Underbone 150

It’s steaming up in the Underbone 150cc race category and its about to get explosive in the season finale of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Chang International Circuit this weekend. The bold and buffed riders are prepared to bulldoze anyone in their way, only with one mission in mind – to dominate the circuit ground. Only 1-point difference between Md Akid Aziz of PitsBike OneWay JRT Tech2 Racing Team and Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA Racing Team, the two riders shoulder massive pressure that is sure to keep mounting throughout the weekend. Between the duo, who would rise above the challenge? It’s quite unpredictable in the UB150 race category. Both riders are exceptional in their output although based on records, Fahmi may have the upper-hand at Chang circuit considering his win during the season opener. But having said that, Akid has the advantage in adaptability based on his four-podium finish on different circuit grounds. Beyond that, all the other riders are equally competitive which makes the race quite unpredictable. Akid said, “Every race comes with its own set of pressures especially the UB150. The competition is fierce. But I have trained hard and am focused on my strategies so while I still am nervous, I also see it as a motivation. With just 1-point difference, there is no time to lose. I need to be consistent throughout and also take calculated risks especially on the last lap on the last turn. That is my biggest concern actually. One mistake and it would cause a major crash. It’s not going to be an easy ride for sure. Winning the title before gives me the experience I need but ARRC is ever evolving. This season, there has been tremendous advancement overall which requires me adapt quickly. My winning strategy though is a combination of preparation, adaptability and teamwork. It is not just myself but the entire team has to be on the same page with one mind-set.” As for Fahmi, he said, “With a gap of 1 point difference, it is not going to be an easy ride. Of course, I will try to stay calm so that I can be more focused. In my opinion, the top four riders will be tough competitors. Having said that, there is no room for me to be complacent. These are only temporary results which will change very quickly if I don’t perform. As for the machine, I will leave it to the team. The mechanics know best on working out the setup. We will analyse data from round 1 and see how best we can elevate its performance for the finale. The challenge in the UB150 is being consistent from the start till the end. Everyone wants to be the champion therefore everyone is always pushing beyond their limits to stay at the front. So, staying ahead of everyone is considered the number one challenge. Chang circuit is a good one but the last turn on the final lap will be the crucial point.” The top two duo aside, Adytya Fauzi of RACETECH SIXTY Racing Team and Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team are both climbing up the ladder quite swiftly. If not for his injury, Nazirul would have certainly been able to defend his championship better but again, racing is not just about prowess and more often, luck has its way of pulling it tricks. Adytya on the other hand may just be a debutante but lucky for him, his victory on the podium twice has given him the upper-hand to sustain the pressure and load from his contenders while keeping himself contained at the third spot overall. Between slip-streams and aggressive attempts from the riders, particularly at the last turn on the final lap is what determines the twist of fate for the riders. Among the four riders, managing that predictable scenario and rarely, stripping away from the forces of slip-stream may be an effective move but not always easily achievable. Who will make it to the top is no longer a play-safe battle but one that would require pulling the right strings and surviving luck!

As the final round of IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is set for thrilling conclusion at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, among the contenders vying for glory in the UB150 category, Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA Racing Team stands just one point shy of the championship leader, Md Akid Aziz of PitsBike OneWay JRT Tech2 Racing Team. The UB150 category is renowned for its unpredictability and fierce competition, with six riders still in contention for the championship title. Fahmi, currently second in the standings with 114 points, has been a force to reckon with this season, securing three race wins—more than any of his rivals. His impressive record speaks of consistency and resilience, qualities he will need to unleash in the final battle. Fahmi has proven his mettle at Chang International Circuit Buriram before, triumphing in Race 1 during Round 1 earlier this season. However, the UB150 category is known for its twists, and Fahmi experienced this firsthand when he finished P16 in Race 2 at the same venue. As he returns to Buriram, Fahmi is determined to learn from past mistakes and deliver his best performance. “My preparations for the final round have been intense,” Fahmi shared. “Physically and mentally, I’ve been pushing myself to be in the best shape possible. I’m ready to fight harder than ever at Buriram. This circuit is fantastic, and I am excited to race here again.” With just one point separating him from Akid, Fahmi remains calm and focused. “I don’t want to let the points gap become a burden. Instead, I’ll stay composed and focused on the race ahead. I believe in myself and my ability to perform,” he stated confidently. The final round promises an intense showdown with six riders, including Fahmi, Akid, Adytya Fauzi, Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin, Gupita Kresna Wardhana, and M. Murobbil Vittoni, all vying for the championship title. Fahmi recognizes the critical importance of every lap, every corner, and every point. “The competition will be fierce, but my approach is to stay calm and focused,” Fahmi explained. “I start every race with Bismillah and focus on executing each lap perfectly. My strategy is simple: remain consistent and push for the best result in both races.” When asked about the challenges he faces, Fahmi candidly admitted, “Right now, my biggest challenge is overcoming myself. I’m working on staying mentally strong and not letting external pressures affect me. It’s about pushing my limits and staying focused on the goal.” The UB150 category often delivers the most unexpected outcomes, and Fahmi is well aware of the stakes. With the narrowest of margins separating him from the championship lead, his determination to make every moment count could be the key to his success.

