SHAH ALAM, Oct 24 — At just four years old, while other children were pedalling around playgrounds, Farres Putra was already riding a pocket bike.
That small step marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey for the young boy who now brings pride to Selangor on the Asian racing stage.
From the small MiniGP circuits to the grand tracks of the Malaysian Cub Prix, he grew up surrounded by the roar of engines and an undying passion for motorsports.
At 17, Farres is no longer just a name on the local scene: he is among Malaysia’s young riders carrying the national flag in the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC).
“I started in motorsports when I was four, riding a pocket bike, and then moved on to MiniGP bikes when I was 13.
This year, at 17, I am competing in the Wira Cup Prix category,” he told Media Selangor in an interview.
From MiniGP to the Asian Circuit
Currently, Farres competes in the Wira Cup Prix category and races in the ARRC under a local team that gives young Malaysian riders the chance to sharpen their skills internationally.
His proudest achievements include being crowned overall champion of the FIM MiniGP Malaysia 2021, and taking podium finishes in several race series across Asia.
A string of victories has made Farres one of the most promising young faces in professional motorsports. But every win comes with its own price, for behind the helmet and racing suit lies a story of discipline and perseverance.
For this Selangor-born racer, the true challenge is not just mastering sharp corners on the circuit, but balancing the demands of school and sport.
With a mother who strongly emphasises education, he ensures that his studies are never neglected despite his packed training and racing schedule.
“Alhamdulillah (God be praised), my mother is very well-educated, so she insists on home tuition to make sure I do not fall behind. Education is always number one, no matter how far I go,” Farres said.
A student of SMK Seksyen 24 (2) in Shah Alam, he is now preparing for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examinations while undergoing intensive training for the upcoming racing season.
Falls, scars, and the will to rise
Despite successfully balancing academics and sport, Farres’ journey has been anything but easy.
Once, during a race in Thailand, he crashed and fell into a three-day coma, suffering a broken collarbone. The incident almost ended his young career.
“I lost my memory for a while, and my family was really worried. But I never thought of quitting motorsports; I have come too far for that,” Farres said.
That crash became the fire that forged his determination. In 2021, he was crowned overall champion of FIM MiniGP Malaysia, and went on to continue his winning streak in the Wira category the following season.
For Farres, success is not merely about the trophies glittering on his shelf. It is about discipline, focus, and the responsibility to prove that racing is not just 'riding fast', but a sport that demands true courage.
“If you want to race, do it on the track. Even when you fall, you will still look cool,” he said cheerfully.
Looking ahead, Farres dreams big; not only to become the overall champion in the local ‘Expert’ category, but also to conquer the podium across all Asian racing classes this year.
He also hopes more young talents, especially those involved in illegal street racing, will shift towards safer and more professional platforms.
“I hope young riders and motorcycle enthusiasts realise that opportunities are everywhere. Do not waste them; make the best use of them.
"If you want to race, do it on the circuit, not on the streets,” Farres said.
