Category: Circuit Racing

The battle between Malaysia’s Super KIP and Thailand’s Chip Nakarin was evident in Round 1 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Taking their turns to flex their muscles and dominate the circuit with their well-rounded expertise, the season foresees exciting scenes as they go on full-throttle to conquer.

Circumstances may not have been favourable to KIP in last season but this year is all about making up for the loss, and he flew to a great start. His flawless lap time consequently his win in Race 1, may not have come as a surprise but for Chip, it was about learning his contender’s moves and using his home-ground circuit to his advantage to strike back in Race 2. With HONDA RACING THAILAND and BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM gloating upon equal points, the next challenge would be the drive to dominate the chart.

Commenting on the Round 1, Chip said, “There are differences in our riding styles and tactics. Riding alongside my rivals help me understand that better and be more aware. That is important as it helps me adapt to the situation throughout the race. Round 1 was an incredible race. Of course, apart from the rivalry, it was also the heat however that’s the challenge we have to overcome.”

As for KIP, he said, “Last year was a struggle for me as I was out of the racing scene for about a year prior to that. So, while I took time to gain back the confidence and pick up on my riding abilities, it helped me project the possibilities clearer. Race 1 was an ultimate boost to get back into the momentum. Now, it is all about being ahead and fighting from here on.”

Sepang circuit will definitely be an added advantage for Khairul however Nakarin seemed to have upped his game this season and is in to take up the forthcoming hurdles ahead. The Honda riders may have the machines for speed but what fuels excitement into the game is the amalgamation of engine capacities with manoeuvring techniques.

Khairul said, “I love Sepang circuit. It is my home-ground and I have celebrated many success stories there. Nevertheless, key to the success is also the condition of the machine. As such, team work is crucial as they are the backbone to the development of a machine that is near perfect for the race.”

As for Nakarin, he said, “The motivation in Sepang would be to have Thailand flag on the podium, preferably on the top spot which is not going to be easy. Riding there would require the skill in braking at the corners and a proper riding plan. I lack skills when cornering hence need more work on that. Furthermore, with Malaysian riders on the circuit ground, it is bound to get fiery!”

The Underbone 150cc race category of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship has always been an intriguing ride especially with highly driven Asian riders in long lines, fighting to catch up in a bid to bag the limelight. Wawan Wello of PitsBike JRT Tech 2 OneWay Racing Team has showcased excellent showmanship in Round 1 and will return for greater challenges in Round 2 at Sepang International Circuit.

The 25-year-old Indonesian rider is not a stranger in his homeland and has a huge database of fans and followers. That is undeniably an attribution to his successes in the motorcycle racing scene. Wawan made his debut in ARRC in year 2018 in the last two rounds before coming back for more in
year 2019 where he made it second on the podium three times. It was not an easy year for him especially with technical issues surrounding his machine nevertheless, he put on quite a show and landed himself 7 th overall. Coming back this season after a long-hiatus on his end is a big move and despite that, Wawan has already made waves on the circuit.

“I am quite happy and satisfied with my achievements and the team work in Round 1, more so since I have not raced in the Asian racing scene for over 2 years. My experiences in the years before have definitely been a huge guide in helping me with my riding abilities. The machines in the UB150 race category are almost similar in power and capacities hence practicing on my skills are important to make the cut.”

Wawan was fiery in Round 1 where he took lead in most laps. His ability to withstand the pressure trailing him kept him grounded with a steady pace. Commenting on the ride, Wawan said, “This category paves a winning pathway for all riders. Key to this category would be finding the right
rhythm that would provide consistency throughout the ride. Consistency can only be achieved if mistakes are minimised.”

“The machines in the category are fine-tuned to achieve its maximum capacity. The mechanics are excellent in providing a setup that would work for the circuit. As a rider, my job is to up my performances, aligned with the performances of the machine. For the race at Sepang, I would have to get adapted to the setup of the machine as quick as possible so that I can make my way to the podium.”

Round 2 of PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix Championship saw the highlight of today’s race at Dataran Seri Jempol. Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin presented a victorious moment to PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Maju Motor with his win in the CP150 race category.
 
Earlier this morning, fans of Cub Prix were treated to the Super Pole session who witnessed the spectacular speed drawn by Kasma marking his fastest at 43’948s. Azroy Hakeem Anuar of Honda Yuzy Estremo Team came in second at 44’135s while Md Haziq Md Fairues of PETRONAS Sprinta
Yamaha Maju Motor made his fastest at 44’177s.
 
Luck was not on their side when Afif and Nazirul took a fall, seconds into the race. This provided the opportunity for Akid to race ahead of the troop and into P1. Akid went on, in control of the circuit for a few laps before Kasma initiated his move to strike. By the sixth lap, Kasma succeeded and
overtook Akid. Throughout the race, Kasma grounded himself firmly at P1.
 
At P2, Akid was threatened by Azroy. Nevertheless, Akid went on at P2 before finally succumbing to Azroy in the 16th lap. During that time, Kasma was boldly striding ahead with a consistent pace at P1. He gradually increased his speed and left a reasonably good lap to avoid pressure from the rider at P2. At the end of the 18th lap, Azroy, unable to maintain his momentum, was struck by Akid.
 
At the last lap, the gap between Kasma and Akid became wider and Akid lost his chances to move forward. Kasma celebrated his first victory for Season 2023 when he clocked in at 14’53:692s.
 
