“I don’t think I am a professional rider but it’s more like a hobby for me.. So, ‘hobbiest rider’ who races in professional series. That’s how I will portray this,” says Teo Yew Joe of Savitar Racing Team currently competes in MSBK1000 class in The Malaysia Superbike Championship 2023 season. Teo who stepped into the two-wheel scene a decade ago picturised how limited the accessibility to the right path of motorbike racing was back then. Grew up in a Chinese community where exposure to two-wheel was lesser compared to four-wheel, Teo has reached almost 30 years old to express his love for motorbikes. “Motorsports started for me at quite an early age, I think I grew up loving motorcycles from the days of Doohan nd Wayne Rainey, but being raised in a Chinese family you definitely not gonna race in motorcycles. I think the love for racing is in my blood, just don’t ask me how.It has been always there. I started with karts and understanding motorsports. Back then, it’s not like how it’s in Sepang nowadays. Now we have open track days where motorbikes are allowed to ride, you can pay like 100 bucks and you can ride your motorbikes at the track as much as you want. “That’s how my early days engagement was and the accessibility to the sports itself was difficult. It is not like how it is now. The accessibility of the ability to move forward is always limited to the accessibility of the resources that worked for me. Anybody can buy a motorcycle.. anyone can.. You can watch Motogp, Asian GP or MSBK and want to go racing but we didn’t have the proper resources to know what we can do to achieve certain goals in motorsports. “When I first started racing I was 30. It was in 2012 and I started with 600cc. That’s the exact time when Azlan Shah, Zamri Baba, and some other riders were on top. Thereafter, we had Kasma and KIP. I was 10 years behind them. They were world-class professional riders. They are fortunate to have the proper knowledge to be on the scene. We were more like backburners. So this is why it ends up as a hobby to many of us. We can just few seconds behind them but they are professional rider and we are semi-professionalist,” shared Teo Teo who is in MSBK1000 A class at the moment once excelled as a top 3 rider in Malaysia of the same class in the year of 2016. After a huge break from the racing scene, now back in action, Teo strives to perform better. “I was in A class of the 600cc category back in 2016 and I was the top 3 rider in Malaysia. Being in A class back then and now is totally different because there’s a big gap. Lots of personal issues and commitments made me take a break. Being able to know that now being older and being able to race professionally, encourages me to work harder. Of course, I am far away from where I should be in fighting for the podium but you want to go there, do something, learn something, and figure out how to make a comeback. It’s more difficult now but that’s about the challenges, Let’s wake up and do it! “The goal now is to retain more knowledge so we can be more professional. But, at the end of the day, every sport starts as a recreation and most importantly you enjoy it. For the next round, personally, it is not about position but more on quality racing time against our Malaysian top professional riders and to also prove the capability of the semi-professionalist riders. “We have to go back to work on Monday and work till Friday, at the same time, figure out the team, how the machines have to behave and there is so much to do. So, my goal is to prove in this 2023, there are people like me able to in the same league as the professional riders.” The 41-year-old is currently at 4th place in MSBK1000 A class with 24 points on hand. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Racing drivers are qualitatively different from football, tennis, and rugby players who live and die by their athleticism. For the vast majority of athletes, losing a yard of pace in their mid-thirties spells the beginning of the end, and it is only those with exceptional natural ability – who can adapt their game to prolong the inevitable. However, motorsports simply isn’t like this. You may start in your forties or even fifties but how far you will be able to spread your wings? That’s the only question that arises here. Commenting on this, a 42- year-old once a driver now a rider, Khoo Chee Yen fondly known as CY Khoo of Mobilub Suzuki Racing Team believes being a good racing driver is a balance of being at the peak of your physical abilities and experience, but at the same time he aware of the limitations due to his age. “My dream to become a racer started very early in my life, if not mistaken I remember I was around 5 or 6 years old. I liked both bikes and sports cars but it seems like bikes always drew my attention more. Unfortunately riding a bike was a big “ NO “ for my family, not to mention racing. So I shifted my interest more toward four wheels. “My first sanctioned race was in 2003 in