Helmi looking to grab overall MSBK600 title again

PETALING JAYA: The MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) makes a return at Sepang International Circuit this weekend and all eyes are on the highly motivated MSBK600 riders from Malaysia.

Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team went all out last season to grab the bigger chunk of the pie when he bagged the podium spot in all races with four wins including a hattrick en route to winning the overall title.

It was not an easy feat riding alongside teammate Khairul Idham Pawi for the first two rounds and Hakim Danish of SIC Racing in the final round but Helmi managed to rise above the challenge to complete the season with a total of 180 points.

Khairul took second overall with 90 points in hand while Japanese rider Soichiro Minamimoto of Yamaha Gen Blu Racing Team Asean made quite an impression in his debut season with a total of 75 points.

“For me, MSBK has always been about getting the mileage needed to do better as a professional rider,” he said.

“It opens up pathways of opportunities that are much needed especially in enhancing our riding techniques and preparation for the next level.

“For the upcoming race, I am aiming for the overall championship title but again, I have a feeling that defending my championship is not going to be an easy task especially with the season’s entry list.

“Definitely, I will go all out to do my best especially with my machine being in a good condition.

“My team have done a great job over time and they have also been finding ways to improve wherever possible so I am quite confident for the coming race.”

It is not just his fellow Malaysians but Helmi will also need to look out for riders from Philippines (Mckinley Kyle Paz) and Thailand (Apiwath Wongthananon and Thanat Laoongplio).