MSF Superbikes Final Round 2024
Capturing the MSF Moto Championship Final Round at Sepang Circuit
Ah, the MSF Moto Championship finale at Sepang International Circuit—a high-octane event where grassroots racers mix it up with some pretty serious pro racers and chase their dreams. Speed takes center stage, and I, a self-proclaimed Malaysia-based motorcycle photographer, decided to chase… well, decent photos without embarrassing myself too much. So early one Saturday morning, bleary eyed and with a serious lack of caffeine, I jumped onto my Versys 650 and made the 45 minute journey from my house to Sepang International Circuit.
The MSF Moto Championship is known for its raw energy, tight-knit community, and the kind of action that makes you wonder why anyone ever bothered inventing four wheels. For a photographer, it’s a feast of moments waiting to be captured—if you can survive the sheer chaos of it all. Armed with my camera, a questionable plan, and enough snacks to weather a small apocalypse, I set out to document the final round.
As a Malaysia-based motorcycle photographer, the final round of the MSF Moto Championship Sepang Circuit felt like a must do event, especially with all my plans to get as much track-side shooting time in as possible now in full forward motion. I arrived at the track early, armed with my trusty camera, an overambitious shot list, and precisely zero cups of coffee (a rookie mistake I wouldn’t repeat). The circuit was wet and unusually quiet. Oh yeah that’s right, I was early.
Sepang was alive with the hum of engines and the buzz of racers psyching themselves up….oh wait…no it wasn’t, it was soaking wet and silent. I couldn’t even hear the glorious sound of a superbike engine being warmed up. Shame, as I could see S1000’s, Pannigale’s, ZX-10’s, GSXR’s, and a couple of beautifully prepared Fireblade’s thrown in for good measure. Once we get going here this will be a sweet weekend!
I registered with the super nice and helpful organisers and got my press credentials and high vis vest sorted out. Then it was time for some strategic wandering (read: aimless strolling while pretending I knew where to go), I found a nice spot on the inside of turn 3, a tricky corner where riders lean so hard it looks like they’re auditioning for a stunt movie. Perfect, I thought. “This is where the magic happens.” Then I found a prime spot outside of turn 5, where riders leaned into corners like they’d misplaced their sense of self-preservation. My first few shots? Very very nice indeed! As an added bonus the track drying quickly and the pace, and lap times, were hotting up. Cue silent fist pump.
Between races, I turned my lens to the paddock, capturing everything from a mechanic’s oil-streaked hands to fans passionately arguing over lap times. At one point, I was roped into photographing a group of family and friends that were mechanics and support group for one of the riders. In Malaysia it’s all about family. Why shoudl superbike racing be any different hey?
By the end of the day, I was sunburned, exhausted, and deliriously happy. The MSF finale reminded me why I love this chaotic, unpredictable sport—and that sometimes, the best shots come when you least expect them. Now, if only I could only find a decent cup of coffee and a good Nasi Lemak!
