Category: MSBK250

PERFECT DOUBLE FOR IRFAN

Race 2 of the MSBK250 A category in Round 1 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit delivered another dramatic showdown, as Irfan Ardiansyah of NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM secured a sensational double victory after a last-corner battle with Md Irfan Haykhal Amidi of MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA. At the start, Haykhal launched perfectly to take the holeshot, with Irfan slotting into second ahead of Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin of TEAM ACR and Muhd Akif Abdullah. The race was immediately reduced when Allwin Xavier of RACR CASTROL POWER1 crashed out in the early stages. By Lap 2, Haykhal controlled the pace at the front, but Irfan stayed firmly attached to his rear wheel, never allowing a gap to form. Behind them, a tight three-way fight developed for third between Nazirul, Nguyen Huu Tri of HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM, and Akif, all fighting within striking distance. On Lap 3, Haykhal set the fastest lap of 2’26.223s in an attempt to break away, but Irfan responded immediately, matching the pace and keeping the pressure alive. The leading pair began to edge clear, building a small gap of around three seconds over the chasing group, where the battle for the final podium spot intensified. Lap 5 saw Nazirul briefly move into third, but Huu Tri and Akif refused to let go, staying close and constantly attacking. Up front, the momentum shifted on Lap 6 when Irfan made his move to take the lead, forcing Haykhal into chase mode. The final lap delivered maximum drama. Irfan defended strongly through the opening sectors, while Haykhal waited for his moment. At the final corner, Haykhal attempted a bold move and briefly edged ahead, but ran wide on exit, allowing Irfan to cut back underneath in a perfectly timed counter. In a drag to the line, Irfan Ardiansyah crossed first in 19’43.732s, just 0.106s ahead of Md Irfan Haykhal Amidi. Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin completed the podium in 19’48.238s, ahead of Nguyen Huu Tri and Muhd Akif Abdullah after an intense fight for third. Irfan commented, “I just focused during the race. When I overtook, I focused on maintaining my position. On the last lap, I just went full gas. I didn’t know if someone would overtake me, so I pushed as hard as I could until the end.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM (19’43.732s) 2. MD IRFAN HAYKHAL AMIDI – MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (19’43.838s) 3. NAZIRUL IZZAT MD BAHAUDDIN – TEAM ACR (19’48.238s) 4. NGUYEN HUU TRI – HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM (19’48.285s) 5. MUHD AKIF ABDULLAH – MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (19’48.486s)

CARLSEN WEEKEND CHAMPION

Round 1 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit delivered a powerful redemption story in Race 2 of the MSBK250 B category, as Carlsen Jacob Solis of FCC-HONDA PHILIPPINES INC RACING TEAM bounced back in style to secure victory and claim the Weekend Champion title. From the start, Carlsen wasted no time asserting control, launching strongly into the lead ahead of Ng Wei Shyang of MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM, while Kabilesh Rajini Krishnan of RACR CASTROL POWER1 settled into third position. The early laps immediately set the tone for a race defined by consistency and control. By Lap 2, Kabilesh made a decisive move to overtake Wei Shyang for second, establishing himself as the closest challenger. However, Carlsen had already built a commanding advantage at the front, stretching his lead to over 14 seconds, effectively putting the race under his control from an early stage. From Laps 3 to 7, the front-running trio maintained their positions, with Kabilesh attempting to close the gap but unable to reduce Carlsen’s margin. The leader remained composed throughout, managing pace and tyre performance effectively in clean air while his rivals focused on securing their positions behind him. Despite Kabilesh’s determined push for a potential double victory on the weekend, Carlsen remained untouchable. His consistency and confidence allowed him to control the rhythm of the race without any major pressure from behind. On the final lap, Carlsen Jacob Solis crossed the chequered flag in commanding fashion with a winning time of 20’32.094s, completing a remarkable turnaround after a difficult Race 1 and sealing the Weekend Champion title. Kabilesh Rajini Krishnan followed in second place at 20’54.002s, while Ng Wei Shyang completed the podium in 21’25.675s. Carlsen said, “We changed some settings on the bike, so thanks to the team for that. Yesterday was a difficult race, but they worked on the setup and handlebars to help me regain confidence. I’m really grateful to them, and also to my family and friends for their support.” TOP 3 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. CARLSEN JACOB SOLIS – FCC-HONDA PHILIPPINES INC RACING TEAM (20’32.094s) 2. KABILESH RAJINI KRISHNAN – RACR CASTROL POWER1 (20’54.002s) 3. NG WEI SHYANG – MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM (21’25.675s)

