Race 2 of the opening round of the 2025 AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP was held at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team celebrated victory in Race 2 of the MSBK600 race category. At the start, Khairul Idham Pawi of Honda Racing Malaysia led the race, with Anupab closely behind. Farres Putra Mohd Fadhill experienced technical issues, which caused him to fall behind. Khairul showed great confidence throughout the race, never looking back, and steadily increased his lead. By lap 6, he had built a 12-second gap over Anupab in second place, while Farres was charging up the field, overtaking riders to reach P4 by lap 7. On the final lap, Khairul made a mistake and crashed, allowing Anupab to take over the lead and cross the finish line first with a time of 22’36:603s. Cao Viet Nam secured second place with a time of 22’40:714s, and Farres completed the podium in third with a time of 22’55:891s. Anupab said, “I want to thank Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia for providing me with the practice bike. Unfortunately, my bike didn’t arrive in time for the race. Today, I focused on gathering data for the upcoming ARRC race. But this win has motivated me to work harder for the ARRC race here in the next two weeks.” PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit and Two Wheels Motor Racing 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. Anupab Sarmoon – YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team (22’36:603s) 2. Cao Viet Nam – HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM (22’40:714s) 3. Farres Putra Mohd Fadhill – Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia (22’55:891s) 4. Zhou FengLong – Silver Steed Racing Team (23’08:084s) 5. Chiang Chih Ying – Chinese Taipei (23’10:473s)
Opening round of the 2025 AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP took place today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Khairul Idham Pawi of Honda Racing Malaysia claimed victory in Race 1 of the MSBK600 category. In this morning’s qualifying, Khairul posted the fastest lap at 2’10:229s. Farres Putra Mohd Fadhill of Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia followed with 2’13:069s, while Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team recorded 2’13:863s. Khairul quickly took the lead, followed by Farres at P2 and Anupab at P3. Cao Viet Nam from HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM tried to close the gap from P4, hitting 213.0km/h. Khairul recorded lap times of 2’10:909s (Lap 3) and 2’10:898s (Lap 4), creating a gap of 8:860s ahead of the group. Anupab and Farres fought for P2, while Viet Nam maintained P4. By the final lap, Khairul had extended the lead to 18:994s, crossing the finish line comfortably at 22’04:393s. Khairul commented, “I didn’t have the best start, but I managed to pass Anupab and Farres early and then just focused on maintaining my own lap pace. Alhamdulillah, I managed to keep a strong rhythm and I’m really happy with the win today.” Anupab finished second at 22’25:240s, and Farres came third at 22’45:360s. TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. Khairul Idham Pawi – Honda Racing Malaysia (22’04:393s) 2. Anupab Sarmoon – YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team (22’25:240s) 3. Farres Putra Mohd Fadhill – Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia (22’45:360s) 4. Cao Viet Nam – HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM (22’49:586s) 5. Zhou FengLong – Silver Steed Racing Team (23’13:300s)
The MSBK600 category at the opening round of the 2025 AEON CREDIT MAM MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP, held today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, saw Khairul Idham Pawi from Honda Racing Malaysia top the combined practice sessions. Khairul emerged fastest in Practice 1, setting a best lap time of 2’11:814s. Farres Putra Mohd Fadhil of Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia followed in second with a time of 2’15:404s, while Cao Viet Nam from Vietnam secured third place with a time of 2’16:285s. In Practice 2, Khairul once again led the pack, with his lap time of 2’12:071s, achieving a speed of 151.09 km/h on lap 10. Farres remained in second with a time of 2’14:042s, just 1.971s behind Khairul, while Cao Viet Nam finished in third with a time of 2’15:382s. The combined results from both practice sessions confirmed Khairul as the fastest overall, with Farres in second and Viet Nam in third. Khairul commented, “Today, I tried many things on my bike, but we didn’t get the setup that I want. Because compared to FP1, my lap time was slower. Tomorrow in the Qualifying session we will try another setup and hopefully we will achieve our targeted lap time.” Top 5 Fastest – Free Practice (Combined) 1. Khairul Idham Pawi – Honda Racing Malaysia (2’11:814s) 2. Farres Putra Mohd Fadhil – Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia (2’14:042s) 3. Cao Viet Nam – Viet Nam (2’15:382s) 4. Zhou FengLong – Silver Steed Racing Team (2’18:268s) 5. Chiang Chih Ying – Chinese Taipei (2’20:091s)
