Underbone 150

READY FOR SUGO!

The Underbone 150cc is one of the most watched race categories among Asians who comprehends its complexities and the unforeseeable challenges that makes it ever interesting from the beginning till the end. M. Murobbil Vittoni of LFN H. PUTRA 969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM is all out to inject more excitement in Round 3 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Sportlands Sugo International Racing Course. The Chang circuit may not be his favourite playground considering his struggles to take lead but Sepang circuit has definitely made a mark on Murobbil who made it second on the podium in Race 1 amidst the chaos from the casualty at the last turn. The Indonesian rider was quick to make his move, in control of his machine as he accelerated towards the finish line. Race 2 may not have been quite as impressive but he landed himself at the 4th spot. Last season, Murobbil made it 10th in the overall standings with one time podium at the third spot. Commenting on his experience in the UB150 race category, Murobbil said, “I have been racing in this race category for three years now since 2019. Then there was the lockdown and I continued last season before resuming this year. To me, the most important thing about the race category is to understand the situation, the circuit layout and also being aware of the riders’ abilities. The pattern in this race category is usually the same, with a huge troop trailing. Being able to find the pace and striking at the right moment is crucial.” “In Race 1, Round 2, I grabbed the opportunity from the casualty that happened. It was an added bonus for me as there was a gap between them and myself which made it possible for me to avoid the crash. It was probably also luck on my side. The important thing would be to continuously strive. I usually follow the troop from the very start of the race and find an opening where I can make my move.” At Sugo last year, Murobbil took the 4th spot in Race 2. He said, “The Sugo circuit is extremely exciting. I enjoyed the race there last year and I look forward to maximise my potential there. I would like to remain optimistic that I could win the race there. It is important to ensure that my performances are consistent throughout although realistically, it is unpredictable in the UB150 race category. I want to make sure that my points add up to a good position.” Overall, Murobbil said, “I think the UB150 race category is exhilarating. As a lover of two-wheel motorcycle racing, it gives me a good balance. Being a rider, there is need to constantly work on my physique to maintain my stamina and my mental wellbeing. In a highly pressured environment like this, it is very important for any rider to make sure they are well-prepared in all aspects. I am ready and here I come!” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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WAY TO GO FOR NAZIRUL

It was not an easy feat with an unpredictable temperament in the Underbone 150cc race category however Md Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM moved swiftly alongside more than twenty riders to make the most and best of Race 2, Round 2 of Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship before claiming victory. It is a common scene in the UB150 challenge for riders at the back to move up into the lead position within seconds. Yesterday saw multiple exchange of positions among riders however Wawan was striking at the last corner when was stayed focused despite the chaos of the casualty and went on to put on one last fight with his closest contender, Murobbil before bolting ahead. It was a good start for Wawan who was at the pole position. He immediately took lead at the first turn and dashed ahead. Unfortunately, seconds into the race, Wawan encountered issues with the machine and was out of the equation for the day. Wahyu however found his way to the lead position by the end of lap 1 with Fazli Sham and Haziq Fairues close behind. By the end of lap 2, Murobbil pulled himself up the line while Haziq and Nazirul motioned into P2 and P3. By mid-race, Nazirul was taking lead and from all the way back, Izam Ikmal moved up and positioned himself at P2. With two more laps to go, the riders were fiery, fuelled to succeed. At the last corner, as riders embraced for one final push, it was strategizing at place when Nazirul slip-streamed ahead of Hafiza Rofa for a dramatic finish. He clocked in at 15’43:701s. Commenting on the race, Nazirul said, “I put on a good fight from the start of the lap till the end. Each lap posed different kind of challenge but I was determined to surpass it. I gave my best shot throughout, knowing that at the end of the day, it is not just the act of mastery but also fate. Ultimately, today’s win is a blessing from Allah. I am truly happy and grateful. Thank you to my mum especially for the endless support and of course not forgetting, the team who have been there throughout.” Second and third place went to Md Shafiq Rasol and Md Hafiza Rofa at 15’43:710s and 15’43:715s respectively. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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WAWAN WOWED IT

