Motorsports have always been a big part of Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman's life. You may even call it his destiny.
"Two of my older brothers had a huge interest in motorsports when I was still a child. One was into racing while the other was into the modding scene. I remember the days growing up in Shah Alam when I would make my way to the Batu Tiga circuit (the motorsports centre back in the day) just to watch races," said the Klang-born Grand Prix motorcycle racer.
While catching a breather during a short break in between his preparations for last weekend's Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) held at the Sepang International Circuit, Azlan reminisced about the times he attended motorsports-related events in Shah Alam, regardless of the time of day.
He even raced in a few of them, though his passion would stop short at fun. During his youth, he never really thought much to further commit himself into motorsports outside his personal interest or casual participation.
STREET DANCING DAYS
Eventually, he ventured into an entirely different scene, one that he was equally interested in other than racing, and that was street dancing.
Briefly touching on the subject matter, Azlan mentioned that it was probably a mix of talent and natural progression that led him down this path.
He liked dancing and thought he was pretty good at it. From there, one thing led to another.
Azlan won a street dance competition from his school days that landed him a role in Too Phat's 2001 "Just a Friend" music video at the age of 17 — a period when the local hip-hop duo were at their peak with Malaysian audiences.
But while few things have remained constant for him, the thrill of competition, coming out a winner and having fun have remained true to this day.
MOTORSPORTS VENTURE
Although hip-hop was fun to him, he had no real plans to pursue a career in it.
This led him back to where he believed his heart truly belonged, which was motorsports.
Azlan admitted he chanced upon the opportunity to mix business with pleasure and that there was no turning back.
"I usually accompanied my friend to racing events and so motorsports were never out of the picture. But once I found out how much he was making from his winnings, the rush got to me. I said to him I wanted to try my hand at the big payout he was getting, and it started from there."
Azlan got his shot in 2003 when he was selected to compete in the Malaysian Cub Prix Wira class (back then for those below 21 years old) alongside teammate Chear Kingston by riding a Suzuki FX110.
Looking back, Azlan felt the foray, too, began with plenty of excitement but his years of exposure to the art of racing helped him ease into the ride of his life.
He also joked that this was additionally bolstered by his "special" physique that offered him great adaptability to physical activities.
He assured that there was no special diet involved and that his active lifestyle, including a combination of gym workouts, jogging, cycling, racing and other physical sports, was what kept him in top condition.
CAREER SUCCESS
He reached his career peak when he became the overall champion of the CP130 premier class in the 2012 cub prix.
It was also during this time that mere interest evolved into life's passion.
"Previously, I had raced for the fun of it. It was only after I got into the world championship realm that I started to take motoring very seriously. It took a very long time and plenty of hard work to get there though."
Azlan made his debut in the Moto2 class as a substitute rider at the 2013 San Marino Grand Prix and finished the race in 23rd place.
He was the fourth participant from the ARRC to race in Moto2 and earned his first-ever SuperSports 600cc title by winning the 2013 Asia Road Racing Championship.
The 2015 Moto2 World Championship would remain as one of his most memorable and intense races. where he narrowly missed placing third in Motegi, Japan.
By then, the long journey to go to the global stage had conditioned him enough to manage expectations of and for himself and others at the circuit.
Even then, he stressed that nothing could truly prepare him for the intensity he would face on the world stage.
"It is different at the world level where everyone is a champion. Every lap feels like the last so you have to work each lap very hard."
But perhaps the entire ordeal may just be the champ's greatest asset as he has always thrived on doing his best in the most competitive of situations.
Azlan spoke about doing some motorcar racing on the side and had tried to go pro but insisted it was far from his ideal liking.
"I have competed in car racing and almost won. But driving a car for me is easier and slower when compared to riding a bike. They both have their own excitement, but bikes give me a greater thrill maybe because of my history with it."
Most importantly, it could be said the rider's strength came from his mental focus and fortitude in dealing with extreme stress and pressure.
His parents never supported the idea of him going professional until he had made a name for himself and to this day, he refused to read online comments about his performance.
"My parents thought the sport was too dangerous and were against it. They only started to support me when I started winning championships.
"If there is one tip I can share, it is to never seek out public opinion on how you did, especially online. Someone is always going to say something negative and it's going to affect you without a doubt.
"There is so much that anyone who wants to be a professional will never know until they are on the track. They see you win but don't understand anything minor could be a factor when you lose. But that's sports for you. There will always be lovers and haters."
Azlan has climbed up the ranks since his professional debut and is currently racing in the ARRC ASB1000 Championship for ONEXOX BMW TKKR SAG Racing Team aboard a BMW S1000RR.
An accomplished three-time champion with numerous bike brands and teams, Azlan has made history as the first Asian Superbike Champion at the 2019 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship finale at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand.
Now 38, Azlan is under no illusion that he can race as during his youthful self.
While he is far from hanging up his helmet, the professional rider has been public with his retirement from the international scene.
"I'll still take part in local races but I'll be retiring from international races. The strain and intensity are just too great on the body and mind at my age. Plus, I want to go out and be remembered while I am at my peak as a winner."
Azlan said he hoped to win one final international championship next year at the age of 39, which would "make a marvelous parting gift".
After that, he planned to spend more time with his team and groom future local talents.
"I want to make them the best or even better than I am."
His four young children, though, have yet to show any interest in their dad's riding career or the sport itself.
One more round of two races are left for him at ARRC Thailand this year. He is hoping to place Top 5 but with no title chase as the year is ending.
Azlan said future professional riders or those who ever considered participating in the scene should just have fun and keep at it.
"Enjoy the ride and never give up. There are always ups and downs but that's the point where you learn. So just keep a 100 per cent focus on doing your best, don't quit, and have fun," he said.