The 24th season of the PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship will usher in a new era in Malaysian motorcycle racing with the CP150 class set to take centerstage as the premiere class of 2017.
The imminent debut of the CP150 class, with its promise of bigger, better and faster racing, had struck a positive chord among the teams, riders and fans.
“The teams had been really excited to embrace the new challenge represented by the technological advancements on the 150cc bikes. They are now able to fully explore the use of fuel injection system and engine control unit (ECU) in the local racing context. This technology is brand new and the teams will take time to settle down before they can muster the full potential,” explained Ron Hogg, Director of Safe Aim Mutual, the race promoters of the Malaysian Cub Prix Championship.
“The buzz around the CP150 class had also attracted the entry of a new team as new riders into the premiere class. New teams rarely debut in the elite category and this latest development promises more exciting racing for spectators and TV viewers.”
Elaborating further on the CP150 class, Ron added, “Since its inception in 1994, the Malaysian Cub Prix Championship has not only been the developmental springboard for Malaysian riders, but also an important marketing platform for manufacturers like Honda, Modenas and Yamaha to promote their products.”
“Therefore, it is important for the championship to evolve together with the changes in the motorcycle market. At this moment, the teams are working with either the Honda RS150R or the Yamaha Y15ZR. But in times to come, we hope to welcome the participation of other motorcycle makes.”
The sport’s governing body, the Automobile Association of Malaysia, weighed in on the new race category.
“We expect the 150 class to generate a lot of interest among bike fans,” said YM Tunku Mudzaffar Tunku Mustapha, Chairman of the AAM. “We would like to congratulate Safe Aim Mutual, their sponsors and their partners, for yet another step forward in the growth of the national motorcycle racing industry. The results from the pre-season test here at the Melaka International Circuit has laid the groundworks for an extremely competitive season to come.”