IRFAN EDGED HAYKHAL IN LAST-LAP DUEL

  The Round 1 of 2026 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship happened at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, as Irfan Ardiansyah of NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM delivered a perfectly timed final-lap move to win Race 1 of MSBK250 A. At the start, Md Irfan Haykhal Amidi of MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA grabbed the holeshot, with Irfan slotting into second and Nguyen Huu Tri of HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM briefly holding third. Behind them, a tight battle developed for fourth between Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin of TEAM ACR and Md Akif Abdullah of MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA. By Lap 2, Irfan reclaimed second and immediately focused on Haykhal, as the leading trio pulled clear of the field. On Lap 3, Irfan set the fastest lap of 2’25.985s, but Haykhal remained composed at the front, defending with precision. The gap at the front continued to shrink, with Irfan closing to just 0.036s by Lap 7. Still, Haykhal held firm as the race headed into a tense final-lap showdown. Then came the decisive moment. Irfan attacked at the final corner, briefly taking the lead before Haykhal responded, but Irfan struck again and made it stick. In a drag to the line, Irfan edged victory in 19’38.497s, just 0.038s ahead of Haykhal in a nail-biting finish. Nguyen Huu Tri secured a solid third place at 19’42.426s, while Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin finished fourth ahead of Savion Sabu of RACR CASTROL POWER1 in fifth. Irfan commented, “Actually, me and Haykhal had a similar pace, so I was just waiting to get a good moment to attack. I chose the last lap to make my move, and the victory became mine. I’m so happy.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM (19’38.497s) 2. MD IRFAN HAYKHAL AMIDI – MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (19’38.535s) 3. NGUYEN HUU TRI – HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM (19’42.426s) 4. NAZIRUL IZZAT MD BAHAUDDIN – TEAM ACR (19’57.642s) 5. SAVION SABU – RACR CASTROL POWER1 (20’00.409s)

KABILESH CLINCHED WIN AT THE FLAG

  Race 1 of the MSBK250 B category at Round 1 of 2026 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit delivered a tense strategic battle, as Kabilesh Rajini Krishnan of RACR CASTROL POWER1 produced a decisive final-lap move to snatch victory from early leader Carlsen Jacob Solis of FCC-HONDA PHILIPPINES INC RACING TEAM. From the start, Carlsen made the perfect getaway to lead, with Kabilesh slotting into second and immediately shadowing him, while Ng Wei Shyang of MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM settled into third. By Lap 2, Kabilesh had closed the gap to just 0.204s, but Carlsen remained calm and controlled at the front. Through the mid-race, Kabilesh stayed glued to the leader’s rear wheel, consistently within striking distance as the gap hovered under two tenths. Wei Shyang maintained a steady third, waiting for opportunities as the leading duo pulled clear. By Lap 7, the front three remained unchanged, setting up a dramatic final lap showdown. After sustained pressure, Kabilesh made his move stick at the final lap, overtaking Carlsen in a decisive pass before sprinting to the finish. He crossed the line in 20’32.786s, just 0.384s ahead of Carlsen, with Ng Wei Shyang completing the podium in third. Kabilesh said, “I’m happy with my result today, but I wasn’t able to give my 100% because I had a high-speed crash going into Turn 1, and another rider’s bike ran over my left-hand fingers. After that, I wasn’t able to brake properly or manage the throttle well, but I stayed focused and managed to take the win. Huge thanks to my sponsors and my team.” TOP 3 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. KABILESH RAJINI KRISHNAN – RACR CASTROL POWER1 (20’32.786s) 2. CARLSEN JACOB SOLIS – FCC-HONDA PHILIPPINES INC RACING TEAM (20’33.170s) 3. NG WEI SHYANG – MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM (21’46.203s)

IRFAN FASTEST ON HOME CIRCUIT

  The MSBK250 A category at the opening round of the MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP 2026, held today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, saw Md Irfan Haykhal Amidi of MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA top the combined practice sessions. In Practice 1, Nguyen Huu Tri of HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM led the pack with a blistering lap time of 2’28.516s. Muhd Akif Abdullah of  MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA secured second place with a time of 2’28.748s, followed closely by Allwin Xavier of RACR CASTROL POWER1 in third at 2’29:115s. In Practice 2, Irfan Haykhal positioned himself at the top after improving his lap time to 2’28.050s. This put him ahead of Irfan Ardiansyah of NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM, who set a time of 2’29.243s, 1.193s behind Irfan Haykhal, in second place. Allwin placed third after clocking a lap time of 2’29.246s.  The combined results saw Irfan Haykhal as the fastest overall, followed by Huu Tri in second and Akif in third. Irfan Haykhal commented, “During FP1, I tried to find the best setup, but we had some engine issues, so I couldn’t get enough track time to set a proper lap. In FP2, we continued working on the setup, but we haven’t fully achieved what we want yet. I will try to make some changes ahead of Qualifying tomorrow, and we’ll see how it goes for Race 1.” TOP 5 FASTEST – FREE PRACTICE (COMBINED) MD IRFAN HAYKHAL AMIDI – MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (2’28.050s) NGUYEN HUU TRI – HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM (2’28.516s) MUHD AKIF ABDULLAH – MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (2’28.748s) ALLWIN XAVIER – RACR CASTROL POWER1 (2’29.115s) IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM (2’29.243s)

