Injured. Unstoppable. Now leading the championship.
The 2026 MAM Malaysia Superbike Championship returns to the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this weekend, and all eyes will be on RACR CASTROL POWER1’s rising star, Kabilesh Rajini Krishnan, as he continues his charge towards the championship crown.
If Round 1 proved anything, it’s that Kabilesh refuses to back down.
Despite breaking his thumb during the opening Free Practice session, the young Malaysian battled through the pain to claim victory in Race 1 before securing second place in Race 2. Those heroic performances earned him 45 championship points and a share of the championship lead, instantly establishing him as one of the riders to beat this season.
For most riders, a broken thumb would have meant survival mode. For Kabilesh, it became fuel.
“I still don’t think I was riding at 100 percent. The injury made it difficult to control both the throttle and front brake, but the team never stopped believing. Winning Race 1 and finishing second in Race 2 gave us confidence heading into this weekend.”
With his thumb recovering well, the RACR CASTROL POWER1 rider believes fans haven’t yet seen his full potential.
Eyes Forward, Not Sideways
Sharing the championship lead with Carlsen only adds another layer of intrigue to an already stacked Superbike grid, but Kabilesh isn’t letting the standings distract him.
Instead of obsessing over rivals, his focus remains simple—ride better every session, stay consistent and let the results speak for themselves.
“Carlsen is fast and I respect him, but my focus is improving myself every time I get on the bike.”
It’s a mindset that has helped transform one of the darkest chapters of his career into one of its brightest.
From Heartbreak to Championship Hope
Just a year ago, Kabilesh’s season looked very different.
A broken right femur ruled him out of contention early in 2025, leaving him scoreless after the opening two rounds before slowly rebuilding both his fitness and confidence.
Now, he’s back where he belongs—fighting for victories.
“Coming back after an injury like that wasn’t easy. That’s why being back on the podium and leading the championship means so much.”
The comeback story is quickly becoming one of the defining narratives of the 2026 season.
Every Point Counts
With multiple riders showing race-winning speed during the season opener, Kabilesh knows this year’s championship won’t be won with spectacular victories alone.
Consistency will be everything.
Avoid mistakes.
Finish every race.
Collect every point possible.
It’s a simple formula—but in one of the closest Malaysia Superbike championships in recent years, it could be the difference between lifting the title or watching someone else celebrate.
Full Attack at Sepang
As the championship returns to Sepang, Kabilesh has one mission.
Maximum points.
Every practice session.
Every qualifying lap.
Every race.
The confidence is growing, the momentum is building and the title fight is only just getting started.
If Round 1 was any indication, expect fireworks when the lights go out this weekend.
