EXCITEMENT AWAITS
The Berjaya Sompo YAMAHA Y16ZR Race MasterClass is back for another season of action and it is all happening this weekend at the Sepang International Circuit.
The race category was incepted last season with the ambition of developing riders with exceptional qualities and abilities in motorcycle racing. These riders were handpicked from the PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix Championship. Last season, 30 riders participated in the race category with Md Fareez Afeez of SINGDECA RACING taking lead as the overall champion followed by Md Aliff Danial of SOON CHYE and Arash Tsunami of XL MOTOR.
This season, 32 riders from the One-Make to CP125 race categories have been selected to showcase their strengths in MSBK aboard the YAMAHA Y16ZR machine. The inclusion of riders from various range of race categories will provide an added value to these riders in the development of their mastery as they progress further within motorsports.
Commenting on the championship, Md Syamil Amsyar who was formerly a rider in the Wira KBS race category in 2022 and currently in the CP125 race category said, “The goal for me with MSBK would be to enhance my abilities while being challenged by the likes of other skilled riders. I did take part in the race category last season but I did not push myself as I was still learning the ropes. But this season, my aim would be to put on a good fight so that I stand a chance to be on the podium. The Y16ZR is not very different from the machine in Cub Prix. There is only a slight difference in terms of the height and the gearing system. Apart from that, it is pretty much the same. For the preparation, it would be similar to the ones that I do for the other championship. I do a lot of fitness and motor training. My team has been helping me with the right knowledge needed to ensure that my riding techniques match the needs of the race category. The long-term goal with MSBK would be to find my way into the MSBK250 race category in the next three years. Keeping my fingers crossed that I would be able to make progress in motorsports as much as I can.”
Another experienced rider who was a former champion in Wira KBS race category, Aliff Danial said, “MSBK is unique in a way that it is a platform that could fast-track riders into the Asia Road Racing Championship. That is my goal for the time being. For that to happen, I have to maintain my performance like last season and continue to make further improvements. This race category has definitely helped me in various ways especially in the development of my skills when riding alongside senior riders on a much larger circuit. Currently, the preparations are sufficient for the coming race. The team has also helped me especially in providing training. I have also picked up a lot of insights from the senior riders. So, I truly hope that I would be able to ride competitively with the riders this season. The entry list looks interesting and I foresee a much challenging season but again, I believe the experience it worthwhile.”
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