KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 — The 2017 FIM Supermoto Asia season is poised to be a cracker when it comes down to the final leg in Malaysia on Dec 16-17, just after Singapore (Dec 9-10).

Malaysia’s hopes lie squarely on the shoulders of Khairi Zakaria — who is poised eight points behind Thailand’s Trakarn Thanghtong in the Asian standings — with a good chance to win the title in the absence of defending champion Habibullah Saleh.

Supermoto straddles motocross and dirt biking, a half hour race on a dirt track ringed by a winding asphalt track and is a test of man and machine navigating tricky man-made tracks that average a kilometre.

Leading the overall international class is Lewis Cornish with 145 points. The Asian class leader is Trakarn who broke Cornish’s winning streak by taking the Taiwan leg in a 1-2 finish.

Malaysia’s Khairi Zakaria, who finished second and third in Taiwan, is shouldering the brunt of responsibility now that Habibullah aka “Gabit” is out for the season.

The talented defending champion was racing in the Kemaman International Motorcross Challenge in Terengganu (Oct 21-22). Gabit was said to have fractured several ribs and a collapsed lung after crashing his KTM 250 SX-F in a double jump.

Khairi, who won in 2012 and 2013, is 25 points behind Lewis in the overall standings. He will have to win at least one of the remaining legs to win the overall title — if not, he and Trakarn will go down to the wire for the Asian title.

“It’s a pity Gabit isn’t here. He can definitely give Lewis a run for his money. He does crazy things on the bike,” said Khairi when contacted in Taiwan.

“I’m racing well and I can gauge myself better since this week, everyone’s bike seems to be on par. Some had issues getting parts but the locals were very helpful. I’m more confident in my ability now.”

Gabit won the overall and Asian title last year. He will need two months to recover, effectively ending his season and handing Lewis the title.

“You know if I can’t win, never mind. So long as I can put up a good fight and not make it easy,” said Khairi.

“It’s great to have a Malaysian up there challenging these calibre riders. It gives the rest hope and raises awareness on the sport.

“Hopefully, by the time we reach Malaysia, I, Trakarn and Cornish will all have a chance to win the title if it goes down to the wire. It’ll be great for the fans and can create big buzz around the track,” said Khairi whose hopeful Stadium Bukit Jalil will be packed come race day.

Supermoto Asia — wowing fans with aerial jumps and speeding bikes on a dirt-asphalt track — is jointly organised by Malaysia Major Events (MME) and E-Plus Global a public listed company headed by CEO Andrew Ching.