IO – Indonesia’s motorcycle racing world grieves. Young racer Afridza Syach Munandar (20 years of age) has died after an accident in the Asia Talent Cup in Sepang Circuit, Malaysia, on Saturday November 2.
Afridza was part of an accident on the corner in the tenth lap of the race. He lost control and crashed into the rear wheel of another racer. Afridza then lost his balance and fell in the middle of the track.
After being carried off the track, the Astra Honda Racing School 2017 graduate temporarily showed signs of life, lifting his right hand. However, his condition worsened and he was brought to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital via helicopter. Unfortunately, Afridza couldn’t be helped, and passed away at the hospital. Indonesia has lost one of its racers with the most potential, one who could have taken part in MotoGP in the future.
Condolences were offered by several world-class racers. World champion Marc Marquez gave his, writing, “Sad day for motorcycling. Afridza Munandar has passed away this afternoon after an accident in the Asian Talent Cup race! RIP Afridza,” through his Instagram account.
Marc’s younger brother, Alex, who became champion of Moto2, also sent his condolences. “Rest in Peace! We will race for you tomorrow,” wrote Alex.
Maverick Viñales, who won the race in Sepang, also wrote about Afridza. “I want to dedicate this win to the boy who died yesterday. He was my favorite in Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup. I offer my condolences to his family,” he said.
Afridza had done well in the Asian Talent Cup. He was able to keep close to other Asian racers and could have even won. Afridza won two ATC races and had collected 142 points, trailing only 27 points behind Takuyama Matsuyama (Japan) who is on top of the current ATF 2019 standings.
In domestic races, Afridza also performed well. The August 13, 1999, Tasikmalaya-born racer’s potential was apparent ever since he joined the Astra Motor Racing (ART) team. Together with ART, Afridza was able to become the West Java MP5 general champion and MP6 general champion.
In 2015, Afridza took second place in the series V class MP3 MP national championship, after participating in a course in Astra Honda Racing School (AHRS). The year after, Afridza was able to win a silver medal in West Java National Sports Week (PON) 2016 and became the national champion in MP3 and MP4.
Afridza had also once stood atop of the Oneprix moped class 4 stroke 150cc Tuned Up Injection tournament standings. In fact, he had won the tournament twice.
Unfortunately, Afridza’s dream of taking part in MotoGP are no more. He will however still be remembered as one of Indonesia’s best motorcycle racers.
Goodbye, Afridza! Now that you have passed the finish line of life, you can rest in peace. (rp)