Underbone 150

It was yet another nail-biting scene with the Underbone 150cc race category at the Chang International Circuit. As the race got rough and tough with riders thronging for the best position, Murrobil Vittoni of LFN H. PUTRA 969 INDONESIA Racing Team made a stunning appearance towards the finish line to bag the win in Race 1, Round 6 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. During the Super-Pole session this morning, Md Akid Aziz of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ASIA made an impressive lap time at 2’03:141s consequently rewarding him with the pole position. Second on the grid was Wahyu Aji of RACETCH SIXTY Team with his fastest lap time at 2’03:770s followed by Murrobil Vittoni with his fastest lap time at 2’04:119s. When the race started, Akid was seen fleeing quickly ahead of the others to take the lead position followed by Murrobil however the positions changed very quickly into the lap. Akid however remained among the front troop alongside Wahyu Aji and Hafiza Rofa. The leading man in the overall standing, Nazirul kept it easy and avoided pressure. At the end of lap 2, Hafiza took lead with Murrobil close by and into the third lap, teammates, Haziq and Nazirul emerged ahead. The battle was a tough one but the riders in the front troop remained consistent. By mid-race, Syazras emerged ahead of the riders and went on with swift moves to maintain his position before April King took over. With three laps to go, the exchange of positions became rampant as the riders work their way to the front. On the final lap, Hafiza Rofa made it to the front but at the last turn, Murrobil went on to pressure him before gliding ahead of him at 16’30:237. Commenting on the race, Murrobil said, “I am truly thankful to God for the protection he gave me throughout the race today and also for giving me the opportunity to win. It was a lot of hardwork, not only from myself but also my team members. So, thank you to everyone. Md Hafiza Rofa of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team made it second at 16’30:360s. Md Shafiq Rasol who was in contention of the championship made it third at 16’30:573s. That made Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia the Champion of the Underbone 150cc Season 2023. Commenting on his success, Nazirul said “First of all, I thank God for the blessings. I thank my late dad who has always supported me. He is not here now but I am sure he will be very happy of my success today. I thank my mother and my family members who have always been my pillar. Thanks to my team for the wonderful work throughout the season. My machine had an issue at the last lap but thankfully, I was able to manage it well and make it champion today!” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

From flag-off to the chequered flag, the Underbone 150cc race category is an action-filled race series that has never failed to leave the audience at the edge of their seats. What makes it even more exciting is the ability of its riders to make bold moves and strike at the right moment to free themselves of the mounting pressure trailing them. Among them, Nazirul Izzat of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team and Shafiq Rasol of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team are two exemplary riders who have fought a good fight in breaking the barriers and will do it one more time in a bid to claim the Champion title in Round 6 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Chang International Circuit this weekend. Both the Malaysian riders have been in their A-game throughout the season with Nazirul bagging a spot on the podium five times including three wins whereas Shafiq, four times including two wins. Not easy but they did it. The riders have showcased their capacities not only in the manoeuvring techniques but also in managing their strategies, on-the-go. The UB150 race category comes with its unique proposition where everyone is presented with the opportunity to win and this is where the riders’ quick act matters. It’s either make or break! Nazirul and Shafiq seemed to have discovered the winning tactic but who would rise above the challenge this time around? Nazirul commented, “At Chang circuit, I will do my best and fight to be ahead of the troop. At the same time, I also have to be really careful this time around. My goal is to get enough points in both races and I am keeping my fingers crossed that I would be able to make it champion this time around. I really like Chang circuit but I have not had the luck just yet to take a spot on the podium so far. What I have achieved though it the fastest lap time at the circuit. I am hoping though that this time around, I would be able to stand on the podium. Of course, I have some weakness in a number of turns and I think the toughest one would be the last corner because it is quite narrow and everyone will be rushing towards the finish line. So have to be a little careful over there. My machine however has