—‘Hey, remember when I won and took an unplanned tumble?’” So here’s to Thanat Laoongplio—a true champion on the track and now, inadvertently, a comedian in the spotlight! Let’s hope his next victory celebration includes a bit more balance, or at least a safety net!
At PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, Race 2 of Round 3 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship showcased thrilling competition in the MSBK1000 A category. Nakarin Atiratphuvaphat of HONDA RACING THAILAND emerged as the Weekend Champion. As the race commenced, Nakarin quickly took the lead, followed by Zaqhwan Zaidi of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM, Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of YAMAHA TEKHNE RACING TEAM ASIA, and Md Ibrahim Md Norrodin of FGRT PROJECT. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of HORIZON RACING TEAM, the only rider opting for slick tires, struggled on the wet track, dropping to P13 as conditions began to improve. By lap 2, Nakarin set a blistering pace, achieving a best lap time of 2’21:967s, with Ibrahim hitting a top speed of 284.2 km/h in pursuit. Throughout the race, Nakarin maintained his lead, consistently setting competitive lap times, including a best of 2’21:006s. As the track dried, Azlan picked up his pace, closing the gap with the riders ahead. Nakarin held firm, crossing the finish line first at 23’38:195s, with Kasma and Ibrahim finishing at 23’49:376s and 24’01:405s, respectively, rounding out the podium. Azlan pushed hard, setting a remarkable lap time of 2’13:497s to secure a P5 finish. Nakarin commented, “It was an incredible race! Initially, I wasn’t sure about choosing wet tires, but my team made that call. I noticed Azlan on slicks and wasn’t sure how it would play out in the end. In the early laps, I aimed to build a significant gap. As my tires began to wear in the last five laps, I focused on maintaining my rhythm, just as I practiced. Ultimately, we did a great job, and I want to thank everyone who supported me!” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 MSBK1000 A 1. Nakarin Atiratphuvaphat – HONDA RACING THAILAND (23’38:195s) 2. Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin – YAMAHA TEKHNE RACING TEAM ASIA (23’49:376s) 3. Md Ibrahim Md Norrodin – FGRT PROJECT (24’01:405s) 4. Zaqhwan Zaidi – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (24’05:938s) 5. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman – HORIZON RACING TEAM (24’07:051s)
MSBK1000 B category at Round 3 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship, Chan Qing Rong of SAVITAR ESG ASIA triumphed in a nail-biting Race 2 at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. As the race began, Qing Rong quickly established himself at the front, but Raja Nazeem Iskandar of MOBILUB SUZUKI RACING TEAM closely followed. The two riders adapted to the wet track as it dried, maintaining a 20-second lead over the rest of the group by lap 4. The competition intensified as Raja looked for opportunities to overtake Qing Rong, narrowing the gap to just 0.381 seconds by lap 5. In an exciting move on lap 6, Raja took the lead, but Qing Rong was not to be outdone. He reclaimed the top position shortly after. Both riders battled fiercely, exchanging positions multiple times. In the end, Qing Rong’s strategic racing and superior start led him to victory at , with Raja finishing just behind. Qing Rong shared, “Raja is like a brother to me; I know his riding style, and he knows mine. I was just waiting for him to catch up. When he overtook me in Turn 7, I knew he might overshoot, so I took the position back. It was all about whose tires would last longer. Ultimately, I had a better start, which helped me finish strong. I owe a lot to Raja; he’s been an inspiration throughout this season.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 MSBK1000 B 1. Chan Qing Rong – SAVITAR ESG ASIA (24’49:244s) 2. Raja Nazeem Iskandar – MOBILUB SUZUKI RACING TEAM (25’07:009s) 3. Mohd Azlly Shaari – FGRT PROJECT (25’37:223s) 4. Tee Wee Jin – MOBILUB SUZUKI RACING TEAM (25’46:265s) 5. Theva Kumaran – MOBILUB SUZUKI RACING TEAM (26’00:387s)
In the rain-affected Race 2 of the MSBK600 category during Round 3 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND emerged victorious on the wet track. The race faced a delay due to heavy rain, prompting riders to return to the pits to adjust their setups for the wet track conditions. The race was reduced from 10 laps to 7 laps. As the race commenced, Thanat quickly established himself in the lead, followed by Japanese rider, Okaya Yuta, and Muhd Syarifuddin Azman of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM. Defending champion Helmi struggled at the back of the pack, hampering his chances of clinching the Weekend Champion title. On lap 2, Thanat demonstrated his mastery of the wet conditions, pulling ahead by 1.865 seconds at an impressive speed of 241.6 km/h. He continued to dominate the race, posting a best lap time of 2’32:663s on lap 3. As the rain began to subside, Okaya started to close the gap, beating Thanat’s lap time with 2’32:447s. By lap 4, Okaya further improved his performance, clocking a best lap time of 2’30:904s. However, a slight mistake on lap 5 allowed Thanat to extend his lead once again, as the top two riders opened a significant 14-second gap over Syarifuddin in third place. As the track dried out, Thanat maintained his lead, and despite Helmi’s impressive lap time of 2’30:160s, he could not catch the front runners. Ultimately, Thanat crossed the finish line first at 17’51:558s, followed by Okaya at 17’52:632s, and Syarifuddin took third place at 18’05:095s. Thanat shared, “I thrive in rainy conditions; they bring me confidence and excitement. As the rain poured, I felt more invigorated. Throughout the race, I kept my focus solely on the track ahead, racing steadily. I am incredibly happy with today’s result!” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 MSBK600 1. Thanat Laoongplio – HONDA RACING THAILAND (17’51:558s) 2. Okaya Yuta – Japan (17’52:632s) 3. Muhd Syarifuddin Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (18’05:095s) 4. Muhd Helmi Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (18’07:679s) 5. Chiang Chih Ying – Taipei (19’30:434s)
