A most valuable experience which is a dream of every rider who steps into the scenes of two-wheel motorsports, is a slot to participate in the World Championship. Once you get to taste the delectability, you will want to keep feeding yourself with every other opportunity, or else the hunger for one haunts you. It’s the same script for Soichiro Minamimoto of the Yamaha GEN BLU Racing Team, who replaced Kohta Nozane at the Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp team in the Argentina Grand Prix, recently. It was the first experience for the 23-year-old in the Moto2 class at the Grand Prix of Argentina. As I mentioned, for Minamimoto the hunger continues… Minamimoto is a former Yamaha VR46 Master Camp student who took part in the first and second editions of the training week for young talent, in Tavullia. Before accepting the Moto2 wildcard, the Japanese rider was racing in the 2023 Asia Road Racing Championship in the SS600 class. “Joining Moto2 was a dream of mine when I was a kid. This chance to go to Argentina is only possible with Yamaha‘s support. Thanks to em. Even though it wasn’t the result the team expected, it is the most valuable experience for me to date. The most confusing part for me was that the Moto2 bikes were so much different. It took me some time to get used t the machine, circuit, and also the way of handling myself on track. “But more than that, I was overwhelmed by the high level of Moto2 riders, their feelings, and their mental strength. I was amazed by their ability on and off track. So much to learn from them. So, if ever hope for another chance I strongly believe that I will desperately need to work on my performance in ARRC for me to capture the right eyes. “Hence my participation in MSBK is a practice ground for me to prepare myself to perform better in ARRC and at the same time I would like to make use of this opportunity to grab a slot in elite categories. However, the opening round was a tough race, so I will do my best to be able to fight for the top positions this time. The journey of Minamimoto began as early as 6 years old when his father got him a pocket bike and at the age of 14 he made a debut in the ALL – Japan race. From t national level to Asia, Minamimoto at the age of 16 spread his wings into ARRC, 7 years down the lane, and now he making waves in MSBK. “The racing scene here is almost the same as ARRC as most of the Malaysian riders are there in the ARRC. Hence, my first season isn’t so bad. The competitiveness level here in MSBK is same level as Asia so I believe this will be the right platform for me to improve myself. “My main contenders, I would say from Boonsiew Honda Racing Team just as how in ARRC. Especially KIP and Helmi, they are super fast and their machines too. So, a tough challenge awaits me in this weekend’s race. “At the moment I don’t want to put much pressure on myself by focusing on the championship title or what am I going achieve this season but I prefer focusing on each round at a time. I want to collect as many points as possible and finish every race with a podium.” Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
“We are teammates, we are also healthy rivals.” This is how Farid Hakimi of Boon Siew Honda in MSBK250 A class described his main contender, Muhd Irdan Haykhal who is 10 points ahead of Farid. Farid is no stranger to the motorsports scene. He emerged into two-wheel racing professionally at the age of 12 and made his debut in the Mini-Cub Prix at the PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix in 2018. Since then, the young lad showcased a gradual improvement throughout the years. “Since I was young, I really liked motorbike racing and always watched MotoGP on TV every weekend. I started to learn about two-wheel vehicles as early as 6 years old when my father bought me a pocket bike and brought me to every state to participate in various competitions so that I get enough exposure. My journey professionally began in 2018 when I first joined Mini-Cub Prix in 2018 and I managed to finish 5th overall. “The following year, I made it into the Honda One Make Challenge, where I successfully captured the eyes of Boon Siew Honda with my overall championship title and the rest is history! “It may look like it was an easy journey but I had a fair amount of struggles, frustrations, and pain throughout my journey in the motorsports. Neither I know where to begin nor how to explain the struggles that I have had in these 5 years. Starting from the joys and sorrows of winning and losing, I continued my battle and never once I have thought about giving up. And of course, the presence of family and friends made so much impact in my growth. “When I got the chance to participate in MSBK, that’s the moment I felt all my hard work and effort has been paid off. I am spreading my wings higher and this isn’t the end. It’s the beginning. Making his debut in MSBK250 A class, alongside his teammate, Irfan for the 2023 season, Farid seems pretty excited to try out the new machine. “This category is something I was looking forward to for a very long period. Thanks to Boon Siew Honda for giving me this opportunity. This category is totally different from Cub Prix, a different machine with different specs