IRFAN’S STUNNING VICTORY
Irfan Ardiansyah of NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM produced a sensational final-lap comeback to snatch victory in Race 2 of the MSBK250 A category during Round 2 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship 2026 at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, emerging victorious from a dramatic three-way battle.
The race began with a brilliant start from Md Irfan Haykhal Amidi of MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA, who immediately launched into the lead ahead of Nguyen Huu Tri of HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM and Irfan Ardiansyah of NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM. Muhd Akif Abdullah of MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA and Muhd Haziq Muhd Fairues of OSAMA RACING TEAM completed the early leading group.
Haykhal quickly settled into his rhythm, but Irfan remained firmly attached to his rear wheel, with the gap between the two separated by just 0.085s on Lap 2. Behind them, Huu Tri and Haziq engaged in their own battle for third place, while Ahmad Afif Amran of RAPIDO YAMAHA FIVEZERO RACING TEAM began his charge after moving ahead of Akif.
The intensity increased as Huu Tri set the fastest lap of the race on Lap 3 with a time of 2’25.563s, while Haykhal and Irfan continued their battle at the front. However, drama struck when Akif crashed out of contention, ending his race prematurely.
By Lap 5, the leading trio of Haykhal, Irfan and Huu Tri had closed up, with just 0.440s separating them. Afif then made his move, overtaking Huu Tri to join the fight for the podium, while Nazirul Izzat Muhd Bahauddin of TEAM ACR climbed into the top five.
The final laps saw Haykhal maintained the lead, but Irfan began searching for an opportunity, while Afif stayed within striking distance waiting for his chance. Entering the final lap, Irfan made his move at Turn 1 to take the lead from Haykhal, with Afif also advancing into third after overtaking Huu Tri.
Haykhal responded immediately, reclaiming the lead as the trio charged towards the finish line. Afif attempted a final attack at the last corner but ran wide, allowing Irfan to regain the advantage and power across the line first in 19’35.995s.
Haykhal secured second place just 0.293s behind the winner with a time of 19’36.288s, while Afif completed the podium in third after another impressive performance, finishing at 19’36.514s.
Irfan commented, “From the very beginning, I focused on maintaining my race pace and staying consistent throughout the race. I knew the key was to stay calm, avoid unnecessary risks and save my strongest push for the final lap. When the opportunity came, I trusted my feeling, made my move and fought until the very last corner. It was an incredible battle because everyone was pushing at the limit, but I believed in my strategy and never gave up.
“I’m extremely grateful to my team and all my mechanics for their endless hard work, support and confidence in me. They have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to give me a competitive bike, and this victory is a result of everyone’s effort. Standing on the top step after such a close race makes this moment even more special, and I hope we can continue this momentum for the rest of the season.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2
1. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM (19’35.995s)
2. MD IRFAN HAYKHAL AMIDI – HRM MOTUL RACING TEAM (19’36.288s)
3. AHMAD AFIF AMRAN – RAPIDO YAMAHA FIVEZERO RACING TEAM (19’36.514s)
4. NGUYEN HUU TRI – HONDA RACING VIETNAM (19’36.759s)
5. NAZIRUL IZZAT MUHD BAHAUDDIN – TEAM ACR (19’49.767s)