2019

NEW UB150 LAP RECORD BY AKID AZIZ

2019, 2019 Round3, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

Mohd Akid Aziz smashed the Underbone 150cc lap record at the Chang International Circuit by 0.024s to take provisional pole ahead of the UB150 SuperPole on Saturday morning. The UMA Racing Yamaha Maju Motor Asia Team rider went from fifth on the combined free practice results to first in the qualifying session with 1’59.974s. Akid’s blistering pace has effectively erased Wawan Wello’s 2018 record (1’59.998s). Akid was also the only rider among the 30-man grid to lap below two minutes. After a morning dominated by the Yamaha riders, Mohd Amirul Ariff Musa came out strong in the qualifier. The Yuzy Honda Racing rider posted 2’00.730s to clinch the second quickest time of the day. Indonesia’s Richard Taroreh, representing team Pro-Liner 549 Kaboci Racing Team this season, was third with 2’00.732s. Behind the three leaders, nine riders found themselves lapping within the same minute. The sole Thai rider on the grid, Peerapong Luiboonpeng clocked fourth fastest with 2’01.036s followed by his Team One For All team mate Mohd Affendi Rosli with 2’01.160s. Championship leader McKinley Kyle Paz will need to up his pace if he were to retain any hopes of keeping the championship lead. McKinley clocked 13th quickest with 2’02.089s, a full two seconds behind pace-setter Akid.

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SEPANG INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT AND TWO WHEELS MOTOR RACING JOIN FORCES TO HOST 2019 MALAYSIA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP

2019, Latest News /

SEPANG, 28 May 2019– In an effort to raise the level of competition and overall series promotion, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and Two Wheels Motor Racing (TWMR) have ventured into a collaboration to organise the Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) beginning with the 2019 season. TWMR is an established body that has vast experience in organising motorcycle race series, notably the Malaysia Cub Prix series and the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). The Cub Prix series was inaugurated in 1994 as a means for budding talents to race competitively using underbone motorcycles with smaller displacements on the national level. TWMR has stepped in to organise and promote the event since 1996. The ARRC, started in 1996, is a regional championship that aims to bridge the gap to the world championship with competitions involving classes of ASB 1000, Supersport 600cc, Asia Production 250cc class and also an underbone class. “This is exciting times for us as we have a very experienced partner to run the MSBK with us,” said SIC Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Razlan Razali. The collaboration to organise the MSBK will be for five (5) years beginning June 2019.  The Malaysia Cub Prix and the ARRC have proven to be a good stepping-stone and grassroots programmes for riders in Malaysia and the Asian region as they make their way into the world championship. Among notable riders that have come out from the championships to race on the world stage are Malaysians Shahrol Yuzy, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, Khairul Idham Pawi and Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah, Ratthapark Wilairot (Thailand), Chris Vermeulen (Australia) and most recently Somkiat Chantra, Dimas Ekky Pratama, Kaito Toba and Kazuki Masaki. Dato’ Razlan added that the collaboration would further cement the MSBK’s status as one of the top national championships in the country. “We don’t claim to be the best in being a series promoter nor sentimental for holding on to MSBK (formerly known as MSS) since it was created in 2001. In the interest of Malaysian Motorsports, we rather that an entity such as TWMR with great experience in promoting series to take it over and collaborate with SIC to ensure that MSBK remains relevant and continues to contribute to the development of Malaysian Motorsports and complement other series such as Malaysian Cub Prix and Asia Road Racing Championship. We are hoping that with the expertise under TWMR’s umbrella, the MSBK will become a much better and more competitive and overall as an exciting and reputable event for spectators at the circuit – not only in Malaysia but also recognised as the best in the region,” said Dato’ Razlan. “TWMR has the experience of running a high-level regional championship that has seen many riders make it into the world championship and SIC – in line with our aim to produce talents – would like to continue with this trend. “We want the MSBK to grow bigger from what we had experienced before. In the last edition of the MSBK, we had 418 participants putting their best on the track and we hope for the numbers to grow even bigger from now on.” “On behalf of TWMR, our objective is to help create a platform where Malaysian riders can be groomed further before they leave for the higher regional or international level championships,” added Ron Hogg, Director of Two Wheels Motor Racing. “The MSBK can also be utilized as a hub for other Asian riders to hone their skills prior to their international debut.” “In the first year of the collaboration, TWMR will maintain the classes available in the MSBK but the Superbike and Superstock classes will be merged into a single race. We had thought about removing the Superbike class this year, but to be fair to the competitors who have already prepared for the 2019 season, we decided to postpone the decision.” “The future direction will be to have it as a single class with possible A & B sub-divisions to increase the competition level and following the direction of most championships in the world for this category. The Supersports A & B as well as the 250 A & B classes will remain at status quo. The technical regulations for the class will be similar to the ARRC regs,” Ron concluded. The 2019 MSBK will run for four rounds, kicking off on 14-16 June together with the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (ATC) that will join as the support race and the season ends with double header MSBK Round 4 and 5 on Nov 8-10.   Race calendar   Round 1 (14 – 16 June 2019) – support race Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (ATC) Round 2 (26-28 July 2019) Round 3 (20-22 Sept 2019) – support race Asia Road Racing Championsip (ARRC) Round 4 (8-10 Nov 2019)   For more information, please contact SIC National Press Officer Nor Lina Ayob at norlina.ayob@sepangcircuit.com