It is hard to miss out the long line of riders in the Underbone 150cc race category as they work their machines to take lead at the Sepang International Circuit. Wawan Wello of Pitsbike JRT Tech 2 OneWay Racing Team found his rhythm this weekend in Race 1, Round 2 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship when he emerged first at the finish line. During the qualifying session earlier this morning, Md Haziq Fairues of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM clocked in the fastest at 2’33:149s followed by Md Shafiq Rasol of ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM 2’33:166s and Md Shahrol Syazras of ESTREMO YUZY HONDA TEAM at 2’34:168s. During the Superpole however, Wawan bagged the pole position at 2’34:532s. Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of RACETECH SIXTY RACING took the second spot at 2’34:554s and Md Hafiza Rofa of ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM made his best at 2’35:055s. It was a good start for the riders as soon as the race flagged off. Flocking together in a tight line, the riders seemed quite confident on the circuit. While every one of them were relentlessly pursuing a steady pace, Wawan went on to take lead before he dropped down the line at the end of lap 2. Fazli Sham went to on take lead before passing on the baton to Haziq Fairues at the end of the third lap. By the end of lap 4, Fazli Sham emerged back at the lead position, playing his games well to avoid losing momentum. By then Pilipino riders John Emerson and April King began following close. The highly competitive stride went on for another lap and Fazli Sham retained his position. With one more lap to go, tension brewed further and towards the last turn, a casualty occurred with a bunch or riders going down. The doors for victory opened up for Wawan and Murobbil. Inches away, Wawan clocked in ahead at 15’41:697s. Commenting on the race, Wawan said, “I felt very easy today as I have found the right setup for my machine from the very beginning for today’s race. I believed in my machine and I went on with the rhythm throughout the race. At the last turn, I enhanced my speed but Murobbil somehow moved in to the left but thankfully, we did not collide. For tomorrow, I hope that I could repeat the same victorious move.” At the second spot was M Murrobil Vittoni of LFN H.PUTRA 969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM, clocking in at 15’41:729s. Gupita Kresna of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA RACING TEAM made it third at 15’41:941s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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AKID CONFIDENT FOR RACE

The Underbone 150cc has picked up its pace for Round 2 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship and being held at Sepang International Circuit, it may be of greater advantage to the Malaysian riders especially Hafiza Rofa of ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM, currently at the lead position. Nevertheless, the end result is often unforeseeable until it’s over. Looked like the Yamaha YZ15 ZR riders were on full form as they went on with the first free practice session for the day with Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM making it the fastest at 2’33:660s followed by Ahmad Fazli Sham of ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM at 2’34:108s and Md Akid Aziz of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC at 2’34:155s. In Practice 2, Akid emerged fastest when he clocked in his best time at 2’32:927s. Nazirul on the other hand made second fastest at 2’33:331s. At third fastest spot for the evening was Murobbil Vittoni of LPN H. PUTRA. 969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM who marked his best at 2’33:698s. As a conclusion, Akid made the fastest in the combined result followed by Nazirul and Murobbil at the second and third spot respectively. Commenting on the race, Akid said, “Today’s session has been really good compared to Round 1. In terms of engine, we have made quite a significant improvement, at least about 50%. I feel more confident with the handling now. For Super Pole, I don’t have high hopes but for the race, I am definitely hoping to be on the podium.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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RIGHT RHYTHM AND CONSISTENCY, KEY IN UB150