been in an excellent condition throughout the season. I have been quite consistent from round 1 up until today. But from round 2 onwards, my luck has been really good and I managed to get onto the podium. The setup of the machine has really helped me in my achievements overall. As for the preparation for the coming round, I have been working out; jogging and gym. We also do some training at Sepang circuit and also at the go-kart track. The trainings are not too strenuous to avoid any injuries that would hamper our road towards the championship title. I am thankful for the good memories this season when I won and finished podium in the races. Of course, there has been some hard time too. More like a pressure especially in Zhuhai because there is a constant need to maintain the standings. To a point where I think my performances was impacted. The underbone race category is one of the most interesting one and it is unpredictable but I love it! Round 6, here I come!” Shafiq on the other hand said, “I personally think that Round 6 will be very competitive as it is the last round for the season. The Chang circuit is one that favour a lot because there are many rolling speed corners especially the last turn which is highly anticipated. I have to stay focused in both races and try my best to win it so that I can obtain maximum points of 25 each. Without that, the chances of me taking the championship title will be tough as there is a difference of 44 points between myself and my contender. I will go all out to try and make that happen. Throughout the season, the team has worked really hard in providing me with a well-set machine. That has gone a long way in helping me with my standings overall. I was DNF twice this season because I fell at Sepang once and another time in Japan. That has cost me the points in the race. This is the first time I am racing in the UB150 race category but I gained a lot of experience as a wildcard rider at Sepang in the last season. That has definitely helped me with my performances this year. As an underbone rider, I have to say that I have gained a lot of experiences especially riding alongside riders who are not just experts in their game but one of the best in Asia. For me, this has been one of my biggest moments therefore I will not take it lightly in the coming round.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The endless battle for victory is one of the most important features in the Underbone 150cc race category which makes it different from the rest. Md Shafiq Rasol of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team concluded the competition this evening when he claimed the winning spot in Race 2 of Round 5, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Zhuhai International Circuit. The 6-lap race began with Akid on the pole-position. As the battle heated up, the usual exchange of positions happened, swiftly amidst the chaos. Standing tall and striking in his moves was Akid who maintained his position at P1 on 5 laps. While the other riders attempted to take him down, he confidently rode on the racing line before dashing towards the finish line. He took his first win for the season. Behind him, Fazrul took second followed by Shafiq at third. Akid once again went on to take lead at the first turn followed by Shafiq and Murrobil. By the end of lap 1, Shafiq emerged ahead of the troop followed by Fazrul before Akid struck to take back his position. By the end of lap 2, Akid drew a gap of 1.058s away from Afif. The huge troop behind him chased him while playing their part in staying ahead of their contenders. By mid-race, Akid was comfortably gliding ahead with a gap of 1.788s. By then, it seemed almost impossible for the big troop to catch up with Akid. Unfortunately, luck was not his side. His machine gave way and threw him off his game. With two more laps to go, the competition became stiff as the riders aggressively fought to stay ahead. On the final lap, Wawan took lead with Shafiq trailing but after the final turn and towards the finish line, Shafiq slip-streamed ahead of Wawan and clocked in first at 12’10:676s. Commenting on the race, Shafiq said, “I would first like to say a big thanks to the team and crew for their hard work and endless support. This was an amazing race for me. In fact, the weekend was truly an awesome one. I took third yesterday and being able to win today is a great achievement for me. During the race earlier, I tried to stay ahead of the troop from the beginning but I was left out mid- race. At the final lap, I tried as much as possible to get back ahead and I managed to get it right!” Second was Murrobil Vittoni of LFN H. PUTRA 969 INDONESIA Racing Team clocking in at 12’10:685s. Wawan Wello of Pitsbike JRT Tech 2 OneWay Racing Team made it third at 12’10:753s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Never a dull moment in the Underbone 150cc race category with riders moving swiftly in a line to take lead. Among them, Md Akid Aziz