PETRONAS MALAYSIAN CUB PRIX 30TH YEAR MILESTONE

The Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix is a motorcycle racing championship that has been held annually in Malaysia since 1994. The championship is organized by the Sepang International Circuit and supported by the Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports, as well as title sponsor Petronas. Over the past 30 years, the Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix has become one of the most prestigious motorcycle racing championships in Southeast Asia. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most significant milestones in the history of the Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix.

The Early Years of Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix

The Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix was established in 1994, with the aim of promoting the development of young motorcycle riders in Malaysia. The championship was open to riders between the ages of 13 and 21, and it featured races on different circuits throughout the country.

In its early years, the Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix was dominated by Japanese motorcycle manufacturers like Honda and Yamaha, who were the main suppliers of the 115cc and 135cc bikes used in the championship. However, Malaysian riders soon began to make their mark on the championship, with names like Chia Tuck Cheong, Zulhelmi Ahmad, Mohd Radzi Omar, and Shahrol Yuzy among the first batch of local riders to make an impact.

The Rise of Petronas in Malaysian Cub Prix

In 1998, Petronas became the title sponsor of the Malaysian Cub Prix, lending its name to the championship and providing financial support to help it grow. Petronas also introduced its own racing team, the Petronas Sprinta Yamaha-CKJ Racing Team, which became one of the dominant forces in the championship.

The partnership between the Petronas and the Malaysian Cub Prix proved to be a successful one, as the championship continued to expand and attract more riders and teams. Petronas also introduced its own range of lubricants, designed specifically for use in the demanding conditions of motorcycle racing.

The Growth of Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix

Over the years, the Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix continued to grow in popularity, both in Malaysia and throughout Southeast Asia. The championship expanded to include different categories and classes, including the Super Cup, the Premier Class, and the CP150 Class.

One of the key factors behind the growth of the Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix was the support of the Malaysian government, which recognized the importance of motorsports as a tool for economic development and tourism. The government provided funding for the championship and invested in the construction and upgrading of racing circuits throughout the country.

The Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix also gained a strong following among fans, who were drawn to the high-speed action and the intense competition on the track. The championship became a popular destination for families and motorsports enthusiasts, with thousands of spectators flocking to the races to watch their favorite riders in action.

The Rise of Malaysian Champions

As the Malaysian Cub Prix grew in popularity, it also produced a new generation of talented riders who went on to achieve success on the world stage. One of the most notable examples is Zulfahmi Khairuddin, who started his career in the Malaysian Cub Prix before moving on to compete in the Moto3 World Championship.

Khairuddin’s success inspired a new wave of young riders to pursue their racing dreams, and many of them did so by joining the Malaysian Cub Prix. Over the years, the championship has produced a number of other talented riders, including Hafizh Syahrin, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, and Ahmad Fazli Sham.

These riders not only achieved success in the Malaysian Cub Prix, but they also went on to represent Malaysia in international competitions, bringing pride and recognition to their country.

The Challenges Faced by the Malaysian Cub Prix

Despite its many successes, the Malaysian Cub Prix has also faced a number of challenges over the years. One of the biggest challenges has been the issue of safety, as motorcycle racing is inherently dangerous and requires strict safety protocols to be put in place.

The Malaysian Cub Prix has taken steps to address this issue by implementing safety measures like better track barriers, improved medical facilities, and mandatory safety gear for all riders. The championship has also worked closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that safety standards are adhered to at all times.

Another challenge faced by the Malaysian Cub Prix has been the issue of funding, as the championship requires significant financial resources to operate. The Malaysian government has played a key role in providing funding for the championship, but there is always a need for more sponsors and partners to support the series.

The Success of Petronas Racing Team

The Petronas Sprinta Yamaha-CKJ Racing Team became one of the most successful teams in the Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix, winning multiple championships and producing a number of talented riders who went on to achieve success on the world stage.

One of the most notable riders to come out of the Petronas racing team is Hafizh Syahrin, who started his career in the Malaysian Cub Prix before moving on to compete in the Moto2 World Championship. Syahrin’s success inspired a new wave of young riders to pursue their racing dreams, and many of them did so by joining the Petronas racing team and 1st Malaysian to race in the MotoGP Class with Yamaha and KTM (2018 Yamaha Tech3 and 2019 KTM Tech3)

The team also produced other talented riders, including Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, Mohd Zamri Baba, and Ahmad Fazli Sham, who achieved success in the Petronas Malaysian Cub Prix and went on to represent Malaysia in international