The Underbone 150cc race category of Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship has always been an intriguing ride especially with highly driven Asian riders in long lines, fighting to catch up in a bid to bag the limelight. Wawan Wello of PitsBike JRT Tech 2 OneWay Racing Team has showcased excellent showmanship in Round 1 and will return for greater challenges in Round 2 at Sepang International Circuit. The 25-year-old Indonesian rider is not a stranger in his homeland and has a huge database of fans and followers. That is undeniably an attribution to his successes in the motorcycle racing scene. Wawan made his debut in ARRC in year 2018 in the last two rounds before coming back for more in year 2019 where he made it second on the podium three times. It was not an easy year for him especially with technical issues surrounding his machine nevertheless, he put on quite a show and landed himself 7th overall. Coming back this season after a long-hiatus on his end is a big move and despite that, Wawan has already made waves on the circuit. “I am quite happy and satisfied with my achievements and the team work in Round 1, more so since I have not raced in the Asian racing scene for over 2 years. My experiences in the years before have definitely been a huge guide in helping me with my riding abilities. The machines in the UB150 race category are almost similar in power and capacities hence practicing on my skills are important to make the cut.” Wawan was fiery in Round 1 where he took lead in most laps. His ability to withstand the pressure trailing him kept him grounded with a steady pace. Commenting on the ride, Wawan said, “This category paves a winning pathway for all riders. Key to this category would be finding the right rhythm that would provide consistency throughout the ride. Consistency can only be achieved if mistakes are minimised.” “The machines in the category are fine-tuned to achieve its maximum capacity. The mechanics are excellent in providing a setup that would work for the circuit. As a rider, my job is to up my performances, aligned with the performances of the machine. For the race at Sepang, I would have to get adapted to the setup of the machine as quick as possible so that I can make my way to the podium.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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DOUBLE VICTORY FOR ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM

The riders of the Underbone 150cc race category were in full form this afternoon with the mission to conclude the final race victoriously at Chang International Circuit. However, the win was not for all but only for one who was able to prove his worth. This time around, it was Md Hafiza Rofa of ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM. With more than twenty riders cramping up the racing line, it was tough to judge who will make the cut. Race 1 was nevertheless mind-blowing when Shafiq who was out of sight worked his way into the winning spot with tight margins. While Haziq and Wawan was seen more often throughout the laps among the top 5 riders, Shafiq was strategizing to strike. That worked when he barged ahead of Haziq with Wawan right behind. As soon as the race flagged off, the troop gathered in a tight line with Wawan Wello taking lead at turn 1 before Hafiza and Fazli Sham went ahead. By the end of lap 1, Izzat Zaidi came into action with Wahyu close behind. By the end of lap 3, Pilipino lad, Gian Carlo took charge but was quickly superseded by Malaysian, Haziq Fairues. Between slip-streaming and the ability to strike at the right time, the riders were in endless exchange of positions. The Underbone race category can be quite a trick but maintaining consistency among the frontliners is essential to avoid losing the momentum. With one more lap to go, the battle was heated up. At the eighth turn, Wawan was ahead with Hafiza following close behind. At the last turn, Izzat sled in between Hafiza and Wawan and made it second while Hafiza who overtook before the final turn made it first at 16’31:171s. Commenting on the race, Hafiza said, “It was a tough fight today. The riders were vigorous but I tried to push in the last two laps to catch up with the middle group before I went for the win. My team and crew members have prepared a fantastic machine and I thank them for it.” Md Izzat Zaidi of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC clocked in at 16’31:275s. Wawan Wello of PITSBIKE JRT TECH 2 ONEWAY RACING TEAM made third at 16’31:418s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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SHAFIQ SCORED HIS FIRST WIN