and the riding style especially. So, it’s a whole new experience for me. There is so much to learn and absorb. “Riding alongside Irfan is really challenging but in a very healthy way because he has been fired up since round 1. He is a very experienced rider, he rides AP250 in ARRC. So, I learn so much from him on and off track. Usually after the race, we watch the videos to figure out what the mistakes we have made, and it’s common. “I take Irfan’s riding skills as an example to figure out my mistakes and where I have to improve. I know there is so much room for improvement. As Irfan is leading the MSBK250 class at the moment with 10 points ahead of me, I hope I will be able to give a tough fight but a safe one so that it doesn’t impact both of us because we are from the same team. “So far two podiums in two races of Round 1, it’s a positive beginning. I believe I can keep up the momentum. I always make sure to have proper communication with the team. They have been working so hard to provide us with the best set-up. I will try my best to collect as many points as I can and to get a podium at every round.” said Farid Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
“My father wanted to be a racer but didn’t make it. Hence, the seed of racing was sown in my mind during my childhood itself,” says Ke Huan Ni of the Lady Boss Racing Team, who is currently making strides in category 250B in The Malaysia Superbike Championship Seasons 2023. This 13-year-old lad from China fulfilled his father’s dream of becoming a racer. The father had to quit racing due to lack of funds but the son made it happen! A father who struggled to live his dream due to a financial crisis and got a son who had a similar spark to his passion at a young age, the father supports his son with whatever it takes to make it happen – everything you all read sounds so dramatic right? But no it’s a real story. Huan Ni is not one of those baby phenomena who started riding a motorcycle before knowing how to walk, only at the age of 9 did he start to think of himself as a rider. “Who said that dreams cannot come true? Before falling asleep each and every night since I was 9, I closed my eyes and tried to imagine the moment when I would cross the finish line and celebrate the victory on the podium. Then I said to myself, we’ll see if it happens”. It happened and was probably even better than how he imagined it to be. “ First it was my father’s dream, without realizing it became mine too. My father’s dream was to be a racer. Due to financial status back then he was unable to compete in various competitions and it is the biggest regret of his life to date. Moreover, his family and society were not supportive of risky-affairs with bike racing. But as it’s always said when there is a will there is a way. That’s what happened” “My dad got me a 50cc mini motorbike when I was 6 years old. But it never began there, though. Before I even realized I was into two wheels and speed, my dad enrolled me in various classes such as art, music, and roller skating and honestly, none of this really aroused my interest until the entrance of this lil bike in my life. “There begins my journey into the motorsport scene. My father formulated a training plan according to our situation and sent me to various competitions in which we afford to participate. He was my coach cum sponsor and most of all my backbone! When I first started my racing journey, I fell several times and it gets extremely scary sometimes. It’s only my father who always comes to my rescue and motivates me when I feel super low, to date, he never fails to push me further.” said Huan Ni. His success journey included the passion and dream of his father! The rider who is new to the MSBK scene has definitely showcased great potential in the season opener when grabbed a podium slot in both Race 1 and 2. Nevertheless, it wasn’t an easy task for the young lad. “The biggest challenge for me at the moment is my machine configuration, which there’s a huge difference when compared to machines from the professional teams. Riding alongside riders from MSBK250 A, I could really observe the difference between my machine and theirs. They are super fast, definitely, because of the specs… and I think that’s one of the reasons they can be at the front easily. “Regardless, my baby (machine) isn’t any lesser, I just have to improve by rounds. I have to read fast and figure out what can be done for upcoming races. So far, I am satisfied with my performance in Round 1, there is much room for improvement, but yeah, it wasn’t a bad one! “I’m rooting for the championship title for this season. It can be my debut year and I shouldn’t be expecting much, but I would love to make it a memorable one! A title in the debut season, I would cherish this memory forever! “At the moment, Rakshit Dave from CRA Motorsports India is my main contender. However, I am not putting much pressure on myself by thinking about the strength of my competitor, but I’m focusing on improving my pace and setting up my vehicle. Round 1 went well, and Round 2, fingers crossed. I’m confident I can do better, let’s see what happens this weekend,” Huan Ni all geared up for the 2nd Round of MSBK in International Sepang Circuit this weekend. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