of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC stood out, impressive in his moves today in Race 1 as he sprinted ahead to bag his very first victory in Round 5 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship as Zhuhai International Circuit. During the Super Pole session late morning, Akid Aziz took charge of the circuit when he clocked in fastest at 2’00:218s. That was an added advantage for the pole-man who went on to compete with the other two frontliners, Shafiq Rasol of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team and Murrobil Vittoni of LFN H. PUTRA 969 INDONESIA Racing Team who both marked their fastests at 2’01:064s and 2’01:529s respectively. It was a good start for Akid who quickly went on to lead. Seconds into the race, a number of riders crashed. With Akid leading, Fazrul and Murobbil kept close with Shafiq at P4 and Fahmi at P5, making up for the leading troop. By the end of lap 2, the positions remained. Among the back troop, Nazirul took charge with Haziq competing competitively. The pole-man seemed confident as he kept guarded his position. By mid-race, Fahmi moved into P2. With two more laps to go, the back troop closed the gaps with the front troop and the battle heated up. Akid dropped to P7 as Shafiq took lead. Before the lap ended Akid cleverly moved back into his original position with Gupita at P2 and Hafiza at P3. Nazirul, at P4 was on a lookout for opportunities. Mid-lap, Nazirul took a slide into P3. Akid kept to his racing line diligently and avoided threats from left and right before succeeding with flying colours at 12’08:644s. Commenting on the race, Akid said, “I am truly happy today for the win. Thanks to the team, my family and friends who have been a great support system to me. There is another race tomorrow and I am keeping my fingers crossed, hoping that I would have the same opportunity once again. Thank you all and please don’t forget to keep our Malaysian friend, Izzat Zaidi in your prayers.” Taking the second spot on the podium was Ahmad Fazrul Sham of Pitsbike JRT Tech 2 OneWay Racing Team at 12’08:735s. Third place went to Md Shafiq Rasol of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team at 12’08:831s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Coming back to the scenes of Zhuhai International Circuit after a 3-year hiatus has definitely posed challenges nevertheless the riders of the Underbone 150cc never lacked enthusiasm as they motioned towards yet another round of fulfilment in Round 5 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Emerging with the fastest lap time combined in the free practice sessions today was Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of RACETECH SIXTY Racing. During the free practice session 1 that was held earlier today, Wahyu Aji scored the fastest lap time at 1’58:244s. John Emerson of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team was not bad himself when he made his best lap time at 1’59:617s. Nazirul Izzat of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team clocked in third fastest with his best at 1’59:852s. In FP2, Akid Aziz of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM flexed his muscles and worked towards the fastest lap time at 1’58:612s. Wahyu Aji made it second fastest at 1’58:773s followed by Fazrul Sham of Pitsbike JRT Tech 2 OneWay Racing Team with his best lap time at 1’59:814s. With that, Wahyu Aji concluded today’s session with the fastest lap time combined at 1’58:244s. The Indonesian lad has certainly worked well on his riding techniques and has improved his pace compared to his previous lap time on the circuit in 2019 with his best at 2’00:217s. The rider who claimed the champion title last season was seen to be in full-form today and may have just found his strategy to stay ahead of the troop for the weekend. Commenting on the FP session, Wahyu Aji said, “During the FP1 and FP2, I got a good lap time because the team and I have made the right preparations from the very beginning. I too, have been working tirelessly to ensure that this would be a good one. We are quite strong in all the rounds but of course, luck has not struck yet for the time being. Hopefully, in this round, we can optimise our strengths and take a double win. In 2019, the circuit was better in terms of the asphalt. Right now, it is a little bumpy so we have worked on the suspensions and we were quick to adapt. We have also improved in terms of the machine’s power and I guess that will give us the upper-hand to compete in the front troop compared to 2019.” Second fastest in the FP sessions, combined was Md Akid Aziz with his best lap time at 1’58:612s. At third fastest was John Emerson Inguito with his best lap time at 1’59:617s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