Merdeka 12 hours Endurance (MME) racing with Mitsubishi Mirage 1.6cc and completed the 12 hours race in 3rd position in the category. It was the beginning of my four-wheels journey, at the same time I also started racing in multiple go-kart series. “At the age of 31, the urge and love for #bikegasm triggered me to give it a try. It has always been there in me, the love for two wheels, and I decided I shall give no more excuses. I slowly started learning how to ride a bike and owned my first sport bike. The following year, I took part in my first-ever Superbike race in MSBK as a wildcard entry before starting a full season the next year. And here I am at my 9th full season in MSBK. “I know it’s pretty late for me to venture into this two-wheel scene, and there come the limitations taking my age into consideration but why not? As long as you are capable and enthusiastic enough to try it out, you should definitely go for it. If I am aiming for a world championship slot, then that is unrealistic, but if it’s more on self-satisfaction and urge to learn something new and exciting, no age is a barrier in motorsports. “This year was my 9th full season in MSBK. Moving from 4-wheel racing to 2-wheel racing has never been an easy transition for me, jumping out from the cage (car) into hugging the fuel tank (bike) was the biggest challenge in my life. I had to start all over again, getting to know the culture, people, and the sport. It was very different compared to the 4-wheel world,” explained CY Khoo. Somehow, the guy in his forties who relishes his full potential, who is also aware of his limitations but handles it with full grace, to make his dream come true, that’s something that needs to be respected. “ Funding is always the biggest factor in Motorsport. Before every season starts, we have to convince sponsors to invest in us in order to continue racing. In my scenario, due to my age, I have a very limited opportunity to proceed further to a higher level of racing but in return, I always work closely with all my sponsors to help them develop, test, or even market their products. Not to forget “ Loyal to the Brand “ is also very. important to sponsors. “So far, only 3 racing teams I have joined in my 9 years of bike racing: Sportsrider Racing Team (2014-2015), Team Hiap Aik Suzuki Racing (2016-2020), and Mobilub Suzuki Racing Team (2020 till date). I wouldn’t deny they have shown tremendous support throughout my journey at MSBK. “I also would like to mention it wasn’t an easy ride. I had the fewest riding hours among the racers on the grid when I first started racing in MSBK. One of the most important key persons was my coach Mr.Lee Ching Hooi also known as Panjang Lee, who prepared and guided me every single step in the sport even till today. I’m truly grateful.” Leave aside the season opener of MSBK, the second round comes with a new challenge for Khoo whereby he will be riding a new Suzuki GSXR1000R. “Round 2 will be another challenge as I will be racing with my new machine. I will need some sessions to understand and get the best setup out of it. So far, I’m pretty pumped to race in category B. A few years back, I used to race in A. My performance dropped after the pandemic break which is why I’m in B now. Hopefully, someday I will be competitive enough to be back in A again. “Those top riders in A are some of the best riders at the current Asia level. Riding together for sure we can learn and see the difference in terms of riding skills. But still, there is no a category that can define The Best National Level riders as currently, A is a mixture of Asia and National level. Hopefully, someday we will see another category in-between A & B which purely participants from top national riders.” said Khoo. Khoo is all geared up with his new machine for the second round in Sepang International Circuit, this weekend. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Race 2, Round 1 of Malaysia Superbike Championship was held at the Sepang International Circuit today. Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of Yamaha Gen Blu Racing Team Asean bagged the win today for MSBK1000 A race category. It was a fantastic show between Azroy and Kasma yesterday. Kasma was seen injecting pressure on Azroy in the first few laps before finally taking over his position. Azroy who was determined to take the win went on to defend his position and at the last turn, sped up towards victory. Kasma took the second spot while Osama made it third. As soon as the race began, Kasma took off with a great speed with Azroy at P2 and Azlan at P3. This time around, Azroy trailed Kasma closely but the rider ahead was at a good speed as he went on to showcase his dexterity. By the third lap, the duo was ahead of the troop trailing behind by 9s. By mid-race, Azroy inched closer to Kasma but Kasma was confident and steady as he went on to pick up speed. Azroy refused to give up as he went on to find ways to slide ahead. The Yamaha rider was careful