Commenting on the race, Kasma said, “During the race earlier, I was a little late and was left out. Adding on to the strain was the heat and I felt like the power being drained off. During that time, I tried to overtake while also retaining my racing line. Akid had the upperhand in terms of top speed therefore, I tried my best to maintain my momentum, focusing on cornering-to-cornering.”
 
“The weather was extremely hot and the tires of the other riders too were affected. We only tried to do our best, played safe to avoid any fall. I am truly grateful for the win.”
 
The second spot on the podium went to Md Akid Aziz of PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha – CKJ Racing at 14’54:099s.
 
Azroy Hakeem Anuar of Honda Yuzy Estremo Team took third place at 14’54:892s.

In the CP125 category, Md Khairi Ashraf Mahmood of Jetron Yamaha YYPang Racing Team took control of Dataran Seri Jempol with a win to his name.
 
In the Shoot Out Session earlier this morning, Md Aiman Tahiruddin of PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha – CKJ Racing team marked the fastest lap time at 46’430s followed by Md Khairi Ashraf Mahmood of Jetron Yamaha YYPang Racing Team at 46’435s and Md Irfan Haykal Amidi of Bad Lab Honda KC Racing at 46’539s.
 
As soon as the race flagged off, Aiman took speed ahead of the troop, preventing other riders from making a slide ahead of him at the first turn. Nevertheless, the heated battle between the riders of CP125 picked up into the first few laps and saw the exchange of position between them with the
more apparent exchange between Aiman and Firdaus. During that time, Irfan Haykal was finding the right moment to strike at P3.
 
With two more laps to go, a casualty occurred and the three leading riders took a fall. That gave Khairi Ashraf who was in P4 the opportunity to strike. Adie Putra who was at P5 immediately switched to P2. At the last lap, Khairi fled ahead to the finish line clocking in at 11’51:548s. Adie however who was at P2 was superseded by Shafiq Ezzariq who ended the race at P2.
 
Commenting on the race, Khairi said, “I am thankful to my team for the right setup of the machine. In the beginning, it was quite a tough fight especially with riders of such great calibre. Nevertheless, the opportunity opened up for me when the three riders ahead of me had a fall. I immediately raced ahead and completed the race at P1.”
 
The second spot on the podium went to his teammate, Md Syafiq Ezzariq Saiful Nizam who logged in his best at 11’53:687s.
 
Md Adie Putra Sukarno of PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Maju Motor took the third place, clocking in at 11’54:139s.
 
Meanwhile, in the Wira KBS category, Emil Idzhar Ezuan cheered his team Yamaha Estremo 27 Racing further with a win.
 
Emil began the race at the pole position. However, at the end of the first lap, Emil was overtaken by Adib Arsyad who was then superseded by Adib Hareez at the end of lap 2. Meanwhile, Amirun Haziq who was at P5 in the beginning of the race gave his best shot and moved up to P2 at the end of lap 6.

Mid race, Amirun put pressure upon Adib Hareez who was ahead of him and took over P1. Nevertheless, Amirun could not retain his position when Emil snatched P1 who then went on to continue the race. Towards the last few laps, Emil guarded his position well and although he was relentlessly pursued by Adib Hareez, Emil concluded the race first at 9’42:132s.
 
Commenting on the race, Emil said, “I am thankful to my parents and team for the hard work this weekend. In the beginning, I felt a little left out and could not find my pace. However, towards the end of the race, I managed to catch up with my speed and better momentum.”
 
The second spot on the podium went to Adib Hareez Hazwat of Bad Lab Honda KC Racing, logging in at 9’42:488s.
 
Ahmad Iqram Danish Ahmad Ghazali of Yamaha Estremo 27 Racing took the third spot, clocking in at 9’43:912s.

Azroy Hakeem Anuar of Honda Yuzy Idemitsu made the fastest during the qualifying session of Round 5, PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix Championship which was held at Jempol Circuit.

The CP150 rider put on a good show at the circuit. PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix Championship made its comeback at the circuit after a two-long-year hiatus and Azroy grabbed the chance at marking his territory with a new lap time, clocking in at 44.119s.

Despite the scorching hot weather at Jempol, Azroy was full-on, taking charge of the circuit while making the best of the laps. Azroy is now positioned fifth overall after he scored the fourth spot in Round four with a total of 42 points.

Azroy however crashed before the chequered flag was raised.

The second fastest spot belongs to Md Izzat Zaidi Md Salehan of PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha – CKJ Racing team, clocking in at 44.130s.

Md Haziq Md Fairues of PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Maju Motor logged in third fastest with 44.336s.

For the CP125 category, Md Haziq Md Hamdan of Honda KC Racing took the fastest spot in the qualifying session.

Haziq who sits at the sixth position overall showcased his skills at the Jempol circuit when he hit the fastest, clocking in at 46.681s.

In the last round, he took the second spot which was also his first win on the podium.

Meanwhile, in the Wira KBS category, Md Danish Aiman Zamrul of PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha – 31 Racing once again made the fastest in the qualifying session.

Danish displayed confidence at the Jempol circuit although he did not possess any experience on the circuit. His confidence has certainly been boosted since his win in Round 4.

Throughout the qualifying session, Danish maneuvered his machine skillfully in the technical circuit and succeeded in maintaining his speed. He clocked in at 47.598s.

Coming in second and third were his teammates. Md Syamil Amsyar Md Iffende logged in second fastest at 47.714s while Md Adam Haikal Jahar made the third fastest at 47.726s.