NAKARIN CLAIMS MSBK1000 TITLE IN STYLE
Round 4 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship unfolded at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, with Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA RACING THAILAND securing a commanding victory in Race 1. His stellar performance not only earned him the race win but also crowned him the 2024 MSBK1000 A champion.
The day began with an intense qualifying session that saw Azroy Hakeem Anuar of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM clock the fastest lap at 2’06:770s. Lachlan Epis of SAVITAR ESG ASIA followed closely with a time of 2’06:776s, while Nakarin posted the third-best lap at 2’06:854s.
As Race 1 got underway, the lead changed hands multiple times in the opening laps before Nakarin established his dominance. The Thai rider took control ahead of a trio of Malaysian contenders, including Azroy, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of HORIZON RACING TEAM, and Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of YAMAHA TEKHNE RACING TEAM ASIA.
Nakarin set the fastest lap of the race on Lap 3 with a blistering time of 2’06:732s, reaching an impressive top speed of 288.8 km/h. Despite mounting pressure from the Malaysian riders behind him, Nakarin held his composure, maintaining a consistent pace to lead the race from start to finish.
Crossing the line with a time of 17’02:770s, Nakarin secured the win and sealed the MSBK1000 A title with an unassailable points tally. Azroy finished just 1.177 seconds behind at 17’03:947s, followed by Azlan in third place at 17’04:145s.
Nakarin said: “It was an amazing race and an incredible result! This has been a really good season in MSBK. I’m proud to have clinched the championship early, and I’ll give my best again in Race 2 tomorrow. A big thank you to my team for their support throughout the season.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1
1. Nakarin Atiratphuvaphat – HONDA RACING THAILAND (17’02:770s)
2. Azroy Hakeem Anuar – BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM (17’03:947s)
3. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman – HORIZON RACING TEAM (17’04:145s)
4. Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin – YAMAHA TEKHNE RACING TEAM ASIA (17’04:372s)
5. Lechlan Epis – SAVITAR ESG ASIA (17’22:125s)