Category: 2024

ADIE’S FRACTURED DREAM

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.

THANAT’S HILARIOUS VICTORY TUMBLE

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!

NAKARIN THE WEEKEND CHAMPION IN MSBK1000 A

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)

QING RONG CLAIMS VICTORY IN RACE 2

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)

THANAT: JOYFUL VICTORY IN RAIN-SOAKED RACE 2

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)

FARRES, WEEKEND CHAMPION IN HIS DEBUT

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)

DARWISH THE WEEKEND CHAMPION

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)

SHAFIQ SEIZES THE DAY WITH THRILLING RACE 2

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)

JEBAT CLAIMS VICTORY IN RACE 2

In a thrilling Race 2 of Round 3 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship held at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Ahmad Jebat Zulkarnain of BEN HUAT MOTOR emerged victorious in Berjaya Sompo YAMAHA Y16ZR Race MasterClass category. The race began with intense competition as Muhd Akid Mohd Shah Khearul Nisiam of TAKONG, Ahmad Iqram Danish Ahmad Ghazali of SCM Factory Racing Team, and Shahzureen Que Absyar of KBSHM exchanged the lead at every turn. By lap 2, Iqram, Jebat, Akid, Shahzureen, and Muhd Luthfi Shah Narizman of ⁠UNITED MOTOR RACING SPIRIT were in close contention, setting the stage for an exciting showdown. On lap 3, Raiyan Khardanee Mohd Sanusi of P D BAN HIN RACING TEAM recorded the fastest lap time of the race at 2’55:099s, gradually making his way toward the front. As the laps progressed, Raiyan continued to push, joined by Jebat, Akid, Asyraf, and Shahzureen in a tightly packed group on lap 4. Lap 5 saw Jebat and Shahzureen battling fiercely for position, while the intensity heightened as the race approached its conclusion. By lap 6, all riders remained closely grouped, and the top spot was still open to anyone, leading to a nail-biting finale. In a dramatic twist, four riders fell on the final turn, allowing Jebat to seize the opportunity and race to victory. Jebat crossed the finish line first with a time of 17’47:284s. Muhd Fareeq Mohd Faizal claimed second place at 17’47:374s, while Muhd Zulhilmi Yazid of SGH CREDIT clocked at 17’47:740s to secured third place. TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 Berjaya Sompo YAMAHA Y16ZR Race MasterClass 1. Ahmad Jebat Zulkarnain – BEN HUAT MOTOR (17’47:284s) 2. Muhd Fareeq Mohd Faizal – T.K.WONG MOTOR (17’47:374s) 3. Muhd Zulhilmi Yazid – SGH CREDIT (17’47:740s) 4. Muhd Danish Aiman Zamrul – CHJ RACING (17’48:018s) 5. Ahmad Iqram Danish Ahmad Ghazali – SCM Factory Racing Team (17’48:051s)

BIG COMEBACK FOR YISHENG

Race 2 of Round 3 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship in the DUCATI CHINA PANIGALE CUP took place today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Class A featured some of the most talented riders in the DUCATI CHINA PANIGALE CUP. Fu Yisheng delivered a breathtaking performance, clinching victory with an impressive total time of 14’26:049s. His strategic mastery on the track allowed him to maneuver through tight corners and challenging straights with finesse. The race kicked off with Guo Jie taking an early lead. However, as the laps progressed, the competition intensified. By lap 2, Fu showcased his prowess, clocking a blistering fastest lap time of 2’23:512s. The real highlight came on lap 6, when Fu pulled ahead, posting the fastest lap of the day at 2’22:707s. His remarkable focus and tactical skill allowed him to maintain his lead, eventually crossing the finish line first. The race also highlighted the performances of other competitors. Chen Zhen and Yu Xiaochen fought valiantly for their positions, ultimately claiming 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. In Class B, He Yuxi put on a masterclass in control and consistency, leading from the start. His strategic positioning allowed him to build a comfortable gap over his competitors. However, behind him, Xi Feida and Lee Kin Ho were engaged in a thrilling duel for second place. As the race progressed, Feida attempted several overtakes on Kin Ho, showcasing impressive cornering skills and aggressive acceleration. Their battle was fierce, with both riders exchanging positions multiple times. However, Yuxi’s steady pace kept him comfortably in the lead, ultimately securing victory with a time of 14’37:068s. Class C featured an exhilarating race led by Huang Haoming, who took an early lead and maintained it throughout. The first few laps saw Huang fend off challenges from Fang Lu and Zhang Jingyu, who were closely contesting for second place. As the race unfolded, Fang made a bold move on Jingyu, utilizing a well-timed overtake. Despite his efforts, Haoming remained untouchable at the front, expertly managing his lead and maintaining a consistent pace to win the race with a time of 15’01:735s. Fang Lu eventually settled into second place with a time of 15’46:010s, while Jingyu continued to push, demonstrating resilience but ultimately unable to reclaim lost ground, finishing third with a time of 16’08:170s. TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 DUCATI CHINA PANIGALE CUP Class A 1. Fu Yisheng (14’26:049s) 2. Chen Zhen (14’37:109s) 3. Yu Xiaochen (14’37:770s) 4. Guo Jie (14’38:370s) 5. Zhang Xiaoxiang (15’22:410s) Class B 1. He Yuxi (14’37:068s) 2. Xi Feida (15’12:751s) 3. Lee Kin Ho (15’13:006s) 4. Zi Yangfan (15’45:586s) Class C 1. Huang Haoming (15’01:735s) 2. Fang Lu (15’46:010s) 3. Zhang Jingyu (16’08:170s) 4. Mu Hongde (16’42:550s)