Last-corner drama sees Irfan fight it out with Haykhal in thrilling Round 1 showdown at the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship.
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Race 2 of the MSBK250 A category at Round 1 of the MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) delivered a thrilling spectacle at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, as Irfan Ardiansyah of NWN CZ1 SCK Racing Team clinched a sensational double victory in dramatic fashion.
The race got off to a fast start, with Md Irfan Haykhal Amidi of Motul Honda Racing Malaysia launching perfectly to secure the holeshot. Irfan Ardiansyah quickly settled into second place, followed by Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin of Team ACR and Muhd Akif Abdullah. Early drama struck when Allwin Xavier of RACR Castrol POWER1 crashed out, reducing the field.
Intense battle at the front from start to finish
By Lap 2, Haykhal controlled the pace at the front, but Irfan remained glued to his rear wheel, refusing to let the gap open. Behind them, a fierce three-way battle for third place developed between Nazirul, Nguyen Huu Tri of Honda Racing Vietnam Team, and Akif.
On Lap 3, Haykhal set the fastest lap of 2’26.223s in an attempt to break away. However, Irfan responded immediately, matching the pace and maintaining relentless pressure. The leading duo soon pulled a small gap of around three seconds over the chasing pack.
The fight for the final podium spot intensified on Lap 5, with Nazirul briefly securing third place. Still, Huu Tri and Akif stayed within striking distance, keeping the pressure on in a tightly contested battle.
Decisive move and last-lap showdown
The turning point came on Lap 6 when Irfan made a decisive move to take the lead, forcing Haykhal into pursuit mode. What followed was a dramatic final lap that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Irfan defended strongly through the early sectors, while Haykhal waited patiently for an opportunity. At the final corner, Haykhal made a bold move and briefly edged ahead. However, he ran slightly wide on exit, allowing Irfan to execute a perfectly timed cutback.
In a drag race to the finish line, Irfan Ardiansyah crossed the line first with a time of 19’43.732s, just 0.106 seconds ahead of Haykhal. Nazirul secured third place in 19’48.238s, holding off strong challenges from Huu Tri and Akif.
Reflecting on his victory, Irfan said:
“I just focused during the race. When I overtook, I focused on maintaining my position. On the last lap, I just went full gas. I didn’t know if someone would overtake me, so I pushed as hard as I could until the end.”
With this double victory, Irfan Ardiansyah makes a strong statement early in the 2026 MSBK season, establishing himself as a key contender in the MSBK250 category.
Top 5 Results – MSBK250 Race 2
- Irfan Ardiansyah (NWN CZ1 SCK Racing Team) – 19’43.732s
- Md Irfan Haykhal Amidi (Motul Honda Racing Malaysia) – 19’43.838s
- Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin (Team ACR) – 19’48.238s
- Nguyen Huu Tri (Honda Racing Vietnam Team) – 19’48.285s
- Muhd Akif Abdullah (Motul Honda Racing Malaysia) – 19’48.486s
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