The MSBK600 category at Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship, hosted at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit happened today. Md Helmi Azman of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM appeared fastest in the Practice Sessions. Md Helmi Azman of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM emerged fastest in Practice 1 when he set the fastest lap time of 2’11:320s placed Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND at 2’11:596s and Md Syarifuddin Azman of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM at 2’12:145s in second and third place respectively. Then, in Practice 2, Helmi once again led the pack with better lap time of 2’10:729s. Thanat too, maintained in second place with the fastest lap time of 2’11:183s followed by Syarifuddin at 2’11:485s. Combined result for practice session revealed Helmi as fastest overall, while Thanat placed second and Syarifuddin took the third spot. Helmi stated, “Overall, today has been very good for me. However, I am still working on finding the right setup for the rear tire, as the size is now the same as the ARRC specifications, whereas we previously used a larger tire. My feeling with the bike is still not quite right; I’m still searching for the perfect balance. For tomorrow, my goal is to improve my lap times and focus on preparing for Race 1 and Race 2.” Combined Result – Top 5 Fastest Practice Session MSBK600 1. Md Helmi Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RA CING TEAM (2’10:729s) 2. Thanat Laoongplio – HONDA RACING THAILAND (2’11:183s) 3. Md Syarifuddin Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RA CING TEAM (2’11:485s) 4. Mohd Danial Syahmi – FGRT PROJECT (2’12:800s) 5. Chiang Chih Ying – Chinese Taipei (2’18:253s)
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.”
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.”
The 2024 edition of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship received a more lively reception with the presence of more professional riders from abroad, making their bold moves with their participation in Round 1. While some may call it testing the water, some dived right into the momentum and worked their strokes all the way during the weekend. Among them, attracting the attention was Mckinley Kyle Paz who appeared as the first Filipino rider to participate in the Malaysia Superbike Championship since the championship was launched in 2015. Kyle is known for his resilience in motor racing, where he consistently pushed beyond the boundaries, earning the respect and admiration from his peers and fans alike. In his debut season, Kyle, who aimed to shine, faced technical difficulties with his bike but remained optimistic and focused on the learning experience. Kyle shared, “I enjoyed my first time racing in MSBK even though my bike had some problems but we have learned many things from there. I must say that the intensity level of the race is like ARRC too.” Besides being a debutante and being the first in his country to compete in the MSBK, Kyle carries a unique sense of pride and responsibility too. “It’s always been a pleasure to be the first Filipino in any event. And I feel proud of it, competing in MSBK was a great opportunity for me.” His participation not only paves the way for future Philippines riders but also showcases the potential of athletes from his home country on an international platform. In Round 1, Kyle was one step away from a podium finish when he took fourth place in both Race 1 and Race 2. Kyle said “I was not satisfied with my race because we were struggling throughout the weekend just trying to fix my bike and we figured out the problem only after the race. That’s why we didn’t have a good race in race 2.” “However, it was a valuable weekend for me and my team. Now we know what we can do in the next race and I also know where I need to improve when it comes to my riding, so let’s see what we can bring to the next round of MSBK,” Kyle remarked. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Race 2 of Round 1 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship was held at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Md Helmi Azman of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM was victorious once again in Race 2 of the MSBK600 race category. During Race 2, Helmi put on a good fight with Apiwath and Thanat throughout the race. Rider’s position changed in each lap between Helmi, Apiwath and Thanat before Helmi finally maintained his position in the top spot from lap 7. Behind him, Apiwath and Thanat was still overtaking each other for second position. In lap 9, Apiwath overtook Thanat and tried to overtake Helmi, but Helmi increased his speed and won the race at 21’58:135s. Commenting on the race, Helmi said, “Today was another tough battle, I tried to get away from the pack but I was stuck within intense race for 6 laps. I did not stop trying to attack until I created a small gap and finally win the race.” Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE RACING TEAM ASIA took second place at 21’59:270s. Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND made it third at 22’01:261s. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Round 3 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 was competitive as he went on to mark the fastest with his best lap time at 2’09:928s. Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE RACING TEAM ASIA made it second fastest with his best lap time at 2’10:227s. At third fastest was Md Syarifuddin Azman BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM with his best lap time at 2’10:769s. As soon as the race began, Helmi was quick to find his position at the first turn with Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND right behind him at P2. Apiwath trailed behind at P3. By the end of lap 1, Apiwath took over Thanat and followed Helmi closely. Lap by lap, Apiwath inched closer to Helmi. In lap 8, Apiwath overtook Helmi in turn 15 but Helmi managed to retake his postition at turn 1 in lap 9 and raced towards victory at 21’59:307s. Helmi commented, “Apiwath is such an excellent rider. It was one of my wish to beat him because I could not finish the race before him in IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Today, I finally did it. Today’s victory definitely boosted my motivation to do better tomorrow.” Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE RACING TEAM ASIA clocked in second at 21’59:890s. Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND made it third at 22’12:864s. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
