MSBK250 B category watched Rakha Bima Saktiansyah of Honda NWN SCK Racing Team emerged as the fastest overall on practice session at MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship, held at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit happened today. In Practice 1, Rakha Bima Saktiansyah of the Honda NWN SCK Racing Team led with a fastest lap of 2’33:366s. He was followed by Malaysian rider, Md Naqib Rifqi Zulhelmi, who clocked 2’34:406s, and Kim Min Jae of HONDA ESTREMO YUZY RACING at 2’36:724s at third place. In Practice 2, Rakha again topped the session at 2’34:396s. Min Jae filled second place at 2’35:211s and Naqib who clocked 2’35:256s filled third spot. The combined results came out with Rakha as the fastest overall, followed by Naqib and Min Jae in second and third place. Rakha said, “In FP1 and FP2, I was the fastest, but unfortunately, I had a crash while testing my new suspension setup. It was a mistake on my part, and I’m not satisfied with the outcome. I’m determined to make improvements and perform better tomorrow.” Combined Result – Top 5 Fastest Practice Session MSBK250 B 1. Rakha Bima Saktiansyah – Honda NWN SCK Racing Team (2’33:366s) 2. Md Naqib Rifqi Zulhelmi – Malaysia (2’34:406s) 3. Kim Min Jae – HONDA ESTREMO YUZY RACING (2’35:211s) 4. Muhd Nur Haikal Muhd Nur Fikri – NAKKAWANBULIHHH Racing Team (2’35:902s) 5. Zakwan Anas Azizul Khairi – Malaysia (2’37:950s)
In today’s practice sessions at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Muhd Adib Arsyad Mohd Hisam of SGH CREDIT set the fastest time in the Berjaya Sompo YAMAHA Y16ZR Race MasterClass category during the Round 2 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship. In Practice 1, Muhd Adib Arsyad Mohd Hisam of SGH CREDIT led with a fastest lap of 2’53:018s. He was followed by Muhd Fadlyshah Redzuan of UNITED MOTOR RACING SPIRIT who clocked 2’53:615s, and Farres Putra Mohd Fadhil of E ONE CHONG MOTOR at 2’53:908s at third place. Adib continued his strong performance in Practice 2 with a best lap time of 2’53:038s. Azrul Affendi Hadi of CSL BROTHERS took second place with a time of 2’53:085s, and Shahzureen Que Absyar Mohd Khairuln from CHUNG SENG MOTOR secured third with 2’54:420s. Overall, Adib topped the combined practice results, with Azrul and Fadlyshah rounding out the top three. Adib said, “Today, thank God, everything went smoothly, and I managed to set the fastest time. I’ve made significant improvements from previous years, using my experience for today’s practice session. My hope for tomorrow is to complete the race and further improve my overall standings.” Combined Result – Top 5 Fastest Practice Session Berjaya Sompo YAMAHA Y16ZR Race MasterClass 1. Muhd Adib Arsyad Mohd Hisam – SGH CREDIT (2’53:018s) 2. Azrul Affendi Hadi – CSL BROTHERS (2’53:085s) 3. Muhd Fadlyshah Redzuan – UNITED MOTOR RACING SPIRIT (2’53:615s) 4. Farres Putra Mohd Fadhil – E ONE CHONG MOTOR (2’53:908s) 5. Muhd Al Syafiq Muhd Al Amirul Zaki – PJ WONG MOTOR (2’54:286s)
Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit featured the YAMAHA R15M Race Elites category practice sessions. Muhd Izam Ikmal Izamli of CHAI KEN MOTORSPORT topped the practice sessions. In Practice 1, Muhd Izam Ikmal Izamli of CHAI KEN MOTORSPORT set the fastest lap with a time of 2’49:826s. He was followed by Abdullah Qayyum Abd Razak of WELLY RACING TEAM at 2’50:725s and Muhd Iqbal Amri Abdul Malek of Y S CHONG at 2’50:936s. In Practice 2, Izam improved his time to a lap of 2’49:270s, securing the fastest position. Qayyum was second with 2’49:819s, and Iqbal finished third with 2’49:895s. Overall, Izam was the fastest across both sessions, with Qayyum and Iqbal taking second and third places. Izam commented, “Today, I was the fastest. We focused on finding the right setup, as it’s my first time riding the R15. So far, there isn’t much difference compared to the 600cc and 250cc bikes. We’ll work on finding the optimal setup for qualifying and the race tomorrow. My goal is to secure pole position for Race 1.” Combined Result – Top 5 Fastest Practice Session YAMAHA R15M Race Elite 1. Muhd Izam Ikmal Izamli – CHAI KEN MOTORSPORT (2’49:270s) 2. Abdullah Qayyum Abd Razak – WELLY RACING TEAM (2’49:819s) 3. Muhd Iqbal Amri Abdul Malek – Y S CHONG (2’49:895s) 4. Muhd Firdaus Mohd Hamdan – SOON CHYE MOTOR (2’50:937s) 5. Muhd Hafiza Rofa – HENN MOTOR BROTHERS (2’51:141s)
With the Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) Round 2 fast approaching, Thanat Laoongplio of Honda Racing Thailand is gearing up with both anticipation and determination. Currently holding the 3rd position in the overall standings after a commendable performance in Round 1, where he secured P3 in both Race 1 and Race 2 in the MSBK600 category, Laoongplio is focused on climbing up the leaderboard and making his mark at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Thanat shared, “After Round 1, it was clear that both the team and I needed to address areas for improvement. We dedicated our efforts to enhancing our physical fitness and fine-tuning our strategies. Our primary goal is to build on our performance from Round 1 and come into Round 2 stronger and more prepared.” Currently positioned 3rd in the standings, Thanat remains