Emotional Muzakkir is finally a winner
AFTER almost a decade in racing, Muzakkir Mohamed scored an emotional maiden victory in the opening round of the Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix yesterday.
The Onexox TKKR Racing Team rider, who started from third on the grid, was close to flawless in the CP150 race. He hit the front with five laps to go and went on to clinch a comfortable win at the Sepang Circuit.
Ipone Yamaha YY Pang Racing Team’s Izzat Zaidi Salehan (+0.265s) and Petronas Sprinta Yamaha CKJ Racing’s Ahmad Afif Amran (+0.322s) came in second and third.
Muzakkir, 29, said he was grateful to finally achieve what has eluded him for so long.
“I have waited almost 10 years for this win. I have won in the ProAm class before but that does not really count on my resume,” said Muzakkir.
“I desperately wanted to be on the top step of the podium not only for myself but also for my family, my team and also everyone who has supported me.
“Although I am almost 30 years old, they (supporters) always told me that I am still
right up there. I still have the fire in me.”
“Once I was in front, I didn't look back and just tried my best to pull away. I knew my bike had the pace on the straights and the uphill sections.
“It (victory) finally happened today.” Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin’s (Petronas Sprinta Yamaha Maju Motor) much anticipated return to Cub Prix came to a premature end as the former Moto2 rider crashed out early in the race.
The organisers’ decision to enforce a 14,000 revolutions per minute engine rev limiter rule for CP150 races at the Sepang Circuit this season appears to have shifted the momentum in the premier class.
The top six finishers in yesterday's CP150 race were all Yamaha bikes. SCK Honda Racing duo Izam Ikmal (+1.012s) and defending champion Helmi Azman (+1.075s) were the highest placed Hondas
in seventh and eighth position. Honda-powered riders dominated the Sepang rounds last year.
Meanwhile, Petronas Sprinta Yamaha Maju Motor’s Syafiq Rosli emerged victorious in the CP125 race ahead of Ipone Yamaha YY Pang Racing Team duo Fareez Afeez Abd Rahman (+0.495s) and Adib Rosley (+0.545s), who settled for second and third.
Intermediate class newcomers Tuneboss Pink Racing made a positive start to their campaign with Siti Norafizah Mohamad coming in a commendable fifth (+0.647s).
The Petronas Sprinta Yamaha-31 Racing team swept the podium in the Wira KBS class with Syamil Amsyar Iffende winning by a country mile ahead of teammates Danial Johan (+9.336s) and Aqil Danial Nasrul (+9.395s) who were second and third.