not to open any path for Azroy. Meanwhile, Azlan was on his own at P3 with no competitive pressure from the riders behind him. With three more laps to go, the competition between Kasma and Azroy became heated. For a moment, Azory took a slide ahead of Kasma but Kasma was quick to recover. At the final lap, the duo was 27s away from Azlan. Kasma never gave in to the pressure as he went on to conclude the race at 21’21:258s. Commenting on the race, Kasma said, “I dedicate this win to Haruki, who was my friend and a great competitor in the ARRC scene. During the race, I tried to manage my lap time. I know that Azroy was very close behind but I stayed focused to maintain consistency with my lap time. I know that Azroy will find his way in the last few laps so I waited for that and prepared to be in control.” At second spot was Azroy of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team at 21’23:084s. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of Horizon Racing Team took third at 21’56:129s. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Race 2, Round 1 of Malaysia Superbike Championship was held at the Sepang International Circuit today. Khoo Chee Yen of Mobilub Suzuki Racing Team took home the Weekend Champion for MSBK1000 B race category. Radzi was on his way towards scoring the fastest on the chart and while he did, he was declared disqualified. Khoo Chee Yen who was next in line emerged fastest. Throughout the race, Chee Yen was consistent and managed his pace well. Behind him was Raja Nazeem followed by Syukri. During the race, Radzi once again was dominant as he took a look with Chee Yen trailing. Half way into lap 2, Radzi had a fall and was out of the race. With that Chee Yen moved ahead with Raja Nazeem and Amir at the top three positions but into lap 3, Amir superseded Raja Nazeem. By mid-race, Chee Yen was comfortable with his pace as he went on with the laps at a gap of 4s from Amir. Raja Nazeem tried to close the gaps with Amir however to no avail. On the final lap, Chee Yen took a fall at turn 15 which brought Amir up as the fastest at 23’04:405s. Commenting on the race, Khoo Chee Yen said, “I was already leading but I made a silly mistake that made me crash on the last turn but I am glad to have secured the Weekend Champion. Thank you to the team and the organiser for such a great race.” The second fastest was Raja Nazeem at 23’11:077s. Third place went to Khoo Chee Yen at 24’07:956s. With the races combined, Khoo Chee Yen claimed the win for Weekend Champion followed by Raja Nazeem and Md Amir Izzat of Horizon Racing Team in third. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Race 1, Round 1 of Malaysia Superbike Championship revved off today at the Sepang International Circuit. Rising to the challenge and taking the win today for the MSBK1000 A race category was Azroy Hakeem Anuar of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team. Earlier today during the qualifying session, Kasma Daniel of Yamaha Gen Blu Racing Team clocked in fastest and grabbed the pole-position at 2’06:502s. Azroy Hakeem Anuar of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team took the second spot on the grid at 2’07:417s followed by Azlan Shah of Horizon Racing Team at 2’09:121s. The race kicked-off with Azroy taking the lead but at the second turn, Kasma overtook only for a moment before Azroy and Azlan struck to take P1 and P2. Before the lap ended, Azlan took the lead but in lap 2, Azroy once again pulled himself up into P1. By the end of lap 4, while Azroy maintained his momentum at P1, Kasma overtook Azlan. Before lap 5 ended, Azlan had a fall consequently opening the pathway for Osama at P3. With another three laps to go, Kasma went on to close the gaps with Azroy but the Honda rider held on to his position. The intensity grew between the riders. Kasma kept finding ways to attack and finally did from the inside. Azroy managed to once again slide ahead before Kasma sped up to take the lead. The exchange of positions went on between the duo and at the final lap and the final turn, Azroy took a slide from the inside and fled ahead towards victory at 21’28:822s. Commenting on the race, Azroy said, “This is the first-time riding aboard the new Honda and the feeling was extremely good since the practice session to the race earlier. My goal was to maintain the rhythm and to ensure a good lap time but towards the end of the race, my tires were giving way. Kasma too was quite fast so the last three laps, we both engaged in a fierce battle so it was a great race. I tried a tactic and it worked.” At second was Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of Yamaha Gen Blu Racing Team Asean at 21’29:081s. Osama Mareai of Savitar Racing Team took third place at 22’37:332s. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Race 1, Round 1 of the Malaysia Superbike Championship was off to a great start today at the Sepang International Circuit. Making the fastest lap time for the day was Khoo Chee Yen of Mobilub Suzuki Racing Team in the MSBK1000 B race category. Earlier today during the qualifying session, Khoo Chee Yen of Mobilub Suzuki Racing Team at 2’17:140s clocked in fastest followed by Amir Izzat of Horizon Racing Team with his best lap time at 2’17:536s. At third fastest was Raja Nazeem Iskandar at 2’18:061s. The race began with Radzi taking the lead followed by Amir and Khoo Chee Yen. By mid-race, Chee Yen moved ahead of Amir while Radzi remained steady in their positions. Although Radzi emerged at P1 towards the end of the race, he was unfortunately disqualified which opened the opportunity for Chee Yen to be positioned as the fastest. Chee Yen clocked in at 22’57:898s. Commenting on the race, Chee Yen said, “Lucky the rain stopped today before the race began. The track condition was better. I have been away from the race for a long time so it will take some time for me to get back into the momentum. For the coming race tomorrow, I would have to work on my timing so that I can get a better position. So, let’s see how it goes.” Second fastest was Raja Nazeem Iskandar at 23’10:717s. Md Syukri Mat Zoki clocked in third fastest at 23’14:409s. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Round 1 of the Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) kicked-started today at the Sepang International Circuit with the practice sessions. Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of Yamaha Gen Blu Racing Team Asean clocked in fastest in MSBK1000 A of the practice session combined. Earlier this morning, practice session 1 concluded with Azroy Hakeem Anuar of Boon Siew Honda Racing marking fastest at 2’08:626s. Coming in with fastest lap time was Kasma at 2’09:247s followed by Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of Horizon Racing Team at 2’09:267s. During the second practice session that was held later in the evening, Kasma emerged fastest at 2’07:547s followed by Azroy with his best at 2’08:027s and Azlan with his best at 2’09:143s. With that, the MSBK1000 A race category concluded with Kasma as the fastest in the practice session combined with his best lap time at 2’07:547s. Kasma who reigned as the overall champion last season is back to once again overcome the challenges. Commenting on the session, Kasma said, “This season would be a little different. In terms of entry list, we don’t have the likes of Zaqhwan. It was more fun to ride last year as it was more competitive for me and it pushes me to do better. For the FP sessions earlier, I tried my best. I am still recovering from ARRC and it is challenging for the time being. Of course, the machine is also different in MSBK compared to ARRC therefore, it would require some time to get used to it.” Second fastest for the day was Azroy with his best lap time at 2’08:027s followed by Azlan with his best at 2’09:143s. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Round 1 of the Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) kicked-started today at the Sepang International Circuit with the practice sessions. Md Radzi Omar of FGRT (Fauzi Gan Racing Team) clocked in fastest in MSBK1000 B of the practice sessions, combined. During practice session 1 that was held in the afternoon, Radzi Omar marked the fastest lap time at 2’15:418s followed by Khoo Chee Yen of Mobilub Suzuki Racing Team at 2’16:456s. Teo Yew Joe of Savitar Racing Team logged third fastest at 2’16:970s. During practice session 2, Teo Yew Joe emerged fastest with his best lap time at 2’16:759s. At the second fastest was Anthony Leonard Eagle of Horizon Racing Team with his best at 2’17:517s followed by Khoo Chee Yen with his best at 2’18:574s. With that, the fastest in the combined practice sessions was Radzi Omar with the best lap time at 2’15:418s. The second fastest lap time was Khoo Chee Yen with his best at 2’16:456s followed by Teo Yew Joe with his best lap time at 2’16:759s. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Some people love their motorcycles. And people do crazy things when they’re in love. “We’re just a bunch of fools,” says one speedway enthusiast, and it’s tough to argue against that statement – They race. They go flying. They get up and race some more. Fyi.. some love stories with their bikes begins at forty, like how the old folks say, life starts at 40. A 41-year-old chiropractor, doctor by profession, barged into motorsports world, as in abruptly. Let’s get to know, Michael Chan a.k.a Dc Mike, a physician of chiropractic. of DMC Racing @Seven Motorsports, who is about make his debut in Malaysia Superbike Championships, MSBK, 2023, season opener which will commence on 18th August 2023. “ I got my first bike in 2018, a Kymco scooter. Not very long after, swapped up for a Yamaha Tracer 09. Very quickly after that, sat on a BMW s1000r and said buh bye to the Tracer. I always wanted to ride. Yet, just needed a push. Same guy who got me started also encouraged me to go to a track day with him.” “Its