Ahmad Zamani Scores First Win Over Brent Odgers

Malaysia's Asian Grand Prix rider Ahmad Zamani Baharuddin stunned favourite Brent Odgers of Australia at Round 3 of the Malaysian Super Series when he won the opening race of the Superbike Championship at Sepang Circuit today.

Lee Ching Hooi in Action Super Sports Open

Riding for Kawasaki Malaysia Racing Team, Ahmad Zamani rode a sensational race to win the 15-lap battle around the 2.807-km Sepang Circuit North Track in an impressive time of 10 minutes 49.763 seconds to score his first ever win over the defending champion since making his debut in the Superbike Championship in the middle of last season.

Struggling to third behind Ahmad Zamani and 2006 champion Yasuhiro Kuhara, Odgers, however, still have Race 2 tomorrow to make amends and turn the tables against his Malaysian rival, who was second overall last year.

"Obviously, I am very happy with the results. The bike was exceptionally well and I must thank the team for providing me the perfect bike for the race. Hopefully, we can win again tomorrow and really challenge for the overall title," said Ahmad Zamani, who rode a Kawasaki ZX10R.

Ahmad Zamani's Team Kawasaki Malaysia team-mate Lee Ching Hooi, however, was less successful in his debut in the Supersports Championship; coming second in Race 1 behind championship leader Mohamad Syahnas Shahidan.

Winner of the Superbike Championship in 2005 and 2006, Ching Hooi's decision to move to the 600cc class was clearly to synchronise his focus and strategies as he is currently competing in the same Supersports category at the Asian Grand Prix.

Despite his skills and experience, he was no match to power and acceleration of Syahnas, an experienced rider himself; having raced for Team Petronas Sprinta Yamaha in the Asian Grand Prix in the 600cc category for two seasons in 2006 and 2007.

In the 135cc Production Bike Championship, two-time champion Ahmad Azhar Abdul Hamid - scorer of a double victory in the preceding Round 2 last month - continued his dominating form to win the opening race; effectively revived his hopes of winning a third crown.

Missing the opening round to compete in the AAM Petronas Sprinta Malaysian Cub Prix Championship, Ahmad Azhar was in awesome form; leading from start to finish to put the brakes on championship leader Ahmad Nashrul Baharuddin, who finished the race in third place behind Mohd Rizal Jantan.

Ahmad Azhar was equally awesome in the 150cc Kawasaki Cup, scoring another victory of Ahmad Nashrul, who finished second in the opening Race 1. Mohd Fairuz Abdul was third. The opening round of the Naza Bikerz Cup was won by Mohd Rahim Amon ; winning the 12-lap race in 16 minutes 890 seconds. Mohd Nazib Salahan finished second with Mohd Zaikrul Akmal in third spot.

Race 2 would be held tomorrow with the results being combined with that of Race 1 in deciding the winner for Round 3. For the car competitions, both Race 1 and Race 2 would be held tomorrow.

Malaysian Super Series - Bikes

Sepang Circuit North Track - 2.807km

For further details, contact the Press Officer Azhar Ghazali at 019 3837865.