THAIS DOMINATE KT MALAYSIA ASIAN MX MEET
July 22nd, 2011
Thanarat Penjan anchored an all-Thai 1-2-3 finish in the final moto of the MX2 division to grab the top plum of the 3rd leg of the FIM Asian Supercross Championship held here on Saturday. Penjan, the 2009 winner of the same championship, engaged current series frontrunner Arnon Theplib and his wingman Arongkot Pinpon in an exciting riding battle in both motos.
The event organized by the AAM was made possible through the cooperation between the State of Kuala Terengganu and FIM Asia. An estimated 3,000 spectators trooped to the venue to witness the first-ever international motocross race held in Malaysia in years.
Theplib prevailed in the opening moto after breaking away from Penjan who was precoccupied with Pinpon who challenged him for the second spot.
In moto 2, Penjan got the better line at the start and took the early lead. Theplib hounded Penjan, but the Kawasaki rider held the Honda ace at bay all the way to the checkered flag.
Japan's Tomoya Suzuki and another Thai Atison Ruadreo came in 4th and 5th to complete the podium line-up.
The Thais had other reasons to celebrate with 13-year old Krobkarn Krobngoen victory in the Asian Junion 85cc class that came from his identical first place wind-ups in both motos. Local boy Mohd Zulnasmi Mod Zulhilmi made his countrymen proud by taking 2nd over all. Third place overall went to Mark Reggie Flores of the Philippineswho finished 4th and 5th in the motos. Muhammad Ahkmal Az Zunaiidi of Malaysia and Gabriel Symon Macaso of the Philippines took the 4th and 5th spots on the podium.
FIM Asia President Stephan Carapiet congratulated the organizers and expressed his gratitude to HRH Yang di-Pertuan Agong Mizan Zainal Abidin during the final jury meeting. “We commend the AAM and the State of Kuala Terengganu for a successful event,” said Carapiet. “We also wish to convey our special thanks to Agong Mizan for graciously hosting this event which we believe has opened the door for bigger and better things for motorcycle sports in Asia,” he added.
Agong Mizan witnessed the exciting MX2 finals from the VIP marquee tent prepared by the organizers for the occasion. Later Agong Mizan grace the prize giving rights where he personally awarded the trophies to the winners of the premier MX2 category.
