Round 3 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) will be happening at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this weekend. Moved up a notch in the MSBK600 after round 2 is Thanat Laoongplio of Honda Racing Thailand who will back with a renewed enthusiasm in his bid to embrace his next challenge. It was not easy for the Thai rider to find his footing on the grounds of SIC but he certainly made quite an impression with his entry in MSBK. In round 1, the Thai-born rider bagged the podium twice for the third place which placed him third overall. In round 2, the rider may have slipped in his moves resulting in a high-sight and a “DNF” status but he definitely had the initial upper-hand to not just retain his position top three but also to move up a notch at the second spot overall. Thanat now eagerly awaits round 3 however, would he be able to pursue a position higher than second overall? With a difference of 48 points, the chances are bleak, however considering the unpredictable nature of motorsport which relies not only on dexterity but also luck, it is definitely not impossible. The question is really more on whether or not he would be able to retain second overall throughout the remaining rounds. With his closest contender lurking from the third spot overall with a point difference of six, Thanat has definitely got to be more cautious, perhaps also improve further on his riding techniques to maintain his position. Commenting on the championship, Thanat said, “In Race 2 of the previous round, I made a mistake climbing onto the apex at turn 12 which resulted in a nasty crash. I could have done better but that mistake taught me a valuable lesson. Right now, I know how to improve on my riding style and I am better adjusted to the machine. For the coming round, we have everything prepared in terms of the machine. Of course, there are some parts which require further adjustments and I trust that the team will do an excellent job on that part. On my part, I still think that I lack precision which is really important during racing especially when making calculated moves. Racing is all about taking risks and when we do it accurately, it’s rewarding. I believe that with these factors improved, I can be way better in terms of performance. My goal of course mainly is to maintain good pace, keep my position intact and focus on the target which is to be on the podium.”
Round 3 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) will take place at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this weekend. Irfan Ardiansyah of Honda HWN SCK Racing Team is fuelled to accelerate further in his mission in the MSBK250 A while Md Naqib Rifqi is determined to carve yet another well-done achievement in the MSBK250 B. Indonesia rider, Irfan may have familiarised the circuit ground but he is definitely new to the scenes of MSBK yet he has outdone himself and emerged strong on the entry front. The rider currently takes the top spot in the overall standings with a total of 70 points, 4 points ahead of his teammate. Would he be able to sustain the position? Considering his two wins throughout the season, Irfan has definitely posed his abilities to navigate the circumstances of the racing scene effectively but looking at the point difference between him and his closest contenders, it is too soon to predict the outcome especially of a highly competitive feat. Commenting on the race, Irfan said, “This season has been really good for me and I think there is no big difference compared to other championships except for the weather condition in Round 2. The MSBK250 A race category is a highly competitive class and there is always a big group going on with the same pace. So, we have to be constantly steady in the front group, not to lose momentum because once you lose that, it becomes quite difficult to recover. My focus has always been about keeping up to the same performance and as such, that is my aim for the coming round too. I want to maintain my current position and it is all about being 100% focused. On my own, I do a lot of bike training on the side. I also work out on training myself physically. The team on the other hand works on the machine condition. So, we balance out that way. My goal for the season is to make it champion and I will go all out to work on that mission.” As for Naqib, MSBK has turned out to be quite a fair-game for the talented rider. He has not only been able to showcase his competitive side but has also garnered quite a reputation especially since his claim on the Weekend Warrior with a double-win in the recent race. In round 1, he conceded at third place overall after he made up in Race 2 for his poor performance in Race 1. Interestingly, he did not just make it but made it big with perfect scores in round 2. Could he pull yet another stunner in the coming round? Commenting on the race, Naqib said, “So far, this season has been a great one and I am very happy with my results. There has been a lot of difference between round 1 and round 2 especially with what I have learnt so far. I also improved tremendously throughout. MSBK250 B race category is a unique kind of race for me. Previously, I raced using the underbone machine which was quite difficult for me to catch up with. With sufficient training with a 250 machine, I am really confident with my performance now and I will continue to fight among the front group. For the coming round, I am pretty confident that I can win. I am also sure that this coming round would be a tough one especially with riders upkeeping themselves with training but I am fully prepared for the challenge. In terms of preparation, I have been working out especially in improving my fitness level. This is really important to ensure that I have the right stamina to maintain my consistency throughout. My aim for this round and season is to continue taking a bold stance among the front troops and also to put a fighting spirit against the A group.”