The Berjaya Sompo YAMAHA Y16ZR Race MasterClass has been an incredible spectacle, showcasing the impressive skills of riders from across the nation, involving handpicked riders from the One-Make to CP125 race categories of the PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix Championship. Now into its 2nd season, and moving into the second round this weekend at the Sepang International Circuit, there are more dramas coming your way!!! Before we can feast our eyes on all the dramas about to occur on track this weekend, let’s have a closer look at this category. Do the riders really mean it when they call the Y16ZR race – A Race of Fairness? Does that mean there is no fairness in other categories? Whoopsss!! Let’s hear it from the riders, themselves. Abdullah Qayyum Abdul Razak “Yes, absolutely a race of fairness because there’s no difference in specs of the machine. Each and every machine has equal capabilities. So, it all depends on the talent and smartness you are going to perform differently from others. Yet, the thrill is lesser here, in my opinion. “This is my second year in this category and before this, I was racing in MSBK250 from 2019 until 2021. In MSBK250, you have to apply the right strategy and you can plan beforehand by comparing the capability of machines. There are certain advantages in the aspect of specs, hence, I find it quite thrilling. Meanwhile, Y16zr, it’s hard! Hahaha.. if you are good you will be at the front, but at the same time, you can identify the real potential of yourself on track. “There are pros and cons. But, I’m much more comfortable in MSBK250.That’s it. However, I wouldn’t deny the challenges and fun in this category. At the moment, I’m leading with 34 points on my hand. I hope I can lead all the way until the end of the season to grab the title. Let’s have some fun this year! Contrary to Qayyum’s statement, his main contender, Arash Tsunami who is just a point a way, finds this category appealing while agreeing to the matter of fairness Arash Tsunami “Definitely, I have equal fun in both categories I participate in Cub Prix and also MSBK. When it comes to one make race, it reveals the truest potential and capabilities of each rider. None of them are easy to win when you have no advantages in the sense of specs. How else we can describe it? Fairness, would be the right judgment no? “At the same time, we have to agree there are an equal amount of challenges in this round and it’s not easy. I would also call it a shortcut to get a slot in ARRC. Honestly, every rider dreams of spreading their wings higher and higher until they reach their goal – which is to be in the eyes of the world! “So this would be the right shot for us younger riders to grab a spot in Asia level. This season has many experienced riders. Some of them have competed in higher-level categories. So, I believe it ain’t gonna be any easy. All of them have their own strength and talent. So. let’s see what I could achieve here, if I am lucky enough I would definitely make my way into ARRC.” Interestingly enough, Shafiq Ezzariq, another tough competitor, seems pleased just like Arash. Shafiq Ezzariq “I would say the competitiveness in Y16ZR is more fair compared to the other categories. I currently compete in the CP125 category, there is not much difference in riding skills but the challenges are pretty massive. In CP125 class there are different manufacturers with machines of different capabilities. Some machines can be slower than the usual level of speed or heavier and some can be super fast. So, strategically, there are some hurdles and you have to be fast and precise on the track. “In Y16ZR it seems to be more comfortable. Yet, I believe the level of competitiveness is not any lesser because all the riders that have been chosen are the best from every category. The plus is machines with the same capabilities and only the skills differ. Hence, the best takes up the victory. This is surprisingly appealing to me. “There are still a fair amount of challenges here, I assume. We have experienced riders in there like, Syamil Amsyar, Aliff Danial, and a few others. To a certain extent, we know each other’s abilities. It can be pros and cons. “Hence, to get my first title in my debut season can be tough but not impossible. Regardless, I’m pretty excited” In conclusion, their judgment sounds perfectly fine and here we have to also highlight, it doesn’t mean there’s no fairness in other categories. There are some advantages according to the capabilities of each manufacturer. That’s how we can measure the specialty of the specs and engines. Nevertheless, One make race is always known for scouting talents and building more capable riders with the objective of being able to compete in elite categories not only in Asia but also maybe at the world level, one day! Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Race 2, Round 1 of Malaysia Superbike Championship was held at the Sepang International Circuit today. Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of Yamaha Gen Blu Racing Team Asean bagged the win today for MSBK1000 A race category. It was a fantastic show between Azroy and Kasma yesterday. Kasma was seen injecting pressure on Azroy in the first few laps before finally taking over his position. Azroy who was determined to take the win went on to defend his position and at the last turn, sped up towards victory. Kasma took the second spot while Osama made it third. As soon as the race began, Kasma took off with a great speed with Azroy at P2 and Azlan at P3. This time around, Azroy trailed Kasma closely but the rider ahead was at a good speed as he went on to showcase his dexterity. By the third lap, the duo was ahead of the troop trailing behind by 9s. By mid-race, Azroy inched closer to Kasma but Kasma was confident and steady as he went on to pick up speed. Azroy refused to give up as he went on to find ways to slide ahead. The Yamaha rider was careful not to open any path for Azroy. Meanwhile, Azlan was on his own at P3 with no competitive pressure from the riders behind him. With three more laps to go, the competition between Kasma and Azroy became heated. For a moment, Azory took a slide ahead of Kasma but Kasma was quick to recover. At the final lap, the duo was 27s away from Azlan. Kasma never gave in to the pressure as he went on to conclude the race at 21’21:258s. Commenting on the race, Kasma said, “I dedicate this win to Haruki, who was my friend and a great competitor in the ARRC scene. During the race, I tried to manage my lap time. I know that Azroy was very close behind but I stayed focused to maintain consistency with my lap time. I know that Azroy will find his way in the last few laps so I waited for that and prepared to be in control.” At second spot was Azroy of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team at 21’23:084s. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of Horizon Racing Team took third at 21’56:129s. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Race 2, Round 1 of Malaysia Superbike Championship was held at the Sepang International Circuit today. Khoo Chee Yen of Mobilub Suzuki Racing Team took home the Weekend Champion for MSBK1000 B race category. Radzi was on his way towards scoring the fastest on the chart and while he did, he was declared disqualified. Khoo Chee Yen who was next in line emerged fastest. Throughout the race, Chee Yen was consistent and managed his pace well. Behind him was Raja Nazeem followed by Syukri. During the race, Radzi once again was dominant as he took a look with Chee Yen trailing. Half way into lap 2, Radzi had a fall and was out of the race. With that Chee Yen moved ahead with Raja Nazeem and Amir at the top three positions but into lap 3, Amir superseded Raja Nazeem. By mid-race, Chee Yen was comfortable with his pace as he went on with the laps at a gap of 4s from Amir. Raja Nazeem tried to close the gaps with Amir however to no avail. On the final lap, Chee Yen took a fall at turn 15 which brought Amir up as the fastest at 23’04:405s. Commenting on the race, Khoo Chee Yen said, “I was already leading but I made a silly mistake that made me crash on the last turn but I am glad to have secured the Weekend Champion. Thank you to the team and the organiser for such a great race.” The second fastest was Raja Nazeem at 23’11:077s. Third place went to Khoo Chee Yen at 24’07:956s. With the races combined, Khoo Chee Yen claimed the win for Weekend Champion followed by Raja Nazeem and Md Amir Izzat of Horizon Racing Team in third. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Race 2, Round 1 of Malaysia Superbike Championship was held this evening at the Sepang International Circuit. Md Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team made an impressive win today in the MSBK600 race category. It was a fiery battle between teammates, Helmi and Khairul. For the first 9 laps, Khairul took the lead but Helmi caught up. The duo was seen fleeing ahead of the troop behind, with Soichiro at P3. The gap gave the duo ahead space to manage their own battle. While Soichiro competed briefly with his teammate, he managed to overcome the challenge, concluding at third spot. Helmi who finally worked his magic took over P1 before taking victory. The race flagged off with Helmi taking the lead. Soichiro was at P2 while teammate Sharul took P3. As the race went on, Helmi kept his pace up as he avoided the pressure from Soichiro. The 10-lap race took off without Khairul who was seen riding back into the paddock before the race began. At P4, Syazras battled with Fenglong as the latter tried to close the gap. Meanwhile, teammates Soichiro and Sharul engaged in a fiery battle. Helmi was far ahead with a 2.825s gap by the end of lap 2. By the third lap, Fengloon and Anuar Ibrahim overtook Syazras. Anuar then tried to make his move on Fengloon before the latter slipped and fell. The battle for P4 went on between Anuar and Syazras. By mid-race, Helmi went on to draw a 7.478s while managing his pace, careful not to make any mistakes. Soichiro by then took P2 but Sharul was relentless in his pursuit. Sochiro began taking up speed. At the final lap, Helmi was 12.202s away from Soichiro and went on towards taking a double-win. He clocked in at 21’57:942s. Commenting on the race, Helmi said, “I did not expect Khairul’s machine to have problems. We planned to be ahead of the troop together during the race but unfortunately, he could not realise the plan with me. I took off with a great speed and tried to draw enough gap with the rider behind me and I succeeded all the way. It was a fantastic race and I am grateful for today.” At second spot was Soichiro Minamimoto of Yamaha Gen Blu Racing Team Asean at 22’10:865s. Teammate, Md Sharul Ezwan took the third spot at 22’23:410s. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Race 2, Round 1 of Malaysia Superbike Championship was held at the Sepang International Circuit today. Md Irfan Hakyal of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team took home the win today in the MSBK250 race category. Irfan was off to a fantastic start and for the next 10-lap race, he dominated the circuit with his teammate, Farid trailing behind. Third lap onwards, Irfan was gliding smoothly with a gap that was impossible to close. At P3, Geoffrey took control of his position and stayed on a consistent pace before concluding the race at third spot. For today’s race, Irfan was seen taking the lead once again with Farid Hakimi trailing closely behind. By the end of lap 2, Irfan pulled away from Farid and began drawing a gap. Geoffrey was overtaken by Muzakkir. By mid-race, Irfan was once again far ahead of the troop with Farid at P2 and Muzakkir at P3. Geoffrey was at P4 trying to inch closer to Muzakkir. With two more laps to go, Irfan was 7.908s away from Farid. But Muzakkir who was trying to close the gaps with Farid succeeded before the final lap. Nevertheless, Farid did not give up, he overtook Muzakkir and sped ahead. Muzakkir began slowing down which gave Geoffrey the upper hand to move ahead into P3. By then, Irfan was on his way towards celebrating his double-win for the weekend clocking in at 19’46:542s. Commenting on his win, Irfan said, “It was an incredible race. Like yesterday, I was able to At second spot was Md Farid Hakimi of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team at 19’57:926s. Taking the third spot for the day was Geoffrey Reviven Emmanuel of Gusto Racing Team at 20’11:915. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Race 2, Round 1 of Malaysia Superbike Championship was held at the Sepang International Circuit today. Rakshith Dave of CRA Motorsports India bagged the weekend warrior trophy today in the MSBK250 B race category. Rakshith was steady in his position and managed his pace throughout the race. Behind him was Izrul and Huan Ni who tried to close the gaps but the Indian rider was in full control of his game as he led towards charting fastest in the race. Today was once again a good day for Rakshith who took the lead with Izrul and Huan Ni next in line. As the momentum picked up, Izrul picked up speed and overtook Rakshith before Huan Ni followed suit. Unfortunately, Izrul had a fall and Rakshith was back at the lead position. Huan Ni managed his pace behind him with Ezrix trying to close the gap. At the second last lap, Kuan Ni moved ahead of Rakshith for a moment before Rakshith took back his position. The Indian rider went on to complete the race first at 20’52:611s. Commenting on the race, Rakshith said, “It was a really good race although the start was that great. But I managed to put on a good fight to stay in the momentum. I thank my team and crew who have worked really hard for this weekend and I hope to achieve many more results like this and even better in time to come.” At second spot was He Kuan Ni of Lady Boss Racing Team at 20’53:833s. Md Nur Haikal of HJ Racing Team clocked in third at 21’03:022s. With the combined results, Rakshith celebrated the number one place followed by He Kuan Ni and Md Zakwan Anas Azizul at third place. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us
Race 2, Round 1 of Malaysia Superbike Championship was held at the Sepang International Circuit today. Cao Viet Nam of Vietnam celebrated victory in the Honda CBR250RR Challenge Cup. Cao Viet Nam was off to a good start and throughout the race, the competition was off his back as he began drawing a comfortable gap. Behind him, the fight was between Nguyen Duch Thanh and Firdaus Hamdan. However, Duch Thanh kept a good momentum throughout and finished the race second fastest with Firdaus behind him. Once again, Cao Viet Nam was off to a great start today. Haziq Hamdan stayed close behind. By the end of lap 2, Duch Thanh was ahead of Firdaus but the duo remained poised in their positions. While Viet Nam went on with his pace, the battle was on-going between Duch Thanh, Haziq and Firdaus for the top three positions. By the end of lap 5, Haziq overtook Duch Thanh. With two more laps to go, Firdaus pushed really hard and finally overtook Haziq. Viet Nam went on to complete the race at 20’21:555s. Commenting on the race, Cao Viet Nam said, “I guess this place is good for me to win. It serves as a great platform for me to train for ARRC. The weather has been good as well and there was no distraction or obstruction throughout. I am grateful for today.” In second place was Firdaus, logging in at 20’46:420s. At third spot was Haziq at 20’46:619s. With both the races combined, Cao Viet Nam takes the win followed by Md Firdaus Hamdan at second place and Nguyen Duch Thanh at third place. Catch up latest news at malaysiasbk.com. Chat with us