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
Round 3 of the Malaysia Superbike Championship took place today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Md Hakim Danish of SIC Racing claimed victory in Race 2 of MSBK600 race category. It was a nerve-wrecking scene in the MSBK600 yesterday when Helmi went on to take lead with Hakim Danish injecting pressure all the way. In the last few laps, Hakim Danish’s effort bore fruits when he overtook Helmi however Helmi who had a mission for this weekend went on to retaliate and grabbed his position back. On the last lap, Helmi picked up pace and headed towards victory with Danish clocking in second. In Race 2, once again, Helmi was in full form as he went on to dominate the circuit right at the first turn. Hakim Danish who was defeated by Helmi yesterday went on a chase to bring Helmi down. By the end of lap 1, Danish overtook Helmi. At P3, Idlan kept to his pace and worked on improving with Chih Ying inching closer. On the fourth lap, Helmi cleverly took a slide from the inside and went ahead of Hakim Danish. Meanwhile, at the back of the duo, Chih Ying succeeded in closing the gaps and overtook Idlan but the latter picked worked on his moves and made it back to P3. The battle was fiery between Helmi and Hakim Danish who went on to pressure the leader relentlessly but Helmi worked steadily with the racing lines and avoided mistakes. On the final lap, Hakim Danish found his moment to strike and despite the attempts to supersede him, Helmi failed and succumbed to the second position. Hakim Danish celebrated victory at 21’53:307s. Commenting on the race, Hakim Danish said, “For Race 2, I was much better than before. I made many mistakes yesterday so I tried my best to avoid repeating those mistakes again today. The race went pretty well and I thank my team, family and friends for the support rendered.” Md Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing finished second at 21’53:577s. Third was his teammate, Md Idlan Hakimi at 22’42:673s. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Round 3 of the 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, Hakim Danish of SIC Racing was confident and competitive as he went on to mark the fastest with his best lap time at 2’10:207s. Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team made it second fastest with his best lap time at 2’10:264s. At third fastest was Chiah Chih Ying with his best lap time at 2’16:434s. During the race, Helmi was quick to find his position at the first turn with Hakim Danish right behind him at P2. Idlan trailed behind at P3. By the end of lap 1, duo Helmi and Hakim Danish have drawn a wide gap of 5’413s away from the troop behind. Helmi was a combo of aggressive and confidence while Hakim Danish was persistent as he followed closely behind. Throughout the race, it seemed like nothing could shake Helmi down. Although Hakim Danish kept inching closer and injecting pressure, Helmi was relentless and went on with his defense. Not for long before Hakim Danish caught up and overtook Helmi. Hakim Danish then went on to flex his muscles and showcased strength and dexterity. But Helmi had tricks up his sleeves. He made his moves and once again took lead. On the last lap, the duo got into one final battle before Helmi picked up speed and raced towards victory at 21’54:289s. Commenting on the race, Helmi said, “Of course this season had its ups and downs. It has been a very competitive battle throughout the season. Although Khairul Idham Pawi, my main contender is not here to the race even more exciting, Hakim Danish is not bad himself. But I think because I have more experience than he has, I was able to make it today. It was indeed an excellent battle today.” Md Hakim Danish of SIC Racing clocked in second at 21’54:686s. Md Idlan Haqimi of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team made it third at 22’50:007s. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Round 3 of the Malaysia Superbike Championship began today at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. Md Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team marked the fastest today in the free practice session, combined in the MSBK600 race category. In FP1 that was held this morning, Helmi Azman marked fastest with his best lap time at 2’11:474s. Hakim Danish of SIC Racing clocked in second fastest with his best lap time at 2’11:484s followed by Chih Ying with his best lap time at 2’17:431s. In FP2, Hakim Danish made it the fastest with his best lap time at 2’15:552s. Helmi Azman took the second fastest spot with his best lap time at 2’18:917s. Idlan Hakimi of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team made it third fastest with his best lap time at 2’22:193s. The fastest for the day was Helmi Azman with his best lap time at 2’11:474s. He said, “This weekend, I don’t think I will have as much of a challenge as the last two rounds in the presence of my teammate, Khairul. He won’t be racing this weekend. However, the other person that I think I have to be more aware and careful of is Hakim Danish. He is quite competitive as we would have noticed from his performances so far. In terms of the machine, there is not much of a difference. We just got back from ARRC and I think I have enough mileage for the weekend. I have a feeling that the weekend would be a wet weekend but that’s an advantage for me. I like the wet conditions and I am pretty confident about riding on a wet circuit. I am looking forward to a hat-trick. That is my aim for this weekend.” Taking the second fastest spot was Hakim Danish with his best lap time at 2’11:484s. Third was Chih Ying with his best lap time at 2’17:431s. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Round 3 of the Malaysia Superbike Championship will take place once again at Sepang International Circuit this weekend. Md Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda is a household name in the 600cc race category and in MSBK, he has definitely made a significant mark and will be back to take on yet another round of challenge. It was a striking moment when Helmi made a hat-trick, scoring maximum points in both races of Round 1 combined with one race in Round 2. Although he was later challenged by his teammate, Khairul, Helmi went on to showcase his capabilities as he danced to the rhythm of competence alongside his teammate. He landed on the second spot in Race 2 and Race 3 of Round 2 nevertheless, he is determined to make the cut in the coming round. Helmi currently holds on to 115 points in total and is 25 points more than his closest contender. Commenting on the upcoming race, Helmi said, “The final round is coming soon. So far, my preparations for this round have been good because we just completed the ARRC and the 2-day tyre test in Buriram. I think I have additional mileage on the machine and it definitely would be a good start for me at Sepang this weekend. As for the challenge, I think my teammate would be the ultimate rival. He has vast knowledge and experience on the world platform hence he would definitely be all out to make the best of the season. It will be a fun game for sure because personally, with no competition from the rivals, it would not be as exciting.” Helmi has been riding in MSBK for some time now. He said, “The championship is an excellent platform for all Malaysian riders who have the passion and capacity to race. It is one of the top superbike racing championships and it gives the ardent fans and motorcycle racing enthusiasts a chance to give it a go at racing. For professional riders who like the ARRC riders, it serves as a training ground. We get extra mileage on the machine and it helps us identify our flaws and enhances our riding techniques. Basically, it helps us prepare for the next level. In riding, apart from experience, the ability to understand the machine and the circuit layout is equally important. How we adapt to the different layouts and find the right techniques quickly is definitely a must. For me, racing is my career and I have no choice but to be excellent at it. That’s why I push myself to do my best in all the championships.” “As a professional rider, this year has been quite a ride for me. I have won 1 race in ARRC with 5 podium-finish for this season. I am very pleased with my achievements in ARRC. Apart from that, I have had a good opportunity as a wildcard rider in Moto2 at Sepang. That I think is the cream of the crop. For MSBK, it has been quite a fulfilling one with 3 wins so far. I hope to have more this weekend and come back for more next season in the same category.” Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Race 3 of Round 2, Malaysia Superbike Championship was held at Sepang International Circuit. Khairul Idham Pawi was victorious once again in Race 3 of the MSBK600 race category. During Race 2, Khairul put on a good fight with Ibrahim throughout the race. While Helmi trailed behind, he tried to strike towards the end of the race but failed. Khairul was quick to take advantage of Helmi’s mistake to move ahead at the last turn before speeding towards victory. Ibrahim made it second. In Race 3, Soichiro took a bold leap ahead of Khairul at the first turn with Helmi at P3. Moments after that, Khairul overtook Soichiro. Ibrahim was seen managing his pace at P4. At the last turn of lap 2, Helmi fired his moves to overtake Soichiro. At P4, Ibrahim was keeping a look out for opportunities to move ahead of his teammate. Into lap 4, Helmi’s strategy to overtake Khairul worked while Ibrahim quickly made it past Soichiro. By mid-race, Ibrahim drew closer to Khairul as the latter went on a search for the right moment to strike. At the last turn of lap 5, Khairul did it but Helmi would not give up as he went on to pressure Khairul. The Boon Siew duo was a display of great sportsmanship throughout the weekend as they went on to keep the Yamaha riders at bay. At the final lap, Helmi overtook Khairul but mid-lap, Khairul was quick to recover his spot. At the last turn, Helmi tried his luck one last time but Khairul moved swiftly from the inside before fleeing to victory at 21’55:141s. Commenting on the race, Khairul said, “It was quite a tough race today due to the weather. I had some issues in managing the tires. The competition was stiff, especially with Helmi. At the last corner, somehow, I managed to find my way ahead and complete the race first.” Md Helmi Azman scored second at 21’55:223s. Md Ibrahim Norroddin made it third once again at 21’55:337s. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Round 2 of the Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) saw riders of the MSBK600 race category putting on a good fight in Race 2. Khairul Idham Pawi of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team struck while the iron was hot before claiming victory in the MSBK600 race category. Helmi was impressive yesterday in Race 1 when he took the lead and charged towards victory in the 10-lap race. While Khairul attempted his moves on Helmi, the latter’s position was not compromised. Ibrahim who came into the scene of MSBK this round, clearly was still trying to find his pace. The Boon Siew duo seemed to have found their rhythm in the race category. In Race 2 earlier this morning, Helmi once again went on a good start, immediately taking lead at the first turn followed by Sharul Ezwan in P2 and Khairul at P3. Seconds into the race, Khairul made a quick exchange with Sharul and took P2 before going on to chase his teammate. Meanwhile, Ibrahim at P4 tried to overtake Sharul. By the end of lap 2, Khairul finally overtook Helmi. Soichiro moved into P3 with Ibrahim trailing closely. At the last turn, Ibrahim overtook Soichiro before aiming to strike Helmi. Into lap 4, Ibrahim did it and Soichiro’s attempt to attack Helmi worked. By mid-race, Ibrahim who was inching closer to Khairul made a quick pass and took the lead. Helmi on the other hand was not about to give up and found his way to close the gap with Soichiro. Among the four, Helmi battled with Soichiro while Khairul went on to pressure Ibrahim. 3 laps to go, Khiarul overtook Ibrahim from the inside at the first turn but before the lap ended, Ibrahim managed to swing himself back into P1. Helmi, on the other hand, broke free from Soichiro. At the final lap, Khairul sped ahead from the inside and once again took the lead. The pole-man was back in charge. His teammate, Helmi found his way into P2 and for a moment into P1 but overshot and Khairul was swift in his moves to seize the moment before speeding towards victory at 21’52:038s. Commenting on the race, Khairul said, “This race was quite positive as the setup of the machine was good. I had some problems with the suspension yesterday so today, we did not have those issues. The race was definitely very competitive. Mid-race, my tires were losing grip. But I tried to keep up with the racing line and am grateful for the win today.” Teammate, Helmi Azman made it second for the morning at 21’52:333s. Md Ibrahim Noroddin of Yamaha Gen Blu Racing Team ASEAN took third at 21’52:341s. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us