Sepang Shocker: Last-Lap Crash Hands Azroy Hakeem Anuar Sensational ASB 1000 Win
By Izhar Safuan
SEPANG, MALAYSIA – The penultimate round of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) at the Sepang International Circuit delivered high-stakes racing, sweltering conditions, and a dramatic title twist in the premier Asia Superbike 1000 (ASB 1000) class. With the Malaysian sun beating down and championship points at a critical high, local heroes stepped up, but not without intense, circuit-defining controversy.
Race 1: Hafizh Syahrin Conquers the Heat
Race 1 was a display of mastery under immense pressure. With track temperatures soaring, tire management became the critical factor, and Malaysian veteran Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of the JDT Racing Team executed a flawless strategy.
Syahrin took the lead early and never looked back, managing his pace and his front tyre wear expertly over the twelve laps. He converted his dominant position into a comfortable victory, thrilling the home crowd. Behind him, the battle for the final podium spots was tight, with Zaqhwan Zaidi (Idemitsu Honda Racing Malaysia) taking a solid second place. Consistency paid off for Nakarin Atiratphuvapat (Honda Racing Thailand), who rounded out the podium in third, setting the stage for a dramatic Sunday.
Race 2: The Crash That Changed Everything
If Race 1 was about strategy, Race 2 was pure chaos. The battle for supremacy once again came down to the two Malaysian titans, Hafizh Syahrin and Zaqhwan Zaidi, who traded blows throughout the twelve-lap distance. They pulled away from the chasing pack, building a small but crucial lead that promised a head-to-head sprint finish.
The tension peaked on the final lap. As the pair fought tooth and nail for the lead, disaster struck. Entering a crucial corner, Syahrin and Zaidi made contact, resulting in a dramatic clash that sent both championship contenders sliding into the gravel.
Just moments behind them, Malaysian rider Azroy Hakeem Anuar (Idemitsu Honda Racing Malaysia) was waiting. Azroy, who had been running a strong race, inherited the lead in the final sector and flashed across the finish line to take a sensational and unexpected victory—his first of the season.
The true winner of the drama, however, was Nakarin Atiratphuvapat. The Thai rider, navigating the chaos to take a calculated second place, collected a crucial 20 points. Meanwhile, the recovering Syahrin and Zaidi salvaged what points they could, but the damage was done. Andi Farid Izdihar (Astra Honda Racing Team) completed the Race 2 podium in third.
Title Fight Goes Down to the Wire
The extreme highs and lows of Sepang have completely reshaped the ASB 1000 championship standings. Nakarin Atiratphuvapat’s consistent performance over the weekend has propelled him into the lead of the championship table.
The final round in Thailand is now set up to be an unmissable showdown. With the points incredibly tight, the Asia Superbike title is wide open, confirming that the 2024 ARRC season will be decided in the last possible race. The Sepang drama will be replayed in the minds of riders and fans alike as the field prepares for the ultimate final battle.