Race 2 of Round 2, MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship was held at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Nakarin Atiratphuvaphat of HONDA RACING THAILAND celebrated a double win in one weekend in the MSBK1000 A race category. During Race 2, Azroy Hakeem Anuar of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM was fiery when he took the lead with Nakarin trailed closely behind. Lechlan Epis of SAVITAR ESG ASIA at P3 patiently maintained his position while being pressured by Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of HORIZON RACING TEAM and Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of YAMAHA TEKHNE RACING TEAM ASIA. On lap 2, Azlan managed to took over Lechlan at P3 and sped up to chase the top two riders, Azroy and Nakarin. The position of top three riders remained the same until the final lap, Azroy crashed and watched Nakarin won the race at 21’23:707s. Nakarin commented, “This race was particularly challenging due to the extreme heat, which made every lap a test of endurance. Aroy’s pace was impressive. He was pushing hard, and I did my best to keep up with him starting from the 5th lap. I felt that this was the limit of my control under the current conditions. Pushing any harder might have risked a crash similar to what happened with Azroy. However, this race has been a valuable learning experience, providing important insights that will help me prepare for the upcoming ARRC race here. I’m eager to apply these lessons and improve for the future.” Azlan made it second at 21’28:185s. Kasma took third at 21’30:780s.
Race 2 of Round 2 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship was held at Sepang International Circuit. DREAM TEAM’s rider, Lee Po Yu made it as the Weekend Champion in the MSBK1000 B race category. During Race 2, Abhijith Satya Prasad from India was fast to lead pace as race started. Behind him, was Heng Si Kiat from Singapore and Po Yu at P3. Riders’ position remained the same, except Raja Nazeem Iskandar of SEVEN Motorsports managed to took over Si Kiat at P3, but Si Kiat managed to reclaim the position. Abijith consistently raced in his pace while maintaining a safe gap from the pack behind and raced past the finishing line and won the race at 22’39:447s. Po Yu took second place at 22’55:776s and Si Kiat made it third at 23’01:677s. Based on the combined results, Po Yu appeared as the Weekend Champion. Po Yu said, “Today was an exceptional race day. This morning, we discovered the perfect setup, which made a significant difference. The race itself went very well, and I’m thrilled with securing second place. More importantly, I’m elated to be the weekend champion for this round. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported me tirelessly throughout this journey. Your unwavering encouragement has been invaluable, and I’m deeply grateful for it.”
Race 2 of Round 2 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship was held at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Md Helmi Azman of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM claimed victory again in Race 2 of the MSBK600 race category. As the race started, Helmi put on a good fight with Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND and his teammate, Md Syarifuddin Azman to be on the top spot. Helmi displayed great confidence throughout the race as he never looked back to the contenders but only focused on the race against himself watched him leaving the pack further behind. Thanat at P2 tried to close up the gap with Helmi, however, crashed on lap 4, watched Syarifuddin and Mohd Danial Syahmi of FGRT PROJECT took over P2 and P3 respectively. Helmi consistently raced with Syarifuddin at P2 at least 5 seconds behind, then comfortably took the win at total time of 22’00:597s.
Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship took place today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Irfan Ardiansyah of Honda NWN SCK Racing Team bagged the win for Race 2 of the MSBK250 A today. As soon as Race 2 started, Gerry Salim of Honda NWN SCK Racing Team was fast to lead the pack. Behind him was his teammate, Irfan Ardiansyah and Muhd Shahrol Syazras Shahrol Yuzy of Honda Estremo Yuzy Racing. On lap 3, Irfan managed to overtook Gerry at P1 and picked up his speed. Gerry followed Irfan closely trying to reclaim the top position, however overtook by Kitsada Tanachot of HONDA RACING THAILAND. On lap 6, Syazras who made his way up to front group from P10 overtook Irfan, but Irfan reclaimed the top spot and won the race at 19’55:719s. Irfan said, “”This race was incredibly challenging from the start, with numerous riders in the leading group making it a fierce competition. Throughout the middle part of the race, I focused on maintaining my rhythm, preparing to make my move in the final lap. My strategy paid off perfectly in the last corner, allowing me to secure first place. I’m absolutely thrilled with the outcome and deeply grateful to my team and everyone who supported me throughout this journey. Your backing was instrumental in achieving this victory.” Kitsada made it second at 19’55:931s. Gerry scored third at 19’55:960s.
Round 2 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship was held at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Md Naqib Rifqi Zulhelmi from Malaysia appeared as Weekend Champion as he won Race 2 of the MSBK250 B race category. Naqib put on a good show by leading the pack as soon as the race started. In P2, was Rakha Bima Saktiansyah of Honda NWN SCK Racing Team followed by Kim Min Jae of HONDA ESTREMO YUZY RACING in P3. Throughout the race, Naqib was consistent and focused on increasing the gap with other riders. While Rakha at P2 continued to keep up with Naqib’s pace. Min Jae too, was consistent at P3. Lap by lap, Naqib at P1 increased the gap with the riders at least 9 seconds behind him and raced past the finishing line to win the Race 2 at 20’36:620s. Naqib stated, “I feel that I’ve made significant progress in both my lap times and my riding skills. This weekend has been a rewarding experience, reflecting the hard work and dedication I’ve put in. I’m genuinely pleased with the improvements I’ve achieved. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, especially my parents and friends. Your encouragement and belief in me have been invaluable, and I am deeply appreciative of your support.” Rakha placed second at 20’46:234s and Min Jae took third spot at 20’46:806s. Based on the combined results, Naqib appeared as the Weekend Champion.
