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!