Underbone 150cc defending champions, Uma Racing Yamaha Maju Motor Asia Team, has implemented a unique rotating wildcard system this season. Under this new initiative, the Malaysian-based outfit will systematically field a succession of wildcard riders from Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia.
According to team principal Yong Ying Hoe, this initiative is a precursor towards the final objective of establishing a bonafide multi-national Asian team in 2019.
“Our goal is to promote diversity in racing. There are plenty of promising young riders out there waiting for the resources to bring them to the regional level. Eventually, we hope to create a pool of talent that will comprise of riders from Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and of course, Indonesia,” said Yong.
“This idea is still in the developmental stage. For 2018, our wildcards are actually auditioning for a spot on the team in the future.”
In Round 1 at the Chang International Circuit, the Uma Racing Yamaha Maju Motor Asia Team introduced Vietnamese Huynh Minh Sang into the class. Huynh finished 10thin Race 1 but mechanical gremlins prevented him from starting in Race 2.
The team’s Round 2 wildcard, McKinley Kyle Paz, is the most highly anticipated. The Filipino rider was particularly impressive during the pre-season test and there are high expectations for his debut in Australia.