Takahide Tanaka of TEAM TEC2 & YSS NTR.JP marked a win in the Asia Production 250cc category at Race 1, Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which was held at Sugo International Racing Course.
It was an unfortunate start for the riders of the AP250 category who had to brace the race in rainy weather. While this may be an advantage to some riders, for many, it was a challenging task to complete. With three riders taking a fall in the very first lap and others taking a slower approach, it was a door of opportunity for riders who were confident enough to manoeuvre their machines on the slippery circuit.
In that moment, Ryunosuke Nakamura of ENDLESS TEAM SHANTI took lead from the 8 th spot on the grid with Rafid Topan Sucipto of LFN HP969 Indonesia Racing Team tailing close behind. He went on for five laps before slipping into P3 by mid race. It was a golden opportunity for Takahide Tanaka who immediately grabbed the P1. He went on for the remaining laps in the lead position as
Ryunosuke picked his speed back up into P2.
Takahide did not budge from his position. That left no opportunity for his contender, Ryunosuke to overcome the challenge before him. With that, Takahide made a dash to the finish line first followed by Ryunosuke.
Takahide’s decision to start the race with rain tires brought him victory when he clocked in at 23’53:198s.
Commenting on the race, Takahide said, “I have been racing in this circuit for a long time. I know how the conditions are during a rainy weather. As such, I started the race with the rain tires.”
“The race was a fantastic one and this is the best thing that has ever happened to me.”
Ryunosuke clocked in at 23’59:421s.
At the third place, it was Piyawat Patoomyos who marked at 24’17:385s.
Top 5 Winners – Race 1
- Takahide Tanaka, TEAM TEC2 & YSS NTR.JP, 23’53:198s
- Ryunosuke Nakamura, EDNLESS TEAM SHANTI, 23’59:421s
- Piyawat Patoomyos, HONDA Racing Team, 24’17:385s
- Reynaldo C. Ratukore, ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team, 24’32:506s
- Sethu Rajiv, HONDA Racing India, 24’51:587s
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