TRUE GRIT: Gabit Wins

Wahid Ooi Abdullah

May 7, 2017

GABIT WINS 2ND ROUND OF THE 2017 MALAYSIAN SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP

(From Malaysian Supermoto Championship Press Release)

• Muhd. Habibullah bin Mohd. Saleh (Gabit) found through a wrist to take overall champion in the SM Open Class, by winning both Moto 1 and Moto 2, in front of Khairy Zakaria.
• Khairy Zakaria’s put up a brave fight but had to settle for 2nd in both Moto 1 and Moto 2.
• 35,000 spectators showed up to witness the races.

KUALA LUMPUR, 7 MAY 2017 – Selangor boy and the 2016 FIM Asia Supermoto Champion, Muhamad Habibullah bin Mohd Saleh (Gabit) took top spot of the 2017 Malaysian SuperMoto Championship (MSMC) – Round 2 in front of a massive 35,000 audience at Taman Tasik Permaisuri.

In the end, Gabit, Mohamad Khairi Zakaria and Mohamad Khuzaini bin Mahmood filled the top three podium spot for the professional category, the SM Open class. Prizes and trophies were presented by YBhg. Datuk Rizalman bin Dato’ Mokhtar, City Advisory Board Member of Kuala Lumpur. The winning rider from the SM Open class also received an automatic entry to a spot at one of the upcoming regional races in the 2017 FIM Asia Supermoto Championship.

“It was an eye opening race by budding and professional athletes. I have also witnessed our young riders’ potential in the two-wheel motorsports industry. Our country holds the potential to ace the international motorsports scene should the right channel be implemented to nurture these talents,” said Datuk Rizalman.

“With the growing interest towards motorsports in Malaysia, it is important that we embrace the growing culture and transform it into an economic advantage for the country. This will lead to the birth of an industry that will benefit Malaysia in the long run,” he added.

The 2017 MSMC series is divided into five classes – SM Open, SM Novice, SM CKD Open, SM CKD and SM Veteran. Participants are required to obtain an official license by AAM to compete in any of the categories.

SM CKD bikes ready to do battle

The scorching sun added heat to the track when Gabit stole the show in both Moto 1 and Moto 2 for the SM Open category. The combined race between SM Open and SM Veteran did not stop his eagerness to speed through the finish line with a completion time of 11:21.960 and (TIME) for both race respectively.

Both Gabit and Hairy put on a stunning show for the spectators with a close battle between both former champions for regional championship – FIM Asia Supermoto Championship. The neck-to-neck battle with well-polished skills were no match for riders in the same category.

Riding with an injured wrist, Gabit persevered through Moto 1 with a few instances cornered and overtook by Khairy. The tension and pressure that ran through his mind led him to focus despite the pain that disrupts his focus. The 0.4 seconds gap in the first race must’ve stirred his determination to fight for the title in the second race.

In Moto 2, Gabit went wild with his KTM 450 SX-F, showing incredible acceleration with a few instances of almost slipping off the track at the off-road section. With pure determination on top of his skills, he led the race and widened the gap, leaving Khairy with no opportunity to top podium spot.

“Moto 1 was difficult with an injured wrist, but the focus was on the title. The track can be considered as an easy track, but the pain took a toll on me. However, the crowd’s cheer gave me confidence to win the championship title,” said Gabit.

“Khairy was a strong contender on track with a chance to win the race. I believe that both of us have learnt a lot today that can be used in the regional championship.”

The 2016 FIM Asia Supermoto Championship winner expressed his eagerness to further expand his talents and carve his name in the international arena. “MSMC has always been a stepping stone for Supermoto riders in Malaysia to challenge their own skills and talents. This championship has produced multiple star riders in the past who are on par and ready to race on the international stage. I am looking forward to the competition around the world and hopefully make the country proud.”

Rising star Ahmad Daniel Haiqal aced in the SM Novice class as the champion. The 18-year-old rider also emerged as the second runner-up and fourth place for the SM CKD and SM Open class respectively.

“I am really pleased with my results today. The participation in 3 categories will further widen my skills in motorsports. I will also explore into other two-wheel sports including superbikes to gain more knowledge in the industry before venturing into my niche.”

When asked about his opinion to compete on an international level, he said that he would require more experience from the local scene before exploring beyond the country. “This is my second-year in supermoto and motocross. Through the race today, I have learnt an abundance of new skills from the professionals. I will implement and polish those skills to ensure that I achieve a certain level before moving to the international scene, but I am definitely looking forward to it.”

“Our company was developed through the love of motorsports. Our passion in bringing this industry to the next level locally and regionally yielded positive outcome and interest. Fans and enthusiasts can look forward to a highly competitive avenue for SuperMoto races in Malaysia and the region,” said Satheswaran Mayachandran, CEO of Asia Supersports Group, founding company of MSMC.

The show-stopping performance by 70 of the nation’s top SuperMoto riders around the 800-metres customised track left spectators with a vivid experience over the 2-days free admission race.

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Race Results

SM Open Class