The season opener of the Aeon Credit MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship will take the grounds of the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this weekend. The MSBK600 race category will see the thrilling actions of highly competitive riders embracing the challenges of the circuit. Season 2024 saw Md Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team wowing the crowd with a straight 25-pointer in all the races except in Round 3, Race 2 where he succumbed to fourth position. But with the Malaysian rider out of the entry list for this season after claiming a two-consecutive championship title, the race category will now see the rise of other riders including Khairul Idham Pawi of Honda Malaysia Racing and new entry and PETRONAS MAM Malaysian Cub Prix’s Wira KBS Champion, Farres Putra of Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia. Commenting on this entry, Farres said, “This is my first time riding on the 600cc machine and I have no idea what to expect as of now. I have done some research based on previous races and all I can say for now is that I would do my best. I have done some practices aboard the bike thought to understand the required setup but beyond that, not having the race experience first-hand may pose some expected challenges. In the race category, there will be many professional riders which will definitely add on to the challenge. The upside though, I get to learn from them. There is no real target on my part for now. Yamaha factory has been understanding enough to know that this is my first time however, on my part, I will learn as fast as I can, adapt where possible and do my best.” Apart from that, the MSBK600 will also be a highlight with the participation of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing riders like Cao Viet Nam from the Asia Production 250cc race category and Anupab Sarmoon from the SuperSports 600cc race category. Chinese Taipei rider, Chiang Chih Ying who made fourth last season will also be back for another year of challenge.
Muhd Helmi Azman of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM, known as the “Prince of Sepang,” lived up to his title with a commanding victory in Race 2 of the MSBK600 category. The race also saw Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND secure the overall first runner-up position for the season. The race began with Thanat leading the pack, closely followed by Helmi and his teammate Muhd Syarifuddin Azman. By Lap 2, Helmi surged to the front, demonstrating his mastery of the circuit. Syarifuddin followed closely, pushing Thanat to P3. Drama unfolded as Rocco Sessler of ONE FOR ALL and Muhd Irfan Haykhal Amidi fell on Laps 4 and 8, respectively, leaving the BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM duo to extend their lead. Helmi and Syarifuddin built a significant gap, finishing 19:767s ahead of Thanat. Helmi completed the race at 22’00:028s, narrowly edging out Syarifuddin, who clocked 22’00:080s. Thanat secured third with a time of 22’19:795s. Reflecting on his victory, Helmi said, “I aimed to break away from Thanat early on, and once I saw my teammate behind me, I felt confident. I’m thrilled with this season’s results. Thank you to everyone who supported me. See you next season!” Having already secured the championship title after Race 1, Helmi celebrated a perfect end to his season. Thanat took overall first runner-up, with Syarifuddin claiming third overall. TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. Muhd Helmi Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (22’00:028s) 2. Muhd Syarifuddin Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (22’00:080s) 3. Thanat Laoongplio – HONDA RACING THAILAND (22’19:795s) 4. Takashi Suzuki – Japan (22’56:042s) 5. Chiang Chih Ying – Chinese Taipei (23’06:441s) OVERALL STANDINGS 1. Muhd Helmi Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (188 points) 2. Thanat Laoongplio – HONDA RACING THAILAND (129 points) 3. Muhd Syarifuddin Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (118 points) 4. Chiang Chih Ying – Chinese Taipei (77 points) 5. Apiwath Wongthananon – YAMAHA TEKHNE RACING TEAM ASIA (40 points)
Md Helmi Azman of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM delivered a stellar performance in Race 1 of the MSBK600 category during Round 4 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, securing not only the race victory but also the 2024 championship title. In the morning’s qualifying session, Helmi set the tone for the day by clocking the fastest lap at 2’09:879s, with teammate Md Syarifuddin Azman securing second on the grid with a time of 2’10:504s. Thailand’s Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND completed the top three qualifiers with a lap time of 2’11:578s. The race started with Thanat taking an early lead, but Helmi, determined to claim both the race and the championship, showcased his superiority on home soil by overtaking the Thai rider and taking control of the race. Syarifuddin followed closely in second, underlining the dominance of the BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM. By