HONDA WAVE JUNIOR CHALLENGE OPENS UP THE DOOR
23 March 2011

2011 marks the fifth consecutive year, Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd run the Honda one-make race in the PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship and this time around, it's known as Honda Wave Junior Challenge.

The Honda Wave Junior Challenge opens up door for young riders who dreams to become professional riders following the footsteps of MotoGP riders, Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo or even our very local hero, Muhd Zulfahmi Khairuddin.

It's one of the best platforms for newcomers to venture into the motor racing world not only because they get to compete on fair playing ground but it's also very cost efficient as Honda will take care of the machine set-up as well as on the bike transportation aspect.

Hence, once the open for registration announcement was made to the public end of last year the response was overwhelming. A total of 122 teenagers called in to register but unfortunately only 20 seats were available.

First Round Selection

30 riders were selected for try out at University Utara Malaysia (UUM) Go-Cart Circuit, Kedah on February 12-13. Honda Racing team manager, Rodney Peh Chee Chai led the first round selection with Shahrol Yuzy Ahmad Zaini, Soong Chee Kieong and Chong Kok Ming presence guiding the rookies throughout the 2-day sessions.

All the selected riders went through basic racing education on the rules and regulations of racing, fitness training and racing techniques. They were split into two groups and had two days gaining exposure on the track.

Based on their performance, riding skills and discipline, only 20 riders have been shortlisted for the 2011 Honda Wave Junior Challenge.

Training Session

The best 20 riders were selected and this is just the beginning of the journey for this young group of potential riders. They had the privilege to go through an intensive training programme on February 26 and 27 at the UUM Go-Kart Circuit, Kedah.

This time around, they were given more in-depth knowledge on both theories and practical on racing. They were taught on gearing, breaking points, maneuvering corners, racing line and riding style. Besides that, they also had one to one encounter with Shahrol Yuzy, Mohd Emir Firdaus Hasan and also Zulhelmi Ahmad. Their mentors will observe their riding style and give them feedbacks on the area that they need to improve.  

WHAT THEY GOT TO SAY

Overall, it was a very successful outing and we are all very satisfied with the abilities of all participants. Unfortunately, only 20 spots available and I hope those that have been selected will treasure this opportunity and not take it for granted. Once again, congratulations to those have been selected while to those who failed to make the cut, do not give up and try again next year.
Honda Racing team manager
Rodney Peh

After having gone through some solid training session with this group of riders, I believe they do have talent and I see the potential in them. All they need is more grooming, some experience and be disciplined in every aspect of their racing career.
Pachie Yuzy Honda Racing team manager
Shahrol Yuzy Ahmad Zaini