Malaysian rider Mohd Akid Aziz entered the ARRC history books as the first Underbone 150cc Champion. Needing only two more points to secure his position, the UMA Racing Yamaha Maju Motor rider rode a safe Race 2 and did just enough to pick up his first international title.
The race got off with Anggi Setiawan of Yamaha Yamalube KYT TJM Racetech leading the group across the finish line on Lap 1. However, the usual lead-swapping that is characteristic of underbone racing brought UMA Racing wildcard Paitoon Nakthong up to the front of the group on Lap 2 and Lap 3.
The lead then went to Azroy Hakeem Anuar (Yuzy Honda Vietnam Racing Team) on Lap 4. Mohd Helmi Azman (ONEXOX TKKR Racing) took the reins on Lap 5 but lost the position Anggi on Lap 6. Mohd Izzat Zaidi (RCB Kage Motobatt Yamaha YY Pang Racing) popped into the front on Lap 7 but crashed out of the race on that final lap.
The jostling and skirmishing continued as the riders headed home for the chequered flag. Azroy Hakeem Anuar was the first to break out of the slipstream and shot into first place in 16’46.680s. Defending champion Wahyu Aji Trilaksana followed in second place with 16’46.786s while Mohd Helmi Azman was third across the line in 16’46.859s.
With 177 points in his pockets, Akid became the first Malaysian since 2009 to win the Underbone title in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. The last Malaysian rider to break the Indonesian domination was Mohd Affendi Rosli.
Defending champion Wahyu Aji Trilaksana dropped to second overall with 165 points while Akid’s team mate Mohd Haziq Mohd Fairues ended the season in third with 141 points.