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TJ AND ACCESS PLUS RACING READY FOR THE NEXT STEP FORWARD

2019, 2019 Round3, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

Access Plus Racing – Ducati Philippines – Essenza is ready to take the next step forward as the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship heads to the Chang International Circuit in Buriram for Round 3. The new Manila-based racing outfit has gotten their ARRC debut off to a good start, especially with young TJ Alberto at the helm. Come Buriram, TJ and his team mate Jonathan Serrapica will be hoping to convert the team’s pace into strong finishes. Since the last race meet at The Bend Motorsport Park, the team has poured a lot of effort into the development of their Ducati Panigale V4R. Unlike the previous legs where the team was hampered by a lack of data, TJ have at least had some experience at the Chang International Circuit, especially during the winter test at the end of 2018. Overall, the team’s outlook is very positive following improvements gained in Australia. With TJ now ranked 10th in the Asian series, the team looks ready for their next step forward. TJ Alberto, #77 Ducati: “The past few rounds have helped us clearly understand what is needed from the bike, technicians and riders to perform at their best. We were on the opposite end of the spectrum during the first round in Sepang and we have been learning after each race.” Toti Alberto, Team Principal: We’ve made strides as a team over the last few months. We now better understand the new Panigale V4R which we just received from Ducati Corsa right before the season began in Malaysia. Our progress so far have already allowed TJ and Jonathan to challenge for points and we’re looking forward to further improve on our results in Thailand.”

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4 RACES; 4 WINNERS; 4 MAKES

2019, 2019 Round3, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

Two rounds into the inaugural season of the ASB1000 class has yielded four winners on board four different makes in four separate races. Malaysians Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman and Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi fired the first salvo at the season opener in Sepang. Azlan piloted his brand new BMW to the win in Race 1 while Honda rider Zaqhwan stormed his way through a rain-drenched Sepang circuit to clinch the second win. In Australia, Kawasaki took their turn at the top of the podium through replacement rider Bryan Staring’s impeccable performance in Race 1. In Race 2, Broc Parkes lived up to his top billings when he took his Yamaha R1 to its first ARRC win. Broc, who is racing for the Yamaha Racing Team ASEAN in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, leads the ASB1000 class as they head to Round 3 at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand. The Yamaha stalwart holds a 21-point advantage over Zaqhwan Zaidi. Broc’s team mate, Yuki Ito has a strong track record at the Chang International Circuit and would be a threat to Zaqhwan’s position as he hunts for his first ASB1000 podium. After a strong start in Sepang, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman picked up two fifth places in Australia and has dropped down to fourth overall with 47 points. Kawasaki Thailand Racing Team’s replacement rider Bryan Staring came into the series with a bang. Bryan debut at fifth in the rankings with a win and a second place finish in Australia. The home team, Yamaha Thailand Racing Team, will be also be strategizing for a strong performance in Buriram. Over the past five years, the team had collected a whopping 32 podiums in Buriram. Apiwat Wongthananon and Ratthapong Wilairot will be under tremendous pressure to do well in front of their home fans. Amidst the big names, Ahmad Yudhistira has succeeded in bringing his near-standard Yamaha R1 to ninth overall in the standings while ARRC newcomer TJ Alberto from the Philippines maintained his position at tenth in the rankings.