It may be small in size and frame but combined with the dexterity of riders, the Underbone 150cc  machine speak volumes of its power. Making it even more appealing is the nature of the race category  which promises a win to all riders with a twist in its course. Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of RACETECH SIXTY  Racing is prepping up for Round 5 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which will be held at  Zhuhai International Circuit, China this weekend.  Former champion in the UB150 race category, Wahyu Aji got into the act of ARRC this season with a  major transformation; with a new team, as a team owner and rider. It must not have been an easy pick  for the Indonesian rider, juggling between two difficult tasks but Wahyu Aji seemed to have embraced  the challenges gracefully. Finishing podium six times last season with one win and claiming the overall  champion title, Wahyu Aji has what it takes to run the show and it is only a matter of time before his  performances are navigated right back on track.   Commenting on the season, Wahyu Aji said, “So far, there has been no big challenges and if there has  been, I was able to find the ways to manage it. Frankly, I have less pressure now and I enjoy the race  better. The goal is to continuously stay focused and as of now, there are four more races to go.  Therefore, that is where my attention is at the moment. I want to try and make it to the top three  positions. Of course, an added advantage would be for me to have a teammate so that we could  strategise together and come up with a better plan during the race. Being a one-man soldier is never  easy.”  On the upcoming race at Zhuhai, Wahyu said, “It has been a few years since I last raced at Zhuhai  International Circuit. But from what I have experienced and learnt, this track is not as technical  compared to some other circuits. So, the power the machine is extremely important. Speed comes  first. I am confident that I can do well at Zhuhai circuit. After the couple of trial and error, I would  recognise the strengths and limitations there. Personally, I think I have one of the strongest machines  in the UB150 race category. Since the race at Japan, I think we were able to obtain the highest speed  in the straights. So, hopefully, that works to our advantage at China.”  It is a continuous hard work for any rider in preparation for the race. As for Wahyu Aji, he said, “I do a  lot of physical training, regularly. There is no excuse because keeping fit is really important for any  rider. There are no other special trainings really! It is a self-motivated endeavour to ensure that my  body is able to take the expectations of the race. My team and I always have good communication.  The setup of the machine is not solely my decision but overall, a decision made as a team. We analyse,  we execute together. I have been in the UB150 race category for many years now so self-mentoring is  something that I have picked up along the way. So, let’s see how it goes at Zhuhai!” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The Underbone 150cc is a test of mastery and the Asian riders have never failed to showcase excellence in their showmanship. Arai Agaska Dibani Laksana of LFN H. PUTRA 969 INDONESIA Racing Team today emerged as winner in Race 2, Round 4 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that was held at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. Yesterday witnessed the rush of adrenaline among its riders as they fumbled between positions to take lead. Striking among them were Nazirul and Akid. While Nazirul played the strategy of maintaining position and momentum among the front troop, Akid took a different approach of making a grand entrance from the back troop. At the final lap, the duo entangled in a battle of speed as they raced towards the finish line. Today’s race saw Aditya picking up speed and moving ahead of the troop at the first turn with the other riders lining up in a long straight line, waiting for the right moment to strike. By the third lap, Race 1 winner who was in the back troop made his way into the top 5 but strikingly impressive were Husni Zainul and Fazrul Sham who maintained their top 2 positions for two laps. Nazirul played smart as he utilised his strength and strategy to move up into P3 by the end of lap 6. Wildcard rider, Husni did not budge. However, the UB150 race category, as tricky as it can be, saw changes as the 7th lap ended. Fazrul made it into P1 followed by Arai at P2 and Gupita at P3. With another two laps to go, the riders went on a wild chase and exchanged positions once again. At the final lap, ONEXOX rider, Shafiq took lead for a moment before one last chase down the circuit. As the race grew intense, Nazirul and Arai entangled in one last heated battle for P1. At the last turn, the duo emerged ahead of the riders at a close contact and barged towards the finish line. Local Indonesian rider, Arai Agaska took the win at 15’37:299s. Commenting on the race, Arai said, “I thank Pak Haji Putra for gifting me this wildcard opportunity. For that reason, I did not want to disappoint the team. It was a tough battle with many extremely good riders and I could only do my best. I am very happy with the win today.” At the second spot was Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team, clocking it at 15’37.299s Third place went to Husni Zainul of ZIEAR ARL RACING at 15’37:355s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