A golden opportunity comes only once in a lifetime. Leave it with a good impact, not “I should’ve…” A young rider, Md Adie Putra Sukarno, was called up to replace April King Mascardo of UMA Racing MMR YAMAHA Philippines due to an injury sustained during a training session. Full of excitement to showcase his capabilities in the UB150 category at Round 5 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Adie is eager for the challenge. Despite it being his first appearance in ARRC, Adie expressed, “I was incredibly surprised and overjoyed when I first received the news. It was a moment of pure excitement and exhilaration, as it not only met but far exceeded my expectations. This opportunity has opened up a whole new world of possibilities, and I’m thrilled about what lies ahead. Even though it’s just for one round, it fills me with immense happiness and anticipation for the future.” To Adie, this opportunity is more than just the experience of working with new machinery or adapting to new technology; it’s about embracing the chance to race alongside some of the most skilled and accomplished racers from outside Malaysia. Adie said, “This global exposure will be invaluable, providing me with the chance to challenge myself, learn new techniques, and gain insights from a diverse group of competitors. It’s a unique opportunity to grow and elevate my skills in ways I could only dream of before.” With this incredible opportunity, Adie is wholeheartedly committed to giving his best effort. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to showcase my abilities and make a significant impact. I will pour my heart and soul into this endeavor, ensuring that I make the most of every moment and every challenge that comes my way. I will put forth my utmost effort and dedication to excel and achieve great results.” Adie shared his hope: “I hope everything goes smoothly and successfully. I’m optimistic that each step will align perfectly for a positive experience. I aim to make the most of this opportunity, using my talents and skills to their fullest potential to make a meaningful impact and leave a lasting impression.”

Racing Championship especially with its nature that comes with a certain degree of unpredictability. The scores are tight among the top five riders however Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA Racing Team and Nzairul Izzat of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team are more than prepared to raise the benchmark of competency in Round 5 which will be held at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this weekend. The rider from Indonesia may have scored a DNF in round three and may not have been consistent overall, but sitting at the third spot overall to-date is the confidence and assurance he needs to continue his endeavours towards the championship title. Fahmi may be new to the ARRC scene but the rider is definitely tuned towards success considering his two wins this season. Could he withhold the challenges ahead of him? It’s difficult to predict considering the nature of the race category that is highly competitive. Commenting on the race, Fahmi said, “Riding in the UB150, in ARRC has been an amazing experience for me. To me, the tight battle from the very beginning to the end that is unpredictable challenges me further to be on the podium. In Indonesia, I take part in the Mandalika Racing Series (MRS) which is also a similar race class. That is where I picked up on my talent and experience. For the upcoming race in Sepang, it would be my first time. For now, I learn about the circuit only through videos. Once I am at the circuit, that’s when the real work begins. In the meantime, I prepare as much as I can physically and mentally. My team also is working hard to get the machine done up but of course, the setup can only be done during the FP sessions. So, let’s see how it goes. My goal is to be the champion this season. Keeping my fingers crossed.” Malaysian rider, Nazirul on the other hand had an unfortunate experience in Round 4 which resulted in a double DNS. The defending champion who led the troop and guarded his position in the last three rounds succumbed to fourth spot overall after missing out valuable points that could have possibly retained his position on top. It is not too late though for Nazirul who will be back for the coming round to fight for what he has worked hard for. Throughout the season, Nazirul finished podium thrice. Could he take his first win for the season at his home-ground? Commenting on the race, Nazirul said, “I don’t want to pressure myself too much with the championship title. All I know is that I will do my best in every race. To me, everyone in the race category is a rival and everyone has their own strengths and limitations. The most important thing on my part is to ensure the strategies are in place and that the setup of the machine is excellent. There is no room for errors as it is a critical time for myself and my team. I believe that my machine is in a good condition but we will do more and improve further. Plus, it is our home-race and there is another team that is getting better race by race. So, there are no two-ways about it. It is all extra work and effort to make sure we thrive through. I have taken some time off to recover from my injury so I am geared up now and there is no excuse. The goal is to definitely make it back on top.”