SEPANG, 14 September 2016 – Seventeen-year old Muhammad Helmi Azman, who competed for two seasons in the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup (SAATC), will be putting his skills to test on a 600cc machine in the Supersport class at Round 3 of the Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) in Sepang this weekend.
Now making waves in the Malaysian Cub Prix Championship and the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) on the underbone bike, Helmi is thrilled at the prospect of competing against his more experienced and seasoned peers and takes a further step in his biking career.
“I would like to thank Ard Performance Racing Team for giving me this opportunity. They provided me the bike and I have tested the machine. At first, it was quite difficult for me as I have always competed in the underbone and 250cc category. However, I am getting used to it and enjoy it very much. I am really looking forward to my first 600cc race,” said Helmi.
As a seasoned competitor, he had been placed in the Supersport A category to compete directly with the bigger boys, which included former Red Bull Rookie and CEV Moto3 Spanish Championship rider, Hafiq Azmi.
“I aim to do my best and secure the best possible result. I hope to finish on the podium for both races this weekend,” said Helmi, who recently won in Sentul, Indonesia at the ARRC meet for the underbone class.
Competing in the Wira class for the Malaysian Cub Prix Championship, Helmi is currently second overall behind Shafiq Ezzariq scoring three wins and two second place titles; riding a 115cc Yamaha Lagenda machine.
Placed 14th overall in his first year competing in the SAATC, Helmi, who aspires to be a Moto3 rider one day, progressed to 10th place overall last year; before shifting to the ARRC and Malaysian Cub Prix Championship this season.
Apart from the Supersport class, Round 3 of the MSBK will also feature the Superbike, Superstock and Open 250 Championship.
Free practice and qualifying will be held on Saturday with Sunday featuring two races for all classes.
Fans can catch all the actions for free from the Main Grandstand. Alternatively, fans can purchase Paddock passes for entry to the paddock and getting closer to the actions.