It was a neck-to-neck battle of Asia’s best in the Underbone 150cc race category during Race 1 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at Chang International Circuit. Md Shafiq Rasol of ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM made his first cut for the season when he bragged victory. Earlier this morning, Md Hafiza Rofa of ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM made the fastest lap time at 2’02:176s in the Superpole session. Wawan Wello of PITSBIKE JRT TECH 2 ONEWAY RACING TEAM hit it at 2’02:508s while Md Izzat Zaidi of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC recorded his fastest lap time at 2’03:828s. While the pole position may not pose a significant advantage in the Underbone race category, it however sets a tone to the race. The race flagged off with the troop making a bolt to find the best position. Wawan Wello however was quick to find his pace as he took lead after turn one. However, mid lap 2, Ahmad Fazli Sham managed to pressure his way into P1. Hafiza who was then out of sight in the top 5 group picked up pace and emerged at P1. The competition was stiff as riders looped in and out of the top 3 position. Mid-race, Izam Ikmal took lead before Wawan Wello took his shot ahead. However, Izam managed to up his pace back into P1. With one more lap to go, Wawan Wello took lead but was struck by Nazirul Izzat and Murobbil Vittoni. By turn 5, Haziq Fairues took lead with a gap that kept his away from the troop trailing him. He held on fiercely but was superseded by Shafiq Rasol from the inside before the duo engaged in one final battle for the win. Md Shafiq Rasol of ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM clocked in at 16’31:851s. Commenting on the race, Shafiq said, “First of all, thank you to my team for the opportunity to race in this category. During the first few laps, I took my time among the back group. I did not push myself too much. It was not until the last few laps that I worked on my moves to take lead. That worked for me!” Md Haziq Md Fairues of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM came close behind at 16’31:863s. Third place on the podium went to Wawan Wello of PITSBIKE JRT TECH 2 ONEWAY RACING TEAM logged in at 16’31:909s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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NAZIRUL CONFIDENT ON LONG-STRAIGHTS

It was a fiery morning with the sound of the Underbone 150cc race category machines filling up the  air. As the day went by, Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA  TEAM emerged fastest in the combined practice session held at the Chang International Circuit, with  his best time at 1’59:120s.  In Practice 1 this morning, the top 3 fastest spots were marked by Yamaha riders with Nazirul Izzat marking fastest followed by Md Hafiza Rofa of ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM at 1’59:661s and teammate Ahmad Fazli Sham at 1’59:686s.   In the afternoon, as the riders were further fuelled, Fazli Sham braced the scorching heat to showcase  his strengths consequently made his fastest at 1’59:706s. At second and third fastest, it was Murobbil  Vittoni of LFN H. Putra 969 Indonesia Racing Team, logging in at 2’00:202s and Wawan Wello of  PITSBIKE JRT TECH 2 ONEWAY RACING TEAM with his best at 2’00:443s. The combined result however placed Nazirul at the top. Taking the second fastest with the combined  result was Hafiza Rofa with his best for the day at 1’59:661 while at the third fastest was teammate,  Fazli Sham with his fastest time for the day at 1’59:686s.  Commenting on this lap time, Nazirul said, “In the morning, the weather was not too bad. But in the  noon, it became extremely hot which makes it difficult to find the right setup of the machine. With  Race 1 to be held in the afternoon tomorrow, it worries me as the weather is expected to be similar  to what it was today but I will try to do my best.”  “I am good with high-speed track and Chang International Circuit has many turns and long straights.  It is also a little technical hence we have to strategize to ensure that we are able to compete  competitively.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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MASTERY, THE BEST GOAL

