As the 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) season draws near, Md Akid Aziz of the PitsBike OneWay JRT Tech2 Racing Team is preparing for another shot at the championship. Coming off a strong 2024 season where he was a frontrunner in the UB150 category, Akid was on track to claim the title, only for an unfortunate crash to derail his chances. Despite finishing second overall, Akid’s drive to win is stronger than ever as he sets his sights on the upcoming season.
With less than two months left before the season opener, Akid is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation, ensuring he is physically and mentally ready to fight for the top spot. We caught up with the talented rider to get his thoughts on his preparation, goals, and the challenges ahead.
Akid shared that his approach to preparing for the 2025 season is focused on maintaining consistency in both his physical training and mental toughness. “We’re just less than two months away from the start of the season, so it’s all about staying consistent with my training,” Akid said. “I’ve been working on both my physical fitness and my mental focus, because I know it’s not just about speed—it’s about having the right mindset to handle every situation. I need to ensure that I’m fully prepared for the challenge ahead and stay competitive from the very first race. The goal is to be ready to fight for the championship right from the start.”
The 2024 season didn’t end the way Akid had hoped, with a crash that prevented him from claiming the title. However, he views the experience as an important learning opportunity. “Heading into this new season, motivation is going to be one of the key factors in determining our success,” Akid explained. “The 2024 season didn’t end the way I had hoped, and that was a tough pill to swallow. But I’ve used that frustration as fuel. Every setback is an opportunity to learn, and as riders, we always grow from those experiences. I’ve been working closely with my team to analyze every detail from last season, refining our strategy and making sure we don’t repeat the same mistakes. The key now is to turn that frustration into something positive and come back stronger than ever.”
The off-season has also been a time of upgrades for the PitsBike OneWay JRT Tech2 Racing Team. Akid’s team has been working hard to refine the bike’s setup based on data collected during the previous season. “Over the winter, we’ve collected a lot of valuable data, and we’ve been focusing on improving every area where we found weaknesses last season,” he said. “There are a few new changes in our bike setup, and we’ve added some new upgrade items to address any deficiencies. We’ve made sure that the bike is more tuned to my riding style, which will give me an edge in terms of consistency and performance on the track.”
As Akid looks ahead to the 2025 season, he’s excited about the fierce competition that the UB150 class promises. “I’m really excited for the 2025 season,” Akid said. “There’s always something thrilling about the ARRC, but what excites me the most is the fierce competition. The level of racing in the UB150 category is incredibly high, and it’s always a spectacle to see how different teams and riders adapt to the challenges they face. The battles on track are something I always look forward to, and it’s those moments that really push me to do my best.”
Setting clear goals for the upcoming season, Akid is focused on continuous improvement and consistency. “For this new season, my goal is to continuously improve and stay adaptable to any challenges that come my way,” he said. “I know that consistency will be key, so I want to focus on being consistent in all areas—whether that’s in my performance on the track, my approach to each race, or my mindset throughout the season. Staying motivated and pushing through difficult moments is going to be crucial for me. I also want to maintain a balance between competitiveness and sportsmanship—winning is important, but so is showing respect for my competitors and the sport itself.”
Looking at the challenges ahead, Akid recognizes that the UB150 category is packed with strong competitors. However, his experience and ability to handle pressure give him confidence as he prepares for battle. “Every rider and every team in the UB150 class is going to be tough to beat,” Akid said. “The competition is incredibly strong, and we all know that it will be a battle every race. But I think one of my advantages is my experience with adapting to new environments and staying calm under pressure. I’ve been in those high-stakes moments before, and I know how to handle the stress and use it to my advantage. If I can stay focused, keep my composure, and leverage everything I’ve learned over the years, I can turn challenges into opportunities and hopefully give myself the best chance to win.”