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)
In an impressive display of performance, Muhd Helmi Azman of the BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM claimed victory in the MSBK600 category at the Race of Round 3 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship took place today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit today. Helmi led the race from start to finish, showcasing his prowess and setting a commanding pace throughout. Helmi quickly established his lead, with Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND in P2 and Muhd Syarifuddin Azman of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM in P3. By lap 2, Helmi had already created a small gap of 0.679 seconds ahead of Thanat. While Helmi maintained his lead, Thanat faced intense pressure from Syarifuddin, who was eagerly battling for P2. As the race progressed, Helmi continued to extend his advantage, leaving the competition behind with a substantial gap of 3.200 seconds by lap 7. Syarifuddin continued to pursue Thanat, seeking an opportunity to overtake, but Thanat managed to reclaim his position and fend off the challenge. In the end, Helmi crossed the finish line first at 21’54:773s to claimed the victory, followed by Thanat in P2 and Syarifuddin in P3, marking a triumphant day for the Honda riders. Helmi shared, “From the start, I aimed to create a significant gap from the group. I focused on achieving my lap times, and this setup felt excellent. I had a great feeling on the bike, and the temperature wasn’t too hot either. I tried to attack lap by lap, and when I saw the board showing nearly a 3-second lead over the group, I decided to maintain my consistency. As the rain began to fall, I just took care and focused on finishing the race safely.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1 MSBK600 1. Muhd Helmi Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (21’54:773s) 2. Thanat Laoongplio – HONDA RACING THAILAND (21’58:780s) 3. Muhd Syarifuddin Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (21’58:934s) 4. Okaya Yuta – Japan (22’10:995s) 5. Chiang Chih Ying – Taipei (23’19:145s)
The Free Practice sessions for MSBK600 took place at Round 3 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2024 at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, watched Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND led the field for combined result. Thanat Laoongplio set the pace with a fastest lap of 2’11:639s, demonstrating consistent form across both practice sessions. His performance placed him as the rider to beat heading into the qualifying rounds, where competition is expected to intensify. Thanat said, “Today, I did everything I could to improve my performance, and I’m feeling a strong sense of confidence. I’m incredibly excited about the upcoming challenges and ready to give it my all. My primary target is clear: I aim to win the race. I believe that with the right focus and determination, I can achieve this goal and make the most of the opportunities ahead!” Finishing in second place was Muhd Helmi Azman of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM, who clocked in at 2’11:944s, just 0:305s behind Thanat. Helmi Azman’s steady improvement through the sessions positions him as a strong challenger for the top spot. Rounding out the top three was Okaya Yuta from Japan, who posted a time of 2’13:187s, finishing 1:548s behind the leader. Yuta’s performance was solid, showing potential to close the gap in the upcoming rounds. The qualifying rounds tomorrow will determine the final grid positions ahead of what promises to be an exciting race day. Result – Top 5 Fastest Practice Session (Combined) MSBK600 1. Thanat Laoongplio – HONDA RACING THAILAND (2’11:639s) 2. Muhd Helmi Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (2’11:944s) 3. Okaya Yuta – Japan (2’13:187s) 4. Muhd Syarifuddin Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (2’13:661s) 5. Chiang Chih Ying – Taiwan (2’19:720s)
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.”
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. Md Helmi Azman of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM claimed victory in Race 1 of MSBK600 race category. In the qualifying session that was held this morning, Helmi marked the fastest with his best lap time at 2’10:148s. Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND made it second fastest with his best lap time at 2’10:380s. At third fastest was Md Syarifuddin Azman of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM with his best lap time at 2’11:170s. As soon as the race began, Thanat was quick to find his position at the first turn with Helmi right behind him at P2. But Helmi was quick to took over P1. On lap 3, Thanat overtook Helmi again at P1 and picked up his speed in attempt to keep a distance with Helmi. Riders position remained the same before Helmi managed to overtook Thanat and reclaim P1 on lap 7. Helmi stay focused and increased his pace and won the race at 24’27:568s. Helmi commented, “Today’s track presented some challenging conditions. During the warm-up laps, I completed two laps to assess the track. I knew that by lap 4 or 5, it would be fully dry. To manage my tires effectively, I focused on conserving them, especially since we struggled with tire grip initially. I decided to follow Thanat until the final 5 laps, at which point I overtook him and secured the race finish.” Thanat clocked in second at 24’31:553s. Syarifuddin made it third at 24’31:712s. MSBK600 Md Helmi Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (24’27:568s) Thanat Laoongplio – HONDA RACING THAILAND (24’31:553s) Md Syarifuddin Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (24’31:712s) Mohd Danial Syahmi – FGRT PROJECT (24’31:795s) Rafid Topan – RSEVEN CAUN RACING TECH (26’04:455s)