Mohd Akid Aziz of team UMA Racing Yamaha Maju Motor has cemented his status as the next exciting name in Malaysian motorsports. The 19-year-old had been nothing but impressive, leading not only the CP115 class of the national championship, but also the Underbone 150cc ladder in the regional FIM Asia Road Racing Championship.
Prior to the start of the Asian series, team principal Yong Ying Hoe raised eyebrows with his decision to put two junior riders on to the competitive Underbone 150cc grid of the ARRC.
“Due to the high level of competition in the regional series, teams usually hedge their bets by fielding one seasoned campaigner with a rookie. But Akid rewarded my belief in him many times over with a double podium performance at the Johor Circuit two weeks ago. He rode with a coolness and maturity that eclipsed the fact that it was his first time racing against strong riders from Indonesia,” said Yong.
The local racing industry is already abuzz with news that Akid could be the next to follow in the footsteps of Kasma Daniel Kasmayuddin. He would most likely be the Malaysian candidate for the Yamaha VR46 MasterCamp this season. However, the news is yet to be officially confirmed by Hong Leong Yamaha.
While training stints with racing idols in Europe may beckon in the mid-term, for now, Yong would prefer if his dazzling young protege focuses on the task at hand.
“I just want both Akid and Haziq to prepare for Round 2 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that will take place at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand this weekend. Now that the rest of the field have taken the measure of their abilities, we no longer have the element of surprise working to our favour. But if they continue to perform as they have done, the rewards will come their way.”
Round 2 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship will be held at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand from April 13 to 15, 2017.
