Round 4 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit featured the YAMAHA R15M Race Elites category practice sessions, where Muhd Izam Ikmal Izamli of NS ONE topped the sessions. In Practice 1, Muhd Idil Fitri of TKC SOUTHERN set the fastest lap with a time of 2’50.991s. He was followed by Abdullah Qayyum Abd Razak of HOCK LIONG in second with a time of 2’51.945s, and Ahmad Syukran Aizat Mohd Yusoff of BLH GLASSTEEL 46 RACING in third at 2’52.104s. In Practice 2, Izam set the fastest lap time of 2’34.100s, reaching a top speed of 118.13 km/h, to lead the group. Idil, who posted a time of 2’49.134s, finished 0.206s behind Izam in second, while Fareez took third with a time of 2’49.350s. Overall, Izam was the fastest across both sessions, with Idil and Fareez rounding out the top three. Izam commented, “In FP1, we saw that the track condition was quite wet, so there wasn’t much we could try out. In this category, there isn’t much we can adjust with the setup, so it’s mostly about our skills and techniques. So I made good use of the advantage I have to stay ahead of the other riders. In FP2, the weather improved, and I was able to set a good lap time. So far, I’m ready for Race 1 tomorrow.” Combined Result – Top 5 Fastest Practice Session YAMAHA R15M Race Elite 1. Muhd Izam Ikmal Izamli – NS ONE (2’48:928s) 2. Muhd Idil Fitri – TKC SOUTHERN (2’49:134s) 3. Muhd Fareez Afeez – BERJAYA MEGA (2’49:350s) 4. Abdullah Qayyum Abd Razak – HOCK LIONG (2’49:938s) 5. Arash Tsunami Kamarudin – TAYCON (2’50:575s)
The stakes couldn’t be higher as the Honda NWN SCK Racing Team heads into the final round of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. It’s a battle for supremacy between teammates and rivals, Irfan Ardiansyah and Gerry Salim, who are separated by a narrow margin of just 10 points in the MSBK250 A standings. Irfan, the leader with 103 points, has been a model of determination this season, showcasing exceptional skill with two race wins and two runner-up finishes. His comeback story from a DNF in the opening round’s Race 1 to a commanding victory in Race 2 has been one of the championship’s highlights. Meanwhile, Gerry, with 93 points, has earned the moniker Mr. Consistency, landing on the podium in every race but still chasing that elusive first win. Both riders are primed to give their all in what promises to be a heart-stopping showdown under the Malaysian sun. Irfan stated, “I’ve been training intensively, both on the bike and physically, to ensure I’m ready. I have a lot of experience on this technical track, and I’m fully focused on giving my best and avoiding mistakes.” Reflecting on his season, Irfan remarked, “Sepang has been both challenging and rewarding for me. That DNF in Race 1 during Round 1 was tough, but it taught me a lot. Coming back to win Race 2 felt amazing. This time, I will stay consistent, race smart, and bring home the championship.” Meanwhile, Gerry approaches the final round with equal determination and optimism. “For this last round, I’ve worked very hard on my fitness and even adjusted my weight to improve performance. We’ve also tested new settings on the bike to maximize its potential.” His extensive experience at Sepang gives him confidence, but he acknowledges the unique challenges of the MSBK250 class. “Races here are unpredictable, often decided in the final corners. That’s what makes it so thrilling.” Gerry’s consistent results of two P2 and two P3 finishes have positioned him as a serious contender for the title. When asked about his mindset heading into the final round, Gerry said, “The 10-point gap means there’s still everything to fight for. We may be teammates, but on the track, we’re competitors. I’m giving my all to secure my first win of the season and, hopefully, the championship.”
Kim Min Jae of HONDA ESTREMO YUZY RACING is set to take on the final round of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) this weekend at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. The Korean rider made his MSBK debut in Round 3, using the platform to hone his skills and prepare for an exciting 2025 season, where he will compete in the highly competitive Asia Talent Cup (ATC). With just one MSBK round under his belt, Min Jae has been working tirelessly to improve. Reflecting on his preparation, he shared, “During Round 6 of the TVS Asia One-Make Championship at the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, my coach worked closely with me to identify my weaknesses and find solutions. I also watched MSBK races on YouTube to analyze and understand how I can be faster. This effort has been about finding every opportunity to grow before this critical round.” As the MSBK season concludes, Min Jae is determined to make a statement. “My target before the end of 2024 is to learn as much as I can and deliver a strong result in the MSBK final round. I want to follow the fast group, and if the opportunity arises, I’ll push for the podium.” The young rider has focused on overcoming specific challenges he faced in Round 3. “From the last MSBK round, I realized my skills and bike setup weren’t up to the mark. This time, HONDA ESTREMO YUZY RACING has fine-tuned the bike to make it competitive. Now, the pressure is on me to perform. Also, from ARRC, I learned that I enter corners too fast, so I’ll work on improving my cornering technique and push at 100%.” Min Jae sees MSBK as a stepping stone to greater achievements. “Racing in MSBK and ARRC has provided invaluable experience. Competing against some incredibly fast riders taught me lessons I wouldn’t learn elsewhere. It’s a great way to prepare for ATC next year.” When asked about his plans for MSBK next season, Min Jae remains uncertain. “I’m not sure if I’ll return to MSBK next year. My team and I are still working on our plans. However, I’m grateful for the opportunity this season and hope to finish strong.”