optimistic about his chances of ascending to the top spot. “My initial aim when coming to these races was to gather valuable data for the ARRC (IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship). However, my ambitions also include clinching victories and securing the championship. I believe that with the right adjustments and continued focus, moving up to the top spot is entirely within reach.” With Helmi currently leading the standings, Thanat is determined to overtake him. “Helmi is a strong competitor, but my strategy is to outperform him and secure the front position. My focus will be on being faster and more consistent, aiming to stay ahead and capitalize on every opportunity that arises.” The PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit is renowned for its unpredictable nature, where any rider could claim victory on any given day. Thanat acknowledges the challenge and his approach to mastering the track, “Sepang is a track where winning requires both skill and a deep understanding of the circuit. I’ve been meticulously studying the track layout and analyzing past performances. It’s crucial to gather as much detailed information as possible to improve our strategy and execution.” Thanat added, “Competing here not only provides valuable experience but also helps in gathering critical data for the upcoming ARRC Round 5. My aim is to leverage this opportunity to both achieve success in the current race and better prepare for the ARRC.”
MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) is approaching Round 2 at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Azroy Hakeem Anuar of the BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM stands at the forefront of the competition. Following an exceptional performance in Round 1, where he dominated both Race 1 and Race 2, Azroy now leads the overall standings. In preparation for Round 2, Azroy is focusing on a rigorous and comprehensive physical training regimen. “As always, my preparation for Round 2 involves a comprehensive approach to physical training,” he explains. “I focus on various aspects such as strength, endurance, and flexibility to ensure that my body is in optimal condition for the demands of racing. Physical fitness is crucial for maintaining peak performance over long races and under intense conditions. Additionally, I analyze data from previous races and work closely with my team to fine-tune the bike setup. This holistic preparation helps me stay competitive and perform at my best.” Despite his current top position, Azroy remains grounded and pragmatic about the season’s progress. “Although I am currently leading the overall standings, I’m choosing not to get too wrapped up in the notion of securing the top spot just yet. It’s still early in the season, and while it’s great to be in the lead, there’s a long way to go. My focus remains on consistently improving my performance and learning from each race. It’s important to stay grounded and avoid complacency, as every race presents its own set of challenges and opportunities.” The competition in MSBK is fierce, with seasoned riders such as Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, Nakarin Atiratphuvaphat, and Passawit Thitivararak all aiming for top positions. Azroy views these competitors as valuable challenges rather than threats. “The MSBK field is incredibly talented, with riders like Azlan Shah, Nakarin, and Passawit all vying for top positions,” he acknowledges. “Instead of viewing them as threats, I see them as valuable competitors who push me to enhance my skills. Racing against such accomplished riders is a great way to test myself and elevate my riding abilities. I’m looking forward to the challenges they present and am committed to fighting hard in every race. Competing with the best helps me refine my technique and strategy, which is beneficial for my overall development as a rider.” Azroy’s deep familiarity with the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, being his home track, offers him a significant advantage. “Sepang is a track that offers both excitement and complexity, and having it as my home circuit gives me a distinct advantage,” he says. “I’ve spent countless hours here, understanding every corner, straight, and elevation change. This familiarity allows me to make split-second decisions and optimize my racing line more effectively than others. Knowing the track so well means I can anticipate the conditions and adjust my strategy accordingly. This local knowledge helps me gain confidence and a competitive edge when racing on this challenging circuit.” However, Azroy also faces the challenge of adapting to the high-speed nature of the 1000cc bike. “One of the main challenges I’m currently facing is adapting to the high-speed nature of the 1000cc bike,” he admits. “The power and performance of these machines require a different level of control and precision compared to smaller bikes. Mastering the dynamics of such a powerful bike while maintaining speed and stability is a continuous learning process. It demands a combination of technical skill, mental focus, and physical strength. I’m working hard to address these challenges and push the limits of what I can achieve on the track.”