Round 2 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship was held at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Muhd Adib Arsyad Mohd Hisam of SGH CREDIT appeared as winner of Race 2 for the Berjaya Sompo YAMAHA Y16ZR Race MasterClass race category. Farres Putra Mohd Fadhil of E ONE CHONG MOTOR put on a good show by leading the pack as soon as the race started. In P2, was Muhd Adib Arsyad Mohd Hisam of SGH CREDIT followed by Azrul Affendi Hadi of CSL BROTHERS in P3. During the race, the riders’ position changed on each lap, with every rider battling for top spot made the potential winner for Race 2 unpredictable. Final lap watched more aggressive competition between riders. As Muhd Asyraf Daniel Mohd Zaki of XYH RACING PROJECT was approaching the finishing line, Adib sped his way up and overtook Asyraf to win the race at 17’44:575s. Adib stated, “During the race, my primary goal was simply to enjoy the experience. However, as the final lap approached, I saw an opportunity and didn’t want to let it slip away. I was initially worried that my strategy wouldn’t work, but it ultimately paid off in the last corner. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my team and everyone who has supported me. I will continue to put in my best effort for the upcoming rounds.” Asyraf placed second at 17’44:577s. Raiyan Khardanee Mohd Sanusi of MH RACING took third spot at 17’44:578s.
Round 2 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship was held at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Abdullah Qayyum Abd Razak of WELLY RACING TEAM appeared as winner of Race 2 for the YAMAHA R15M Race Elites race category. Farres Putra Mohd Fadhil of E ONE CHONG MOTOR put on a good show by leading the pack as soon as the race started. In P2, was Muhd Idil Fitri of WEE PLUS RACING SABAH followed by Arash Tsunami Kamarudin of BLH GLASSTEEL 46 RACING in P3. During the race, the riders’ position changed on each lap, with every rider battling for top spot made it difficult to predict the potential winner for Race 2. Final lap watched more aggressive competition with Muhd Aqid Jumali of XL MOTOR, Muhd Shafiq Rasol of GTMAX and Muhd Syafiq Asyraf Mohd Zam Zam of ADVANCE VERTEX MOTOR at top three position racing towards finishing. But Qayyum made his way through to top spot to win the race at 20’19:214s. Qayyum stated, “Yesterday, I encountered an issue with my machine, which prevented me from completing the race. Today, I carefully adjusted my strategy to address the challenges. The competition was fierce, with a large pack of aggressive riders, so I focused on maintaining my pace. Thankfully, my efforts paid off, and I’m grateful to have secured the victory today. Alhamdulillah for the win!” Arash Tsunami Kamarudin of BLH GLASSTEEL 46 RACING placed second at 20’19:252s. Mohd Syamil Amsyar Mohd Iffende of TKC SOUTHERN took third spot at 20’19:300s.
Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship took place today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Nakarin Atiratphuvaphat of HONDA RACING THAILAND took the win today in Race 1 in the MSBK1000 A race category. During the qualifying session this morning, Azroy Hakeem Anuar of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM made the fastest lap time at 2’08:137s. At second fastest place was Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of YAMAHA TEKHNE RACING TEAM ASIA with his best at 2’08:249s. Nakarin Atiratphuvaphat of HONDA RACING THAILAND made it third fastest with his best lap time at 2’08:381s. Nakarin took the lead position at the start followed closely by Kasma at P2 and Azroy at P3. The riders position changed rapidly every lap between Nakarin, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of HORIZON RACING TEAM and Azroy. On lap 6, Nakarin overtook top spot leaving Azlan at P2 trailing closely behind. At P3 was Azroy looking for room to overtake the top two riders. Each turn watched the intense battle to win the race where the top three riders are close to each other. Nakarin picked up his speed and led the way to win at 21’53:106s. Nakarin said, “This race presented significant challenges due to the wet track conditions. At the start, I struggled with the increased slipperiness, which made handling the bike quite tricky. However, as the race progressed, I adapted to the conditions and gained better control. On the final lap, despite my efforts to push ahead, I couldn’t break away from the other riders. Instead, I focused on maximizing my performance in every turn. This strategy paid off, and I managed to secure the win today.” Azlan took second spot on the podium at 21’53:133s. Azroy made it third at 21’53:178s. MSBK1000 A Nakarin Atiratphuvaphat – HONDA RACING THAILAND (21’53:106s) Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman – HORIZON RACING TEAM (21’53:133s) Azroy Hakeem Anuar – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (21’53:178s) Soichiro Minamimoto – YAMAHA TEKHNE RACING TEAM ASIA (21’54:088s) Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin – YAMAHA TEKHNE RACING TEAM ASIA (21’55:047s)