PERFECT DOUBLE FOR IRFAN
Race 2 of the MSBK250 A category in Round 1 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit delivered another dramatic showdown, as Irfan Ardiansyah of NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM secured a sensational double victory after a last-corner battle with Md Irfan Haykhal Amidi of MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA.
At the start, Haykhal launched perfectly to take the holeshot, with Irfan slotting into second ahead of Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin of TEAM ACR and Muhd Akif Abdullah. The race was immediately reduced when Allwin Xavier of RACR CASTROL POWER1 crashed out in the early stages.
By Lap 2, Haykhal controlled the pace at the front, but Irfan stayed firmly attached to his rear wheel, never allowing a gap to form. Behind them, a tight three-way fight developed for third between Nazirul, Nguyen Huu Tri of HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM, and Akif, all fighting within striking distance.
On Lap 3, Haykhal set the fastest lap of 2’26.223s in an attempt to break away, but Irfan responded immediately, matching the pace and keeping the pressure alive. The leading pair began to edge clear, building a small gap of around three seconds over the chasing group, where the battle for the final podium spot intensified.
Lap 5 saw Nazirul briefly move into third, but Huu Tri and Akif refused to let go, staying close and constantly attacking. Up front, the momentum shifted on Lap 6 when Irfan made his move to take the lead, forcing Haykhal into chase mode.
The final lap delivered maximum drama. Irfan defended strongly through the opening sectors, while Haykhal waited for his moment. At the final corner, Haykhal attempted a bold move and briefly edged ahead, but ran wide on exit, allowing Irfan to cut back underneath in a perfectly timed counter.
In a drag to the line, Irfan Ardiansyah crossed first in 19’43.732s, just 0.106s ahead of Md Irfan Haykhal Amidi. Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin completed the podium in 19’48.238s, ahead of Nguyen Huu Tri and Muhd Akif Abdullah after an intense fight for third.
Irfan commented, “I just focused during the race. When I overtook, I focused on maintaining my position. On the last lap, I just went full gas. I didn’t know if someone would overtake me, so I pushed as hard as I could until the end.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2
1. IRFAN ARDIANSYAH – NWN CZ1 SCK RACING TEAM (19’43.732s)
2. MD IRFAN HAYKHAL AMIDI – MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (19’43.838s)
3. NAZIRUL IZZAT MD BAHAUDDIN – TEAM ACR (19’48.238s)
4. NGUYEN HUU TRI – HONDA RACING VIETNAM TEAM (19’48.285s)
5. MUHD AKIF ABDULLAH – MOTUL HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (19’48.486s)