It was a celebratory note for fans in Indonesia when Wahyu Aji Trilaksana made justice for ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team with the champion trophy in hand at the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) for the Underbone 150cc race category. Come new season, Wahyu will embark on a new venture in ARRC with RACETECH SIXTY Racing team in a bid for greater success. Commenting on the move, Wahyu said, “Season 2022 was not an easy one. We had numerous ups and downs between races including crashes and engine failures. But, key to these unavoidable circumstances is being consistent and to trust that the team knows best. This season, I am more confident but we hope that luck will be on our side too.” “Teaming up with a new team is not really new for me after all as I have been working with them in the National Championship. I have strong faith in them and know that they will work their best in terms of the machine. The machine will be similar except that the setup will be a different. We hope for a better suspension that would enhance its characteristics. At the end of the day, we want to be excellent, consistently.” It’s the risk-taking, the pump of adrenaline rush and robust moves as riders go on full-throttle to be ahead of the troop that makes UB150 race category an ever-exciting feat in ARRC. The riders of Yamaha and Honda knows what it takes to pull a stunner that will leave their fans awed. As we count the days to the season opener, riders and teams from the Asian continent are buckled down to meet their goals for the year. Md Izzat Zaidi was merely one point shy of taking the winning glory last season. Pits JRT OneWay was a booster to an enhanced performance for Izzat. While he bagged more wins last season compared to the likes of his rival, this season is about rescripting his approaches, upping his performances and rewriting his accomplishments with CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM. Could this season be his to celebrate? Izzat is inspired and confident but it’s the wild and unpredictable nature of the UB150 race category that needs to be tackled and tamed. Izzat said, “There were a number of successful moments last season, personally but in the Underbone 150cc challenge, it is beyond the speed of the machine and dexterity. That is the beauty of the race category. Everyone has a chance to win therefore each round matters. And in each round, its about being 100% focused.” “Being in a new team, I hope to adapt as soon as possible and hopefully during the pre-season test, we will be able to fine tune the machine and find the right setup needed for the machine. I will aim to be the best. I missed out on the chances of claiming the victorious title by just 1 point and so, I hope that this year would be my year to celebrate!” In the Philippines, it was the sound of cheer from fans who were treated to April King Mascardo’s final accomplishment for the season when he made third overall on the chart. Teaming up with UMA Racing MMR YAMAHA Philippines once again, April is not about to miss his opportunities to strike and claim. The Philipino lad is equipped with the experience but so are the rest of the twenty-three riders in the UB150 race category. Will April make the cut this season? As April said, “Being in the 3rd place overall is already a huge achievement for me and my team. I consider it an award for a great teamwork. The win has definitely boosted my confidence. I am more hopeful that nothing is impossible with hard work and sheer determination. Along with that, I also believe that being attentive and alert is crucial. We have to be wise in making the right moves and this season, I hope to work with the experiences I have gained.” “My only goal is to make my fellow Philippine citizens proud and bring home the bacon! To be able to do that, it is a lot of practice and hard training. I do a lot of cycling and play basketball to build my stamina. My team has been a solid support system, more like a family who has given me the right supplements to fuel my aspirations. They are the best I can ask for.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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DOUBLE JOY FOR ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM

The nerve-wrecking performance of riders in the Underbone 150cc race category always been one of the greatest highlights that kept audience glued to their seats. Ahmad Fazli Sham of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team made a stunning rush to the finish line and grabbed victory in Race 2 of Round 5, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at Chang International Circuit. The riders revved off to a fleeting start, aligning themselves in positions that would provide them the best opportunity to strike. With the nature of the Underbone 150cc race category being highly unpredictable, the riders have to be quick in their thoughts and moves to secure a position that would serve them best. In the midst of the chaos among the riders, Syafiq Rosli managed to break himself away from the troop of riders leaving a gap of 1.641s in between a group of four riders trailing behind. Towards the end of the fourth lap, Fazli Sham who was at P2 began inching closer towards Syafiq. In the following lap, Fazli overtook Syafiq but before the lap ended, Shafiq struck back for P1. Mid race, the rain hit the grounds of the circuit once again. Nevertheless, the riders were undefeated. They kept their focus on the highly competitive feat. By the end of the seventh lap, it was a close battle between Fazli Sham, Syafiq Rosli, Hafiza Rofa and Hafid.   With one more lap to go, Fazli Sham took lead before Syafiq eased his way back into P1 at turn seven. By then, the fight for the top spot heated up between the duo. At the last turn, Fazli Sham made a brilliant move from the inside before picking up speed towards the finish line. He clocked in at 17’40:433s. Commenting on the race, Fazli Sham said, “I would like to thank the team for the unending effort towards making this possible. It was a tough race I would say. Mid race however, I realised that there was a wide gap behind me so I stayed focused on what lied ahead of me. I am grateful that luck was on my side this time around.” Mohammad Syafiq Rosli of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team took the second spot, with a gap of 0.336s and his best at 17’40:769s. Md Hafiza Rofa of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team took the third spot, clocking in at 17’40:679s. With the final race, Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team was crowned the Asian Champion for the season. Commenting on the championship, Wahyu said, “I don’t know what to say but I am pleased to have won the championship title. I thank my team for the hard work that was put into this championship. Also, the great support from family and fans in Indonesia. God has definitely been good to me and has blessed me abundantly.”

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