Biker mum set to make her mark at SICBy NG WEI LOON
Khaizatul Akmar Zabidin
Khaizatul Akmar Zabidin is no ordinary motorcycle-riding woman. She is in a league of her own as she gets ready to race against men at the Sepang International Circuit on Sunday
A 35-year-old mother of four is set to make history at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this Sunday by becoming the first Malaysian woman to participate in one of the Malaysian Super Series’ (MSS) support races for the Marlboro Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Khaizatul Akmar Zabidin, who is fondly known as “Ah Khai,” will make her debut in the 250cc category Aprilia Cup race on a RS250.
The event will take her a step closer to her dream of racing in the Supersports category with her superbiker husband Ahmad Nazri Mohd Nawawi, 36.
Ahmad Nazri will be racing for the second season this Sunday in the Naza PanGlobal Superbike Championships on a Ducati 999s.
“At the beginning of the season, I was looking forward to taking part in the Supersports category. But I have to give it a miss due to financial constraints.
“Instead, I have set my heart on racing in the Aprilia Cup, which is more affordable,” said Khaizatul, who had to fork out RM18,000 to participate in Round 5 of the six-round MSS.
Her husband has challenged her to finish among the top 10 riders.
When clad in racing gear, it is hard to believe that Khaizatul is a mother of four children aged between two and 13 years old.
But all misgivings will melt away as soon as she revs up her bike and starts pushing her machine to the limit.
“It is a challenge to be the only woman to start at the grid this Sunday. But I’m ready for the adrenaline rush,” said Khaizatul.
Khaizatul and husband Ahmad Nazri will be sporting their lucky number 18 on their machines on Sunday.It is her love for bikes that led her to fall in love with Ahmad Nazri who shares the same passion.
“I used to buy food from his stall in Ampang and there was this big bike that was always parked near the stall.
“Initially, I didn’t know that the bike belonged to him until I saw him on the machine,” she recalled.
“At that time, I could not afford to own a superbike. But, I had a great time talking to him about bikes. I was thrilled just riding pillion on his bike,” she added.
Since last season’s MSS, Khaizatul has been involved in the management of Ahmad Nazri’s Apmit Racing team.
“I like being a part of his team by providing him with the morale support,” said Khaizatul, who does not mind getting her hands dirty when preparing her husband’s bike for races.
“I change tyres, check the fuel and examine the gauge. In a way, being in the team has helped me to increase my technical knowledge of bikes.
“I enjoy the experience working in the pit and riding on the SIC track,” added Khaizatul, who runs a foreign workers employment agency.
She has been practising on her husband’s Ducati at the SIC circuit nearly every Sunday since last year.
“My favourite corners on the SIC track are corner seven and eight bends and to weave around corner 12, 13 and 14.