Saturday September 22, 2012
In-form Azlan set to increase overall lead in Kluang
PETALING JAYA: Championship leader Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman is on a high.
After two successive SuperSports 600cc podium finishes in the Petronas Asia Road Racing championship (ARRC) in Japan earlier this month, he is confident of another strong showing but this time in front of his own fans.
The Harian Metro Y-TEQ SCK Honda Racing rider competes in the CP130 Round 7 race in the Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix championship in Kluang today.
The 28-year-old Azlan’s confidence is boosted by the fact that he has been continuously riding throughout the mid-season break by participating in the prestigious Suzuka 8-Hour Endurance Race and making a wild card entry in the MFJ All Japan Road Race at the Sugo Circuit in Japan.
Azlan is leading the standings in the CP130 section with 100 points but Ahmad Fazrul Sham (Faito Motobert) and Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi (Pachie Yuzy Honda Racing) are close behind with 82 and 81 points respectively.
“I’m excited to get back to Cub Prix after two months on 600cc and 1000cc machines.
“Since I started racing in the premiere class in 2007, this is the closest I’ve ever got to the title,” said Azlan.
Asked if the long break from underbone racing will affect his pace Azlan replied: “Switching from SuperSports to underbone isn’t an issue because I’ve been racing in both classes for a while now. But there are differences as full-frame bikes pack more power and it has a really bulky frame which needs getting used to.”
Azlan said the Kluang circuit would be challenging.
“It will be tough because the layout is really technical with a lot of hard-braking and acceleration. I’m expecting a lot of pressure from senior riders such as Fazrul, Mohd Zamri Baba, Ahmad Fuad Baharudin.”
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