CARLSEN FASTEST IN OPENING ROUND

  The MSBK250 B category saw Carlsen Jacob Solis of FCC – HONDA PHILIPPINES INC RACING TEAM  emerge as the fastest overall in the combined practice sessions at the opening round of the MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP 2026, held today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. In Practice 1, Carlsen led the field with a fastest lap of 2’31.550s. He was followed by Kabilesh Rajini Krishnan of RACR CASTROL POWER1, who clocked 2’34.425s, and Ng Wei Shyang of MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM, who took third place with a time of 2’41.840s. In Practice 2, Carlsen set his lap time at 2’33:072s to lead the session. Kabilesh followed in second place with a time of 2’37.533s. Wei Shyang finished in third place with a time of 2’43.078s. The combined results from both sessions saw Carlsen finish as the fastest overall, followed by Kabilesh in second and Wei Shyang in third. Carlsen commented, “I’m quite happy because I set the fastest time in both practice sessions. However, I still need to improve my speed and lower my lap time compared to last year. My target is to get P1 tomorrow. Thanks to my team for fixing my bike, I’m happy with today, and I’m aiming to finish P1 tomorrow.” TOP 3 FASTEST – FREE PRACTICE (COMBINED) CARLSEN JACOB SOLIS – FCC – HONDA PHILIPPINES INC RACING TEAM (2’31.550s) KABILESH RAJINI KRISHNAN – RACR CASTROL POWER1 (2’34.425s) NG WEI SHYANG – MAGIC PAPAYA RACING TEAM (2’41.840s)

NAZIRUL’S LONG-AWAITED RETURN

After years of waiting for the right opportunity, 2026 marks an emotional return for Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin as he makes his comeback to the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) in the MSBK250 category, seven years after his last appearance in the class in 2019. This season, Nazirul will line up under the banner of Team ACR, ending a long period away from the 250cc machinery that once defined an important chapter of his racing journey. Since stepping away from the category, Nazirul has continued to stay active in other championships, competing primarily in the 150cc class. While he remained competitive, the ambition to one day return to the larger-capacity machine never faded. For Nazirul, this is more than simply a move back to a familiar class — it is the return he has quietly hoped for over the years. The transition, however, will not come without its challenges. Having spent several seasons adapting to smaller-displacement motorcycles, the switch back to a 250cc machine demands a completely different rhythm, riding style, and physical adjustment. It will also be his first time riding a 250cc bike in competitive conditions since 2019, making this comeback both exciting and demanding. Nazirul admitted that finally receiving the opportunity again was a deeply meaningful moment in his career. “Alhamdulillah, I am truly grateful to finally be given the opportunity to return to a 250cc machine after such a long wait. This is something I have been hoping for for quite some time, so to be able to experience this again means a lot to me personally. I would like to thank Team ACR for their trust and for giving me this chance. Their belief in me is something I deeply appreciate, and I hope this can become the beginning of a positive new chapter in my career. Because it has been quite some time since I last rode a full-sized 250cc machine, I know I may need a little time to find the right setup and readjust myself completely. Even so, I am fully committed to giving my best in the opening round and doing everything I can to make this return count.” Nazirul’s return adds another compelling storyline to the 2026 MSBK250 grid, with fans eager to see how quickly he can rediscover the form that once made him a familiar name in the category. While the opening round may be about rebuilding confidence and adapting to the machine once again, Nazirul enters the season with something many riders understand well — unfinished ambition. And for Nazirul, the road back to MSBK250 may just be the beginning.

QAYYIM: DEFINING A CHAMPION

The 2025 AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP found one of its young heroes in MSBK250 B. At 13 years old, Qayyim Razin Razali of HORIZON RACING TEAM didn’t just enter the season, he disrupted it. From Round 1 to Round 4, Race 1 and Race 2, he was unstoppable, delivering a clean, untouchable sweep. No shared victories, no trading places, no “almost beat him” moments. Just Qayyim, first place, every single time. But the fascinating part wasn’t the wins. It was how he won. While others raced the field, Qayyim raced the clock. He rarely looked behind, because his competition wasn’t there. It was in his lap delta, in the milliseconds he wanted back, in the version of himself he was determined to outgrow. Most riders push to catch up. He pushes to level up. Even with giant gaps in hand, he never cruised. He hunted improvements like someone was chasing him, constantly refining, constantly evolving, constantly faster. By the time others tried to close in, he was already gone, improving again. Fans call him unbeatable. Teammates call him focused. But inside his helmet, he simply sees someone he still wants to surpass, himself. Thirteen years old, yet riding with the discipline of a veteran and the ambition of someone with no finish line in sight. If this is just the opening chapter, the pages ahead could hold something extraordinary. Qayyim Razin Razali is not just the 2025 MSBK250 B Champion. He is proof that age is a number, but greatness is a mindset.