The season opener at MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship witnessed Md Helmi Azman of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM dominating MSBK600 category in practice session that ended on Friday. Helmi emerged fastest in Practice 1 when he set the fastest lap time of 2’11:550s placed Md Syarifuddin Azman of BOON SIEW HONDA RA CING TEAM at 2’12:295s and Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE RACING TEAM ASIA at 2’12:698 in second and third place respectively. Then, in Practice 2, Helmi once again led the pack with better lap time of 2’11:310s. Syarifuddin too, maintained in second place with the fastest lap time of 2’11:787s followed by Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND at 2’12:591s. Combined result for practice session revealed Helmi as fastest overall, while Syarifuddin placed second and Thanat took the third spot. Combined Result – Top 5 Fastest Practice Session MSBK600 Md Helmi Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RA CING TEAM (2’11:310s) Md Syarifuddin Azman – BOON SIEW HONDA RA CING TEAM (2’11:787s) Thanat Laoongplio – HONDA RACING THAILAND (2’12:591s) Apiwath Wongthananon – YAMAHA TEKHNE RACING TEAM ASIA (2’12:697s) Muhd Farish Hafiy Farid Sezli – FGRT PROJECT (2’13:152s) Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
The MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship is coming back this weekend at Sepang International Circuit. Waiting in anticipation to circle the laps once again are the riders of MSBK600 race category who are highly motivated, ready to inject pressure and driven to succeed. Md Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team went all out last season to grab the bigger chunk of the pie when he bagged the podium spot in all races with four wins including a hat-trick before marking his territory in the race category as the champion. For Helmi, he knows the tricks and trades too well and although it was not an easy feat riding alongside teammate, Khairul Idham Pawi for the first two rounds and Md Hakim Danish of SIC Racing in the final round, but he rose above the challenge and completed the season with a total of 180 points. KIP took second overall with 90 points in hand. At third spot overall was Japanese rider, Soichiro Minamimoto of Yamaha Gen Blu Racing Team Asean who made quite an impression in his debut season with a total of 75 points. Commenting on the upcoming race, Helmi said, “For me, MSBK has always been about getting the mileage needed to do better as a professional rider. It opens up pathways of opportunities that are much-needed especially in enhancing our riding techniques and preparation for the next level. The MSBK platform is known for being the top superbike championship in Malaysia and as such holds quite a standard that potentially helps us in gauging our own benchmark and performances. For the upcoming race, I am aiming for the overall championship title but again, I have a feeling that defending my championship is not going to be an easy task especially with the season’s entry list. Definitely, I will go all out to do my best especially with my machine being in a good condition. My team has done a great job over time and they have also been finding ways to improve wherever possible so I am quite confident for the coming race. Sepang circuit is a fine circuit and of course, being a home-ground for me, I would not say it is going to be a smooth ride considering the many other Malaysian riders who will be coming in as well. But, let’s see how it goes this time around.” This season promises an even more exciting chapter especially with the inclusion of fresh faces alongside seasoned riders from the local and the wider Asian grounds. While the level of competitiveness has always been striking among the riders in the race category, it is presumed that this season’s battle will see an enhanced version of nip and tuck which will raise the benchmark of excellence even higher. Season 2024 will see the inclusion of countries such as Philippines and Thailand with the likes of McKinley Kyle Paz, Apiwath Wongthananon and Thanat Laoongplio, who are all participants in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship taking part in the stride. Commenting on the championship, Apiwath said, “This would be my first-time racing in the MSBK championship and I am quite excited to get some exposure from the riding experience. The main reason for participating is definitely while having the feel of riding in another championship, it is also to expand my mileage further for the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. This would be a suitable ground and championship to practice before ARRC comes to Malaysia. For sure, it would give me some valuable insights on the circuit as well as the techniques needed to be more accurate in my calculation of risk taking. To me, Sepang has been a rather difficult ground and I know for sure that the local riders have greater advantage but I will do my best though. I will utilise my experiences and strengths to maximise my performances. My goal in every championship is to be the champion so, I will go all out to do whatever in my capacity to be the best.”
Round 3 of the Malaysia Superbike Championship took place today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Md Hakim Danish of SIC Racing celebrated the win today in Race 3 of the MSBK600 race category. It was an interesting race this morning with the MSBK600 race category. Helmi took lead with Hakim Danish trailing closely behind. Although Helmi tried to break away from the pressure behind, he failed as Hakim Danish continued his attempt to supersede. On the last lap, Hakim Danish managed to overtake Helmi but Helmi refused to give up and went on to chase his contender. It was futile for Helmi when Hakim Danish took the last turn and fled towards victory first. In Race 3, Helmi once again went on to take lead with Hakim Danish at P2 and Idlan at P3. Throughout the weekend, the pattern has been the same with Helmi and Hakim Danish engaging in a fiery battle to be the best. Helmi may have lost to Hakim Danish in Race 2 but he went all out to keep his contender at bay. But Hakim Danish was a fighter too and he showcased his resilience and strength as he went on with his attempt to strike. On the third lap, Hakim Danish made it but Helmi was not about to give up and worked his moves. By mid-lap, Hakim Danish continued to dominate the circuit. Helmi kept trailing but on the 6th lap, he worked his way and bypassed Hakim Danish. With three more laps to go, the duo went on a stiff feat and once again, Hakim Danish made it past Helmi on the long-straight. On the final lap, Hakim Danish picked up speed, took the final turn and made it towards victory at 21’57:401s. Commenting the on race, Hakim Danish said, “For the final race, it was really good. I was really confident with the machine this time around. When I am on the circuit ground, I observed and learnt a lot from Abang Helmi who was really competitive. During the race earlier, I tried my best to trail and pick up on his moves and when the moment was right, I pushed towards taking the win. I thank everyone who has been supportive of me for this win.” Helmi Azman made it second and claimed the overall champion title at 21’58:406s. “This season was a real struggle from the first round but I tried my best to make it first in all the rounds. It was not easy. Just now’s race was similar to Race 2 but my main aim was to make it champion. Our goal, riding in the MSBK is more about getting the riding mileage. We need this experience for ARRC and throughout the season, it has been a great platform for me.” Ao Leong Fu made it third at 23’26:894s. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us