What is the point of having an international standard circuit if we cannot produce any world-class rider?
C Lombok, W Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - The newly built Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, located in Central Lombok District, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province, is expected to expedite the development of local tourism and Indonesian young racers.

"Establishment of the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit is a great opportunity to nurture national talented racers to excel in international championships," Head of the NTB Provincial Indonesian Motorcycle Association (IMI) M Nur Haedin remarked.

Haedin noted that the NTB Provincial IMI will ready a program in pursuit of young talented riders to be trained to compete in international events, such as the Asia Talent Cup, World Superbike, Moto2, Moto3, and MotoGP.

"We will train and develop them well with the support of all parties," he stated.

In addition to nurturing young riders, the association will continue to hone the skills of experienced riders that already have various achievements to their credit.

Call for support

The provincial head noted that the development program can be realized with full support from the NTB provincial government, private sector, and local community.

"We are optimistic of being able to produce world-class riders from our province in future," he remarked.

There have been quite a few motorcycle racing enthusiasts in the province.

In addition, several young racers are projected to become top racers at the national and international levels.

"Currently, they are still under 15 years of age. We will hone and train them continuously, so that they can become talented racers and make NTB Province and Indonesia proud in international tournaments," Haedin stated.

Prior to the establishment of the 4.31-kilometer (km) circuit, the association had also scouted for and recruited racing athletes through various championships held by IMI.

“We attempt to maintain the regeneration of racers,” he remarked.

Furthermore, taking into account the potential of early-age athletes, Haedin deemed it necessary to prepare funding to support them in clocking national and international achievements.

"The racers will be given various opportunities, with an adequate budget, to participate in several trial races as well as national and international championships," he affirmed.

Apart from the financial support, adequate facilities and equipment must also be readied.

"What is the point of having an international-standard circuit if we cannot produce any world-class rider?" the head of the provincial association questioned.

Haedin admitted to numerous obstacles faced in nurturing the athletes on account of dismal financial support since practicing motorcycle racing is quite expensive, for which sustainable support from the local government and sponsors is of utmost importance.

Hence, IMI is seeking collaboration with several sponsors to improve the racers’ achievements at the national level.

So far, the racers’ parents and clubs as well as some sponsors had funded the training for them, while the provincial association organizes several tournaments to give them an opportunity to improve.

"Our success at the XX Papua National Sports Week (PON) proved that our riders are excellent. Although the funding was limited and we only used second-hand equipment, our athletes could compete well with several prominent Javanese teams and win a gold medal,” Haedin remarked.

The province bagged gold in the 150 cubic centimeters (cc) standard motorcycle team racing event through Aldias Aqsal Ismaya and Nyoman Rajendra Shanti Pala, who finished the event at P3 and P11 respectively.

They succeeded in securing the smallest accumulation points to emerge as the winners of the event held for riders in the age bracket of 10-20 years.

Haedin expressed optimism that through strong financial support and new equipment, the province would be able to produce better racers.

Hopes of motorcycle enthusiasts

Head of the Modern Vespa Club (MoVe) of Lombok City Chapter, Bramantyo, affirmed that the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit will greatly encourage the growth of economic and tourism sector in NTB.

Bramantyo expects that in future, the race organizer of the circuit would collaborate with various local motorcycle clubs, so the enthusiasts can assist in supporting the racing event in Mandalika Circuit.

For instance, the organizer can conduct a motorcycle exhibition or contest in the area outside the circuit before the race gets started, he noted.

"The motorcycle clubs must be involved, although they are only given the spot outside the racing area. Thus, they can be part of the event” he stated.

Hence, motorcycle enthusiasts in the province can feel the euphoria of the race.

Bramantyo also informed that the club was established in 2017, with 30 members, who came from all regencies and cities in the province.

"The motorcycle club has an extensive network -- not only in NTB Province but also in Java Island -- that can be involved in promoting the race held at the Mandalika Circuit," he remarked.

Meanwhile, public relations officer of All New Honda PCX Community (AHPC) in Indonesia Yuhdi Arman stated that the circuit had become a matter of pride for the NTB people since it will host the 2022 MotoGP that already has scores of fans in the province.

"The circuit will be able to improve the community's economy in the tourism and other sectors. Hopefully, it would have a positive impact in future," he remarked.

However, he noted that only some of the locals could watch the racing event directly at the circuit due to the expensive tickets.

Nevertheless, several motorcycle communities were still enthusiastic to watch the world-class race since the implementation of the event also became a historic occurrence for all NTB people.

"We expect that motorcycle communities will be invited at the opening of the future racing events, so they can enjoy the competition atmosphere better," the officer of the community remarked.

In addition, he expressed optimism that the organizers would offer cheap tickets to motorcycle club members or representatives.

According to Arman, the local government has given little attention to local motorcycle clubs so far.

Thus, he expected that establishment of the Mandalika Circuit will enable the clubs to draw greater attention from the government.

"We hope to become involved in future racing events to enliven and make them successful," he added.

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Translator: Akhyar Rosidi, Uyu Liman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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