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BRYAN GETS ANOTHER ‘STARRING’ ROLE IN BURIRAM

2019, 2019 Round3, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

Thanks to his incredible performance as a super-sub in the Australian round, Bryan Staring is back for another starring role in Buriram. With Thitipong Warokorn still in the recovery process to get back into racing form, it was only natural for the Kawasaki Thailand Racing Team to reach out to Bryan to fill the vacuum. The Australian rider won Race 1 at The Bend, and second in Race 2 – bringing home enough points to keep the Kawasaki Thailand Racing Team afloat at the top of the team standings.

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PEERAPONG AIMS FOR FIRST BURIRAM PODIUM

2019, 2019 Round3, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

Yamaha Thailand Racing Team rider Peerapong Boonlert will be a man on a mission at Round 3 of the 2019 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand. Peerapong holds a 51-point advantage after taking four consecutive wins in the first two rounds. However, the Thai rider is not one to rest on his laurels. His mission at the 4.5km Chang International Circuit, apart from continuing his winning momentum, will be to claim his first podium on home ground. For all the prowess that Peerapong had shown in the SS600 this year, the Thai rider have yet to enjoy a podium finish at the Chang International Circuit. All his previous successes had been picked up overseas.   Kasma, Adam Norrodin back on the grid Malaysian riders Kasma Daniel Kasmayuddin and Adam Norrodin will be looking to halt Peerapong’s rampage in the 600cc class. The two will be primed and ready for action after a stint in the CEV. Along with Astra Honda Racing Team’s Andi Farid Izdihar and Malaysian Honda riders Azroy Hakeem Anuar and Helmi Azman, the five riders could form a formidable wall around Peerapong’s ambitions.   The threat of Javier Orrellana Maloy Peerapong will also need to reckon with the potential threat posed by Javier Maloy. The Spaniard was a complete dark horse in Round 2. Absent for most of the practice session after crashing out and damaging his bike in the first practice, Javier stunned his rivals with a second place finish in Race 1. He was on course for a double podium in Race 2 but unfortunately crashed out of the competition.   Chinese wildcard – Ma Sai The Buriram round will also feature a Chinese wildcard – Ma Sai from the China Yamaha Maxpeedingrods Racing Team. The 29-year-old Chinese rider has been China’s ST600 champion for the past two years.

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THE CHALLENGE OF RACING DURING RAMADHAN

2019, 2019 Round3, Latest News /

For the Muslim riders in the Asia Road Racing Championship, Round 3 at the Chang International Circuit represents a special annual challenge – a race during the holy month of Ramadhan. This is a time when Muslims worldwide observe a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. Despite the challenges of the dawn-to-dusk fast, many of the Muslim riders in the ARRC have continued their training and physical conditioning in preparation for the third leg of the season. Among them, are the riders from the Yuzy Honda Racing Team who have intensified their training regime to emphasize on stamina and mental endurance. “Ramadhan is not an excuse to slack off. We need to ensure that our riders are fit enough to take the heat in Buriram when the races flag off,” said team principal Shahrol Yuzy. The Yuzy Honda Racing Team is active in the Underbone 150cc and the Asia Production 250cc.