Lap 5, Helmi had created an incredible gap of 7:196s over the chasing pack, while Syarifuddin extended his lead over Thanat to 8 seconds. The Malaysian duo’s command of the race highlighted their confidence and skill on the 5.543km home circuit. Helmi crossed the finish line in first place with a time of 21’54:189s, securing his fourth win of the season. Syarifuddin followed in second with a time of 22’09:372s, and Thanat completed the podium in third at 22’24:426s. With this victory, Helmi clinched the 2024 MSBK600 Championship title, crowning a dominant season for the Malaysian rider. Helmi said, ” The weather was quite hot today, but I was strong for this race. I aimed to maintain a 2 minute 10 seconds pace, and everything went smoothly with a very good bike setup. This season has been a great one for me, and it gives me strong motivation to shine again in 2025.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 1. Md Helmi Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (21’54:189s) 2. Md Syarifuddin Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (22’09:372s) 3. Thanat Laoongplio – HONDA RACING THAILAND (22’24:426s) 4. Rocco Sessler – ONE FOR ALL (22’28:024s) 5. Takashi Suzuki – Japan (23’00:566s)
The MSBK600 category at Round 4 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship, held today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, saw Md Helmi Azman from the BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM topped the practice sessions. Helmi Azman emerged fastest in Practice 1, setting a best lap time of 2’24.187s. His teammate, Md Syarifuddin Azman, followed closely in second with a time of 2’25.802s, while Thanat Laoongplio of Honda Racing Thailand secured third place with a time of 2’27.494s. In Practice 2, Helmi once again led the pack, improving his lap time to 2’11.280s, achieving an impressive speed of 152 km/h on lap 5. Syarifuddin remained in second with a time of 2’12.989s, just 1.709s behind Helmi, while Thanat finished in third with a time of 2’12.992s. The combined results from both practice sessions confirmed Helmi as the fastest overall, with Syarifuddin in second and Thanat in third. Helmi commented, “It’s been a good start to the practice sessions today. I feel comfortable with the bike. The team has worked really hard, and I’ve tried some new settings to make the bike easier to ride and help build my confidence. Now, I will stay focused for tomorrow’s qualifying and Race 1.” Combined Result – Top 5 Fastest Practice Session MSBK600 1. Md Helmi Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (2’11:280s) 2. Md Syarifuddin Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (2’12:989s) 3. Thanat Laoongplio – HONDA RACING THAILAND (2’12:992s) 4. Rocco Sessler – ONE FOR ALL (2’15:228s) 5. Muhd Irfan Haykhal Amidi – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (2’15:653s)
After a remarkable five-race winning streak in the MSBK600 category, BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM’s Muhd Helmi Azman found himself off the podium in Race 2 of Round 3 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Helmi, who had dominated both rounds leading up to Round 3 by winning every race, was left to settle for 4th place in wet conditions, as Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND took the victory. Helmi’s teammate Muhd Syarifuddin Azman secured the third spot, while Japan’s Okaya Yuta finished second. Helmi, though, couldn’t hide his disappointment as he saw his winning streak come to an end. Helmi revealed the struggles that led to his unexpected result, “In Race 2, I was still trying to win despite the wet conditions,” Helmi said. “But something happened with the electronics after I used launch control on the grid. The bike was stuck with a speed limiter, so I couldn’t push as hard as I wanted to.” The P4 finish was a stark contrast to his earlier performances in the season, where Helmi had established himself as the rider to beat. When asked about his feelings on seeing his winning streak broken, he remained composed. “I’m still feeling positive,” he shared. “This doesn’t affect me much mentally. I missed out on the win this time, but I will come back stronger for the last round.” Helmi was candid about what went wrong in Race 2 and what needs to improve moving forward, “The bike needs to have the right setup for grip,” he explained. “If the grip isn’t there, it’s tough to manage the race. It’s something we need to focus on.” Looking ahead to the final round, Helmi is determined to fine-tune both his bike and his riding strategy, “For Round 4, I’ll be focusing more on the bike setup and making my riding smoother. It’s about finding that consistency in lap times.” The battle for the championship is now heating up, with Thanat proving to be a strong contender. Helmi, however, is not letting the pressure get to him. “Thanat is definitely the main challenger, but for me, it’s about staying focused on each race and fighting for the win,” he concluded.
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!
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)