Nakarin Atiratphuvaphat of Honda Racing Thailand has made a significant mark in the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship, currently holding a commendable third position in the overall standings following a strong performance in Round 1. During Round 1, Nakarin demonstrated his prowess by securing P3 in both Race 1 and Race 2, setting a solid foundation for the rest of the season. Reflecting on his preparation for Round 2 at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Nakarin emphasized the importance of recovery and mental clarity. After competing in the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) at Mandalika, he focused on rest and physical conditioning through jogging and cycling, coupled with meditation to maintain mental sharpness. “After ARRC Mandalika, I concentrated on rest, jogging, cycling, and meditation,” Nakarin explained. “Meditation is also crucial for maintaining both focus and mental clarity.” As he heads into Round 2, Nakarin is determined to build on his initial success. “I will give my best effort. While there are many variables in racing, I am committed to my riding and continuous improvement,” he said, underscoring his dedication despite the sport’s inherent uncertainties. His awareness of the competitive field is evident, especially given the strength of Malaysian riders. “It’s not easy here. Malaysian riders are exceptionally strong. I need to gather more insights to enhance my performance and break away from the pack,” he noted. The technical complexity of the Sepang circuit, combined with its unpredictable weather conditions, adds another layer of challenge. Nakarin highlighted the importance of adaptability and strategic decision-making in such an environment. “Sepang is a technical track that offers many opportunities for riders to learn and improve. With its ever-changing weather, it becomes a test of decision-making skills. Mastery over tire management is crucial. I anticipated rain but managed to adapt and ride effectively under the conditions,” he remarked. Looking ahead, Nakarin’s personal goals extend beyond merely winning races. “My goal is to enjoy the riding experience and continually develop myself into a winner,” he stated.
Round 2 of the Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) will take on the grounds of the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit once again this weekend. Making its debut in the championship is a brand new one-make race category which is the Yamaha R15M Race Elites, geared up to make its grand entrance. The formation of this new race class was conceived upon the idea of providing riders with a different kind of experience and exposure in their transition from the underbone machine to a tank-machine. The effort seeks to accelerate the experiences of young riders by paving a pathway that would enable them to adapt to a more refined riding technique aboard a slightly higher capacity machine before potentially scaling up into the Asian-level championship. The Yamaha R15M machine is a 155cc machine that has been effectively modified to fit into the racing motorcycle specifications. The goal of MSBK over the years has been about developing motorsport and providing a platform for enthusiasts to experience the standard of excellence in motorcycle racing. In tandem with that, the collaborative initiatives with Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) with the inclusion of this new race category will serve to groom talented riders in their aspirations to excel further in motorcycle racing. The race category which comprises 32 riders in total were handpicked from various race categories within the national motorcycle championship namely the PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix Championship (MCP) including the CP150, CP125 and ProAm race categories. On the other hand, The Berjaya Sompo Yamaha Y16ZR Race MasterClass race category will continue for the third consecutive year with a total of 32 riders beginning from Round 2. The riders were selected from the race categories within MCP namely the Wira KBS, Yamaha PETRONAS Super Series and AEON Credit Service Yamaha 135LC Tekhne Challenge and will compete till the end of Season 2024.
Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship will be back once again this weekend after a long break at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Azroy Hakeem Anuar of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team and Heng Si Kiat are more than ready to flex their muscles in the MSBK1000 A and MSBK1000 B race categories respectively. It was a disappointment for most riders in Race 1 of the season opener when the race was halted due to stormy weather. Nevertheless, the weekend continued and thankfully, the weather was more accommodating in Race 2. Among the MSBK1000 A riders, Azroy was quick to recover the lost momentum and went on with only one goal in mind – to dominate the race for the season. Despite the big guns in the racing scene, Azroy was seen poised on the circuit ground, confident with his moves as he fought competitively. In Race 1, Azroy took the lead before settling for 12.5 points, half of the winning points after the red-flag was raised. In Race 2, he went on in full form and maintained at P1 throughout the race before bagging a full 25 points at the end of the race. Currently, the rider takes the top position in the overall chart and is geared up for the coming challenges. Commenting on the race, Azroy said, “This season has been great for me but again, the challenges are always there no matter how good you get. This season is basically to fight with the top riders of ASB1000 race category and the only way to do it is to be open to new experiences and a learning curve. This season, all top three riders are my closest contenders so it is quite pressuring for me to try and stand out. I try my best to improve in every session. It is a lot of hard work. As usual, my preparations are focused on fitness training. It has become part of my daily life routine. The team on the other hand is working very hard to prepare the machine. The other challenge of racing at Sepang is the unpredictable weather. As we know, rain is almost always uncertain therefore adapting is important. I will try to adapt as much as I can either on the dry or wet ground. It would be great if I can learn to ride in wet conditions so that I am well equipped with the skills and experience. My goal is to finish on the podium in each round and I hope to build my confidence around that.” In the MSBK1000 B race category, it was a similar run for Heng Si Kiat who began Race 1 with a dominant force. He bagged 12.5 points due to unavoidable circumstances and came back for Race 2 with better exhilaration and performance. The MSBK1000 B came with its own set of challenges especially with the more experienced riders but despite the competition, Si Kiat was able to defend his position well. During the race, Si Kiat was seen exchanging positions with the riders a number of times but his technical expertise gave him the upper hand to jump right back in the dominating position. He completed the race first and bagged 25 points which totalled him up for the Weekend Champion of Race 1. Commenting on the race, Si Kiat said, “My physical fitness would be my biggest challenge for me as it is a three-day event with loads of riding. I need to know how to set my limits so that I don’t over-strain. Most importantly, my fitness level must be at 100% on both the race days. The machine is the same as Round 1 but of course with more workouts on my body, I hope to improve my riding abilities and performance. At Sepang, the other challenge would be the weather conditions. Like Round 1, halfway through, it started raining but my team was already prepared in advance. I personally haven’t tried riding in rain on a totally wet track but if that has to be done, we will still do it and be extra careful for sure. At the moment, I have two close contenders, Jim Iskandar and James Lee and from what I have heard, there will be two more riders coming up in Round 2 who are equally strong. I am looking forward to riding with them although I do not have a strategy in mind on how to tackle them. The strength on my machine lies in the launching bit and also on the anti-wheelie electronics. My aim for this round would be the same as last round and keeping my fingers crossed on that!”
MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship is all set for another round of adventure in the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this weekend. Round 2 will see Md Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing revving up to continue his dominating spirit in the MSBK600 race category. It is not unusual for Helmi, racing on his home-ground circuit, more so with years of experience etched to his name to bag a double victory. The rider who has been in the game aboard a 600cc machine for a long time is familiar with both the machine and the circuit ground which also means that it is all about optimising the performance and maintaining his dominance. But having said that, the entry list that is intimidating this season also means that he has to be more aware and be prepared for the possible challenges. Perhaps, what would require more of his attention is recognising the characters and riding techniques of his contenders so that he is able to work his strategies effectively. Last season, Helmi made it first on the chart and claimed the Champion title in the race category after putting up a tough fight, taking four wins and four second-spots on the podium. The Malaysian rider may be soft-spoken but, on the battlefield, he is a raging bull, ever-ready to take down those in his way. In Round 1 that was held more than 2 months ago, Helmi showcased dexterity and braved through the challenges in both races. Would he be able to repeat the same victorious note? Commenting on the race, Helmi said, “Round 1 was an amazing weekend for me. It was challenging and was not an easy feat especially riding with the same contender from ARRC. But the machine was great and we managed to find the right setup which gave us the ease in achieving success. To me, when it comes to riding, it is both luck and skills. The combination of both is essential in our successes. Sometimes, we have the needed skills but luck may not be on our side, the machine might give way and we can’t do anything about it. Sometimes, we have the right setup and the machine is great but we may struggle with finding out footing on the circuit ground. So, I am lucky in that sense because we raced on our home-ground that I am familiar with. Which means, I have the upper-hand in terms of skills and the only thing that would matter would be the machine and its performances.” “I still have a lot of work to do because riding is an on-going improvement process. I have to enhance my riding skills especially for the other championships this year. Part of my preparations include physical training because strength, stamina and endurance is highly required in racing. It is part of the fundamentals in succeeding. I also hope that the machine will have extra power so that its performance is optimised. This year is not as easy as last season because the entry list includes some of the big names from ARRC therefore it is a constant battle throughout. My goal for this season is of course to fight for the championship title once again. There are not two ways about it because, this is our home-ground and it doesn’t justify if we don’t take that win.”
Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship will take place this weekend at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Geared up for the robust challenge are Gerry Salim of Honda NWN SCK Racing Team in MSBK250 A and teammate Rakha Bima Sakthiansyah in MSBK250 B. Indonesian rider Gerry may be a newbie in the MSBK250 A race category but he definitely has what it takes to compete competitively among the much-seasoned riders, especially with his experiences in the racing scenes of his local ground as well as the Asian and international front. In Round 1, he was defeated by his teammate with a 5-point difference in Race 1 and in Race 2, he once again fell short by 5-points in his attempt to take the win. However, his consistency in both races and his ability to defend his position awarded him with 40 points in total and a seat on top of the chart. The rider finally returned to the racing scenes after his injury last year and is certainly making up for the losses with the right scores. Commenting on the race, Gerry said, “Racing in MSBK this year has helped me try out new bike setups for ARRC Round 5 that will be held at Sepang. In my opinion, the standards of MSBK are great as the regulations are almost on par with that of ARRC for the AP250 race category. Only difference is that there are two different race categories that run in parallel. The Malaysian riders definitely inject better challenge because of their experience on the circuit ground and for me, it is a good experience to learn from them. At the moment, I have a good machine setup because I also get support from the Honda Indonesia Team. They too have a lot of experience on the Malaysian soil so, I have high hopes and trust on the team and mechanics. On the circuit, I love it. I have had my fair share of experiences and I guess that also means that I have a slight upper hand here. It is a circuit with many technical sectors and it is all about mastering it. For the upcoming round, there will be some changes to the setup compared to the first round as there have been some changes to the regulations. Therefore, some settings need to be changed to adhere to that. My goal for this season is to win the MSBK overall. Keeping my fingers crossed!” Rakha on the other hand may also be new in the MSBK250 B but the Indonesian rider has showcased quite a remarkable performance when he went on to compete with great dexterity to score the Weekend Champion title. Being in the championship for the first time, Rakha has demonstrated the ability to fight competitively and utilise the right technical skills to guard his position all the way. The MSBK250 B race category is not one that is easy to dominate especially with the huge troop flooding the circuit ground nevertheless, Rakha stood out, maintained his composure well and stayed focused before clocking in victory in both races. Commenting on the race, Rakha said, “For me, the most significant difference would be the opponents. I find them less competitive compared to those in the Mandalika Racing Series that I have been racing in. For the coming round, I have prepared myself physically and practiced on machines in Indonesia to compete against those riders in the MSBK250 A race category. Apart from that, I have also been honing my skills so that I can be competitive enough. I can’t say much about the machine at the moment but the machine is very fast. I like the Sepang circuit because the atmosphere and the level of safety is really excellent. Only thing that I didn’t quite like during the first round was the hole on the asphalt at corner 9. My target for the year is to make it as a leader in the overall chart and perhaps fight well with the other group.”