It is all about expecting the unexpected in the Underbone 150cc race category. Today, Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team made a fantastic finish when he barged in victoriously in Race 1 of Round 4, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that was held at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. During the Shoot-Out session earlier this morning, Gupita Kresna of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team clocked in fastest at 1’55:116s, giving him the added advantage as the pole man. At second spot on the grid was Akid Aziz of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC who marked his best at 1’55:407s while Shafiq Rasol of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team took the third spot on the grid at 1’55:550s. As soon as the race started, Gupita took lead at the first turn but seconds into the race, the riders exchanged positions before the first lap ended with Wahyu Aji at P1 followed by wildcard rider Aditya at P2 and John at P3. The feisty race category went on with riders, slip-streaming to progress ahead of their nearest contenders. With a wide circuit, the challenge was much greater with more opportunities for riders to strike. By mid-race and between changes of positions among riders, Nazirul Izzat who currently is leading on the overall standings emerged to the lead position followed by Haziq and Lombokian rider, Arai Agaska. While the UB150 race category is undeniably tricky, the most important skill is to maintain position among the front troop. By the end of lap 6, Nazirul emerged at the lead position once again. The Malaysian lad has been smart in his moves as he worked his strategy. With one more lap to go, Aditya took lead but Akid emerged out of nowhere into the front troop. At the last turn, Nazirul moved from the inside and took lead with Akid chasing furiously. Aiming to slip stream, it was a close bet between Nazirul and Akid with both clocking in at 15’36:338s. Commenting on the race, Nazirul said, “I am extremely happy with the win today. It was truly a tough one especially at the last turn, knowing that another rider was close behind. Nevertheless, I am glad that my strategy worked today. It was all about being among the front troop and maintaining the momentum. There is another race to go tomorrow and so we shall see how that goes.” Md Akid Aziz of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC took the second spot. At the third place was John Emerson Inguito of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team at 15’36:675s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Always a mind-blowing race category, the Underbone 150cc is back once again for another round at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. In today’s free practice session, Wawan Wello of Pitsbike JRT Tech 2 OneWay Racing Team made the fastest cut for Round 4 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Earlier this morning in the FP1 session, Indonesian rider Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of RACETECH SIXTY Racing clocked in fastest at 1’54:585s followed by his countrymen, Wawan Wello of Pitsbike JRT Tech 2 OneWay Racing Team at 1’54:978s and Gupita Kresna of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team at 1’55:239s. The riders fused with enthusiasm racing on their home-ground after 5 years since 2018 have definitely showcased great potentials in preparation for the weekend. In the FP2, Wawan Wello moving one notch up, marked fastest at 1’54:362s. Murrobil Vittoni of LFN H. Putra 969 Indonesia Racing Team made it second fastest at 1’55:885s followed by Gupita Kresna once again with slightly enhanced performance at 1’55:045s. The Indonesian riders have definitely marked their territories today in both the free practice sessions. with Wawan Wello making it fastest in the combined results at 1’54:362s. Commenting on the practice sessions, Wawan said, “Today’s result is attributed to the fact that this is my home-ground. I am further motivated to do better even more so for my many fans who are based here. Apart from that, I was also able to work on the machine’s setup to make sure that it is fully optimised. Adding on to that, I must say that my initial experience in the Mandalika Racing Series gives me the added advantage as I am more familiar with the circuit compared to most of the other riders in the race category. For tomorrow, I will do my best during the qualifying as well as the Super Pole session. My goal is for sure to win on my home-circuit.” At the second fastest spot was Wahyu Aji Trilaksana with his best time combined at 1’54:585s. Murrobil Vittoni marked third fastest combined at 1’55:045s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com