IT GETS BETTER AT SEPANG!

Round 1 of The Malaysia Superbike Championship is coming soon with a brand-new season this weekend. Waiting to make the most of the season are riders of the MSBK1000 A and MSBK1000 B, all geared up to heat up the grounds of the Sepang International Circuit.

It was a momentous celebration for Kasma Daniel Kasmayuddin of Yamaha Gen Blu Racing Team Asean last season who went on a winning streak, bagging five wins and two podium-finishes. He emulated his successes in 2022 and defended his championship with excellent showmanship before once again rising above the challenge to defeat the troop of super bikers with a total of 172 points that rewarded him “champion” once again. His closest contender back then, two years in a row was Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of Horizon Racing Team who pushed himself beyond the limits to tackle his opponent nevertheless, Kasma who is known to be territorial did not budge, leaving Azlan with no choice but to settle at second spot overall. At the third spot overall was Azroy Hakeem Anuar of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team who in his debut season not only flaunted his moves after graduating from the MSBK600 race category but also made quite an impression with his performances. He was seen battling neck-to-neck with his opponents however, his absence in three races could only place him third.

Commenting on the race, Azroy said, “The biggest challenge for me would be handling the 1000cc machine which requires more strength and physical endurance. While I have had quite the experience last season, I still find it challenging and I know that I need to do more to improve further. The Honda machine has always been a good one and I have always been confident with its performances. Of course, with strong opponents, I am able to get more knowledge and experience to navigate better. This season, we will be riding alongside big names from ARRC but I want to be the best among the best for sure. Furthermore, Sepang circuit is like home to me therefore, I am determined to give my best and make it big!”

The MSBK1000 B saw the rise of Md Amir Izzat Rozali of Horizon Racing Team taking a strong stance with five wins throughout the season including a triple victory in Round 3. At second and third was Chen Hsuan Ming of Dream Team and Khoo Chee Yen of Mobilub Suzuki Racing Team. This season will see the inclusion of riders from Chinese Taipei and Singapore alongside existing and new Malaysian riders.

Commenting on the season, Tee Wee Jin who has been in the scene for a number of years now said, “My challenge with this championship has always been about achieving better results and keeping up with the troop ahead of me. The MSBK is not new for me of course, the entry list has always been a challenging factor for me as most of them are professional riders who have soared to greater heights locally and internationally. For us and those who are from the satellite team, to compete with the factory team in MSBK is never an easy feat but I take all possibilities into account and am encouraged further to learn closely from these professional riders. My aim of course is to perform at 100% and to

make a comeback like winning in the good old days. My machine is a GSXR1000 RR 2021 model prepared by James Racing Japan and currently, it is well equipped with new technology which I believe would help me perform better. Fingers crossed! Sepang has been a great track. I have been racing for many years now and still never got bored.”