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AP250 REV-OLUTIONS: THE BALANCING VARIOUS MOTORCYCLE CONCEPTS EXPLAINED

2019, 2019 Round3, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

A new regulation was introduced in the Asia Production 250cc class in 2019. The Balancing Various Motorcycle Concepts rule was created to equality among the competing motorcycles and balance the performances by adjusting the RPM limit. The equaliser rule will apply to the top five riders in the overall championship standings. The first equaliser, a 500rpm reduction to the rev limit, will be applied once any of the top four riders acquire a 25-point lead over the other competitors in the top five. The adjusted RPM limit will stay throughout the season or further adjusted if they are affected by the second or third equaliser. The second equaliser will come into play once a 50-points lead is acquired by the 1st to 4th rider over the other competitors in the top-5. Should a 75-point lead be achieved, a third equaliser will be applied. After two rounds, team Manual Tech KYT Kawasaki Racing’s Andy Muhammad Fadly and Aiki Iyoshi will be the first to achieve First Equaliser status. Fadly’s reduction was executed after Race 1 in Australia while Aiki’s will take effect from Round 3 onwards. The rev limit for each of the manufacturers/bike models are as follows:   Make/Model                           Max RPM Yamaha RS25                           14900 Kawasaki ZXR250                   14750 Honda CBR250RR                    14600

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UB150: WHO TO LOOK OUT FOR IN BURIRAM

2019, 2019 Round3, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

The Underbone 150 riders are gearing up to do battle once again after a break that had lasted for almost three months. At the season opener in Sepang, Filipino duo McKinley Kyle Paz and team mate Fernando Masato took the underbone racing world by storm when they bagged a win each to lead the class into Round 3. Together, the two riders delivered a dream start for debutant outfit, the UMA Racing Yamaha Philippine Team. The 4.554km Chang International Circuit was the venue where Kyle first stepped into the ARRC spotlight when he scored a third place podium finish as a wildcard in 2018. The Malaysian contingent would be raring for a chance to make up for a disappointing Round 1. Of the 30 riders scheduled to start the UB150 race in Thailand, 14 Malaysian riders make up almost half of the grid. Wily campaigner Mohd Affendi Rosli will be leading the troops. Affendi finished second and eighth in the first leg, enough to put a smile back on the face of Team One For All principal, Youichi Ui. The former MotoGP rider had had a bad start to the season when his team truck was stolen in Japan, along with almost all of his operational assets. Despite the challenges, the determined racing outfit was still able to put their best foot forward with Affendi managing a podium and Peerapong Luiboonpeng consistent among the top five. At the Chang International Circuit this coming week, Peerapong will be the only Thai rider in the Underbone class. While the anticipated battle between the Filipino and Malaysian riders take up the bulk of everyone’s attention, an Indonesian renaissance may be in the making in the Underbone class. Wawan Wello, now with the SND Factory Racing Rapido team, holds the lap record at the 4.5km Chang International Circuit. Wawan was the only rider to lap below the 2 minute mark last year. The time to beat, set by Wawan, is 1’59.998s. 2016 Underbone champion Wahyu Aji Trilaksana will also be looking to make an impact in Buriram. Wahyu secured an eleventh-hour slot with burgeoning team ONEXOX TKKR SAG Racing Team just days ahead of the season opener. Currently 10th in the standings, Wahyu will need to bring his A-game to the second round.

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THE UNDERBONES ARE BACK!

2019, 2019 Round3, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

The rough-and-tumble visual feast of sheer guts and adrenaline that is the Underbone 150cc racing is back! After a one-round hiatus in Australia, the 30-man UB150 grid will be joining the AP250, SS600 and ASB1000 classes as they head to the Chang International Circuit this May 31 to June 2 for Round 3. The first of two stops at Buriram this season will also feature the next generation of Thai talents through the inclusion of the Honda Thailand Talent Cup. In all, 83 riders representing 13 countries will be racing at the 4.5km Chang International Circuit for Round 3.

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