Hakim emerges overall champion in Asia Talent Cup

PETALING JAYA: Hakim Danish Ramli (pic) did just enough to become the first Malaysian to win the Asia Talent Cup since its inception in 2014.

The 15-year-old finished second in race two of the sixth and final round at the Mandalika Circuit in Lombok, Indonesia, yesterday to emerge as the overall champion with 187 points, just 10 points ahead of Japan’s Shinya Ezawa.

Hakim clocked a time of 27:48.960 in the 16-lap race to finish second behind winner Veda Ega Pratama of Indonesia (27:44.538) and one rung better than Ezawa (27:49.610)

Hakim said the race was tough, which saw him colliding with several riders but he did not let it stop him from chasing the top pack for another podium finish. In race one, he finished third.

“When the race started, I was at the top of the pack but in the middle, I collided with few riders. I had to battle hard to overtake some of them to reach the second spot,” said Hakim.

“Veda was just too fast, and I could not get past him to snatch the first spot. But you know what, I’m the overall champion and the first Malaysian to achieve it. It feels great.

“I would like to thank SIC Racing and those who have backed me all this while. Not forgetting all those who have been following my progress.”