Race 2 of the MSBK250 A category at Round 3 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship saw Farres Putra Mohd Fadhil of YAMAHA TEKHNE RACING TEAM ASIA claimed the Weekend Champion at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. The race began with Farres establishing an early lead, closely followed by his teammate, Ahmad Afif Amran and Gerry Salim of HONDA NWN SCK RACING TEAM. As the competition heated up, Kitsada Tanachot of HONDA RACING THAILAND executed a masterful overtake on Afif, moving into second position. The excitement escalated on lap 2 as Afif, Gerry, and Kitsada kept the pressure on Farres. On lap 5, Kitsada clocked the best lap time of 2’26:257s, making a bold move to challenge for the front. However, Afif regained the lead on lap 6, only for Farres to seize control once more on lap 7, posting the fastest lap time at 2’26:111s. As the race approached its conclusion, Irfan Ardiansyah made an impressive push, beating Farres’s best lap time with 2’25:254s, closing in on the leaders. Ultimately, Farres crossed the finish line first to won the race at 19’42:194s. Farres expressed, “This weekend was incredibly nerve-wracking with many surprises. I didn’t expect to finish in first place. We simply aimed to do our best. I’m grateful for the opportunity to stand on the podium with Afif Amran, who has been a great mentor. A big thank you to Yamaha for providing such an excellent bike setup, which helped us achieve this podium finish today.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 MSBK250 A 1. Farres Putra Mohd Fadhil – YAMAHA TEKHNE RACING TEAM ASIA (19’42:194s) 2. Ahmad Afif Amran – YAMAHA TEKHNE RACING TEAM ASIA (19’42:226s) 3. Kitsada Tanachot – HONDA RACING THAILAND (19’42:508s) 4. Irfan Ardiansyah – HONDA NWN SCK RACING TEAM (19’42:549s) 5. Gerry Salim – HONDA NWN SCK RACING TEAM (19’42:710s)
Race 2 of Round 3 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship took place today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Muhd Darwish Amsyar Muhd Ridzwan from Malaysia celebrated the title of Weekend Champion in MSBK250 B category. The race kicked off with Darwish leading the pack, closely followed by Kabilesh Rajini Krishnan of RACR CASTRAL POWER 1 ULTIMATE and Muhd Irfan Safwan Mohd Hamirrudin from Malaysia. As the laps progressed, Kabilesh made a strong challenge for the lead, inching closer to Darwish on lap 3. The competition intensified on lap 4 as Irfan pursued Darwish with determination. The race continued with Darwish maintaining his position at the front. In the final laps, he fought hard to keep his lead, ultimately crossing the finish line first at 20’46:898s, followed by Irfan at 20’47:320s, and Kabilesh took third place at 21’02:763s. Darwish commented, “I am very grateful. The race today was challenging for me. Yesterday, I managed to create a significant gap, but today, I had to fight from the start until the end. This victory was not easy, but it feels incredible to win after such a tough battle.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 MSBK250 B 1. Muhd Darwish Amsyar Muhd Ridzwan – Malaysia (20’46:898s) 2. Muhd Irfan Safwan Mohd Hamirrudin – Malaysia (20’47:320s) 3. Kabilesh Rajini Krishnan – RACR CASTRAL POWER 1 ULTIMATE (21’02:763s) 4. Mohd Ilham Mohd Kamal – DARSALUBE MH RACING TEAM (21’08:467s) 5. Siti Norsyafiyah Alia Saarizan – CHV RACING (21’08:991s)
Race 2 of Round 3 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit witnessed an exhilarating showdown in the YAMAHA R15M Race Elites category. Muhd Shafiq Ezzariq of TKC SOUTHERN emerged victorious, showcasing a remarkable redemption following the challenging Race 1. As the race commenced, Muhd Izam Ikmal Izamli of SHH PENANG TEAM quickly took the lead, but Abdullah Qayyum Abd Razak of SBF BIKERS swiftly overtook him to take charge of the group. Each lap saw a shifting lead, highlighting the competitive spirit of the riders. By lap 5, Izam had fought his way back to the front, only to see Qayyum reclaim the top spot shortly thereafter. As the final laps unfolded, the intensity ramped up, particularly on final lap, where Shafiq was just 0.010s behind Qayyum, creating a nail-biting atmosphere. Muhd Idil Fitri of TWOWAY MOTOR who had briefly taken the lead, made a slight mistake and lost his position, allowing Shafiq to surge ahead. Shafiq crossed the line first at 20’28:230s, with Adib claiming P2 just 0:092s behind. Muhd Fareez Afeez of BERJAYA MEGA secured P3 at 20’28:361s. “I am grateful to have redeemed myself after yesterday’s disappointment, where I was leading but faced a minor incident in the last corner. Today’s race was quite intense from the start all the way to the final lap. I maintained my focus and aimed to stay within the top 5 group. In the last lap, I noticed many riders battling for position, so I seized the opportunity at the final turn, seeing that their bikes were getting heavier. I took advantage of that moment to take the lead, and thankfully, I achieved victory. Alhamdulillah!” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 YAMAHA R15M Race Elites 1. Muhd Shafiq Ezzariq – TKC SOUTHERN (20’28:230s) 2. Muhd Adib Arsyad Mohd Hisam – TAYCON (20’28:322s) 3. Muhd Fareez Afeez – BERJAYA MEGA (20’28:361s) 4. Muhd Izam Ikmal Izamli – SHH PENANG TEAM (20’28:445s) 5. Abdullah Qayyum Abd Razak – SBF BIKERS (20’28:536s)