AFIF, BRAIN AND SPEED

In racing, talent gets you on the grid, but intelligence keeps you ahead. For Ahmad Afif Amran of SUPERFAST JRT X RAPIDO, the 2025 AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP title in MSBK250 A was won not only on the throttle, but in the data, the details, and the decisions. Afif doesn’t just ride the bike. He understands it. While many rely purely on instinct, Afif blends speed with technical precision. After every session, he’s trackside with his team, laptop open, reading telemetry like a language, throttle traces, lean angles, braking points, turning data into setup advantages. This rare mix of instinct and analytics became his edge in 2025. On track, he was relentless yet calculated. His starts, explosive. His overtakes, sharp and intentional. When rivals pushed, Afif responded not with chaos, but strategy. Every lap was a lesson. Every corner, an equation solved. He grew faster by understanding more, refining suspension feel, maximizing corner exits, unlocking performance others couldn’t. When pressure peaked, Afif thrived. When the moment demanded execution, he delivered. That is how he became champion. Not just with fast hands, but with a faster mind. Ahmad Afif Amran, the rider who thinks faster than he rides. The 2025 champion who proved intelligence wins races.

IDLAN’S THRILLING VICTORY

Round 4 of the 2025 AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit witnessed a thrilling conclusion in the MSBK250 A category, as Idlan Hakimi Raduan of HORIZON RACING TEAM seized a dramatic Race 2 victory, and Ahmad Afif Amran of SUPERFAST JRT X RAPIDO was officially crowned Overall Champion of the season. From the outset, Idlan surged off the line, taking the early lead, only to be overtaken immediately at the first turn by the newly crowned champion, Afif. The early laps saw intense battles unfold as Md Akid Aziz of SUPERFAST JRT X RAPIDO held third, followed closely by Md Syamil Amsyar M Iffende and Irfan Ardiansyah of MAEZTRO NWN SCK HONDA RACING TEAM. By Lap 2, Akid briefly moved to the front while Afif slipped to fifth, with Reynaidi Pradana of REY RACING SPEED joining the chase. Lap 4 marked a turning point as Afif reclaimed the top position, with Reynaidi in second and Sai Rahil Pillarisetty of TEAM RACR CASTROL POWER1 climbing to third. Disaster struck on Lap 7 when Syamil crashed out, leaving Afif, Irfan, Akid, Sai, and Reynaidi battling for the podium positions. On final lap, Sai and Afif crashed at Turn 9, removing themselves from podium contention. In a photo-finish, Idlan crossed the line first in 19’37.263s, narrowly ahead of Reynaidi at 19’37.264s, with Akid completing the podium at 19’37.300s. Idlan said, “I got a strong start and tried to stay consistent every lap. However, on Lap 7, I began having issues with my rear suspension because my tyre had completely lost grip. Then, a rider in front of me crashed, which allowed me to move into the lead. In the end, I managed to finish the race in first place today.” Overall, as announced yesterday, Afif crowned the championship title, with 151 points, with teammate Akid second overall at 131 points, and Irfan third with 112 points. SIC AND TWMR WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS OUR HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO AEON CREDIT (M) BERHAD FOR THE SUPPORT RENDERED THIS WEEKEND DURING AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP. TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. IDLAN HAKIMI RADUAN – HORIZON RACING TEAM AHMAD AFIF AMRAN – SUPERFAST JRT X RAPIDO (19’37.263s) 2. REYNAIDI PRADANA – REY RACING SPEED (19’37.264s) 3. MD AKID AZIZ – SUPERFAST JRT X RAPIDO (19’37.300s) 4. NGO NGUYEN VIET TUAN – HONDA RACING VIE TEAM (19’39.224s) 5. NGUYEN HUU TRI – HONDA RACING VIE TEAM (19’39.373s) TOP 5 – OVERALL STANDINGS 1. AHMAD AFIF AMRAN – SUPERFAST JRT X RAPIDO (151 points) 2. MD AKID AZIZ – SUPERFAST JRT X RAPIDO (131 points) 3. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – MAEZTRO NWN SCK HONDA RACING TEAM (112 points) 4. NGUYEN TON ANH PHU – HONDA RACING VIE TEAM (68 points) 5. REYNAIDI PRADANA – REY RACING SPEED (65 points)