all ‘peer pressure’ I would say. From there, it went like track days…more track days…coaching…more coaching.” “Thereafter, you know, when you are hanging around with folks who race, who are really good, fast technical riders. The tipping point? When over drinks, as the guys discuss racing setups while I could only mumble a bit about some guy who cut me off at the last trackday. Utter hang my head in shame moment and the curiosity to know more, I would say it killed me.” “It was just a matter of time before I said I got to give racing a go. I declared it over one of those dinners…say it loud, say it proud, can’t back out.” The double degree holder from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University) in Australia, where, he graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Clinical Sciences and a Bachelor of Chiropractic Science, has taken a leap of faith in 2022 when he decided to compete at a professional platform and got himself a coach. “2022 was a leap of faith. I participated in my first MSF race which I finished P3 in the rookie class. Quite unexpected but I have always given my best in anything I ventured into, thus far. I also took part in the supermoto race a few weeks after. Unfortunately, I hobbled out after breaking my foot in a first lap crash during race 2. That being said, the fire was lit.” “Thereafter, I really, only wanted to do a full season of MSF racing this year. Somehow, somewhere, my coach Hafiq Azmi nudged me more than a few times, and my teammates Jim & Osama managed to persuade me to give MSBK a go. And… here we are.” Apart from peer pressure, the technicality of the motorsports itself has attracted Dr Mike who has immense love for learning and trying out new things. “What drives me is learning. I enjoy the process of learning and when it comes to motorsports especially two wheels, it’s all technical learning. Physical and technical learning. It is not only about the skills to handle your machine on circuit or the greatness of the machine itself, I would say it an huge role, to get your skills right and to be on the track, riding towards the finishing line, it requires proper data.” “Data driven application of learnt skills. Put in the work, do the right thing get the right response. I love it.” The 41-year-old, somehow, aware of the reality, taking his age and experience in motorsports into consideration, making his debut with zero expectations competitive results wise. More like a hobby, but a worthy one! “ Let’s be real here…I ain’t going nowhere with my skillset and age is definitely trending the other side of young for me. I started as a very slow rider, I had a cascade of questions and needed technical answers to address my shortcomings and insecurities. I very much believe if someone else can, putting aside God given talent, I should be able to put in the work and get to a similar spot.” “I suppose it’s a hobby that keeps on giving, the better one gets the more one pushes to be better. I am just going to ride the wave and keep going for as long as I realistically can.” “In regards of race this weekend, honestly…I have no expectations. I want to finish, not get hit with a blue flag and get a personal best time. I am quite looking forward to the race atmosphere, to the intensive learning curve I am sure to get hit with. Even the physical management is going to be fun. Lock and load!” Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
The MSBK1000 A Class of Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) made its grand finish at the final round for the season at the Sepang International Circuit. Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of YAMAHA Racing Team ASEAN took the last win before the curtains closed for the race category. It was yet another victorious moment for Kasma. The rider of extraordinary potential made the most of this season with eight podiums including four wins for the year. Throughout the race, Kasma was seen pursuing at his best speed, relentlessly to guard his position. Although Zaqhwan was right behind him, it was a chase that seemed tough to conquer for Zaqhwan. Kasma clocked in at 23’35:922s and claimed not just victory for the day but the Overall Champion title with a staggering total of 180 points. Commenting on the race, Kasma said, “I want to first say thank you to my team for their trust in me and their endless support. It is a blessing for me that I made it once again. There was a slight complication during the race. The circuit felt a little slippery and I almost crashed in turn nine twice, however I managed to control the machine. I am truly happy to have achieved the top spot and the overall champion title for MSBK, this season.” Taking the second spot on the podium was Muhd Zaqhwan Zaidi of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA, marking his best at 23’41:072s. In third place, it was Takuya Tsuda of MOBILUB SUZUKI RACING TEAM at 24’58:128s. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us