Sunday, July 22, 2007

Azlan Suparman charts history in Asia's first Speedway race



Kuala Lumpur, Sunday – Mohd Azlan Suparman, 18 became the first Speedway motorcycle champion in Malaysia when he clinched victory in Round 1 of the NFC Speedway Championships Under 21 event held at the Speedway Circuit at the Family Park near the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex last night.

His win makes him the first rider to chart success at a Speedway event held the first time ever in the country and the whole of Asia.

Azlan of Team Seri Putra made a splendid debut appearance clinching 3 points. Mohd Abdussobur Turino, 18 of Nova Racing Team finished second with 2 points while Muhammad Helmey Hamzah of Team Titiwangsa finished third with 1 point.

“I am thrilled with this win. In the beginning, I did not expect to secure the first win of the Championships because Abdussobur’s results after the 12 heats were stronger than mine. I would like to thank my team and all the mechanics that have continuously given me their support and worked hard to ensure a win,” Azlan told reporters.

At the end of all 12 heats, Abdussobur secured 11 points while Muhammad Helmey charted 4 points.

“Although I finished second, I am excited with the win and to be among the first Malaysians to chart victory in a speedway race,” said Abdussobur.

The championships, organised by the Malaysia Motorsports Organisers and Competitors Association (MMOCA), will be held every Saturday night for 15 weeks until December. Last night’s race was the first of five rounds for under-21 riders. The first round for under-25 riders takes place next Saturday while the first round for the Open category begins on August 4.
"I am satisfied with the race held tonight as the riders have shown their best. I believe, after tonight the world will begin to look at us,” said Hanifah Yoong, Speedway Malaysia consultant.He said 42 local riders had undergone training under the supervision of New Zealander Ivan Mauger, nine-time World champion.

Speedway is a very exciting form of motorcycle racing where stripped down motorcycles race around an oval track on a surface of loosely packed crusher run stones compacted with shale. Speedway motorcycles perform without brakes, rear suspension or gears.
The sport started in the United States in 1908 and for the last 100 years has been confined to countries in Europe and America, as well as Australia and New Zealand.

RESULTS ROUND 1 UNDER 21 NFC SPEEDWAY CHAMPIONSHIPS 2007
Place/Rider/Team/Points
1st Mohd Azlan Suparman Seri Putra
2nd Mohd Abdussobur Turino Nova
3rd Muhammad Helmey Hamzah Titiwangsa
4th Nor Sahrizal Mohd Nasir Motivasi
5th Nazhron Abdullah Nova

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