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The return of Markus Reiterberger of the ONEXOX BMW TKKR TEAM to the Asia, in the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) and this time, with the aim to fight for the championship title that he missed out on 3 years ago. Half way into the season, Markus has showcased a sensational performance in the last three rounds, adding in his exceptional performance in Sportsland International Sugo Racing course into the list. The circuit not only gifted the 29-year-old with the experience but also rewarded him with a victory. “I’m really happy with  the race in Sugo because that was my first tie  there, by only watching the videos, I made it to the podium in both Race 1 and 2. At first, it wasn’t easy but I managed to learn fast during qualifying. Right now, I love that circuit. It’s a technical circuit yet interesting. The team has put a lot effort and hardwork to make sure my machine was in perfect shape.” “Initially I was excpecting just one win during the last round, as I was not familiar with the circuit and also it was my main contender, Haruki’s home ground. He had all the advatanges there. So, I studied the lap time from Noguchi as he was the strongest rider in the last season. I noticed that I could do few laps very quickly and then I stabilised my lap time. So, I followed through with my plan and it happened.” “Not only Haruki, Kasma, Azlan and Zaqhwan are tough competitors as well. It wasn’t an easy race but I’m really happy and satisfied with my lap times especially and taking over the lead position in the ASB1000cc.” Commenting further on the performance in Sugo, Markus admitted that the experience gained throughout these years has helped him to learn fast about the circuit.” “If you ask me if it’s merely luck or my experience that gave me the victory, I would say it’s the maturity and the ability to decide or plan fast that made me touch the finish line with a win in my hand. It never came easy to me. It took years of bumpy roads, failures and my efforts to be here. I’m still learning and progressing through each rounds. In every race, there’s something new to learn from the race itself and also the other riders.” While Markus leads the standing with a total of 118 points to date, Haruki is 26 points behind meanwhile Zaqhwan is at the third place with 84 points. Though the cards look brighter on Markus side, the German lad wouldn’t want to have high hopes but still sticking to the goal to bag the Asia title. “It seems good so far, Next in Mandalika, another circuit to explore and devour! Ha ha ha… It would be definitely amazing if I am able to make it to the podium in Indonesia. And I must say this, the Indonesian motorsport fans are crazy. They are so amazing, the crowd will be great.” “As usual I am gonna give my 100% to this race while enjoying it at the same time. I don’t wanna pressure myself by looking at the title now, but the vision is there and I am taking one step at one time. I believe I will reach where I need to be.”

Malaysian rider, Khairul Idham Pawi, or fondly known as SuperKIP, made it into the top 20 positions in the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race in Japan, last weekend and will now move forward with his riding goals in Round 4 of Asian Road Racing Championship 2023 before heading back to his home-ground for another battle in the season opener of the Malaysia Superbike Championship, MSBK, 2023 which will commence on 18th August 2023. Riding under Honda Sofukai Suzuka Racing Team, KIP teamed up with Japan’s Yuki Sugiyama and Hane Takumi on his first appearance in the 8 hour race at the Land of Sunrise and finished at the 18th place out of 50 participants. The 25-year-old who was no stranger to the world of motorsports while he was a Moto3 rider back in 2017 had quite a dramatic journey till he announced his retirement at the age of 22 back in 2020 and decided to make a comeback in 2021. KIP explained his decision to quit motorsports for good. This move was explained in a cool and calm manner where he declared the need to be done for his own happiness as well as his loved ones around him. Truth be told, it has been a difficult couple of seasons for the young Malaysian rider. He created history back in 2016 as the first Malaysian rider to win a race in the MotoGP 250cc class not once, but twice in a season. Things moved a little too quickly for the motorsports superstar with a promotion into Moto2 before being signed with the Petronas Sprinta Racing team. His downfall led him to a long-term injury that resulted in the amputation of one of his fingers early of 2020, but the opportunity to prove himself worthy of competing with the best Moto3 riders once he recovered was not granted. The announcement of retirement was a bit of a frustration, yet, The Champ came out of it real quick! Kudos! Last season can be described as a warm up for the break he had as he was still struggling to get his pace back and this season, he has been all out in proving his worthiness since the season opener in March. Coming back to the current racing scene, across the weekend’s three races, with two more to go KIP keeping it super cool claiming that back-to-back races kept his momentum on track though it can be exhausting in the coming weekends. “ As a professional rider, this is how our life is or should be. Yes, the races are back-to-back and adding on to the strain, the travelling. So, it’s not only about the race, it’s a package. Three different countries with three different vehicles in three weeks. It will be exhausting and I’m not gonna deny or sugarcoat it. Regardless, I am all geared up for these racers.” “And also it’s about the experience I gained. For example, I have raced in Moto3 and Moto2, World Championship, but the Suzuka 8H, never been. My very first experience there in Suzuka, but I felt I got my momentum back which I never had in last few years. Now it feels like I am back to my old self when I was competing in World Championship.” “I could have done better in Suzuka but I am happy with the performances and next I’ll be heading to Mandalika, my neighbour country. Every circuit is a playground that we riders explore continuously, no matter the times we have raced there. I always give my full commitment to every races. Same goes to this one.” In the last round at Sugo, KIP of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM definitely made an impression with steady and strong finish aboard the Honda CBR600RR as he strode swiftly ahead to bag number 1. Currently dominating the SuperSport 600cc class with 118 points which is comfortably 27 points ahead of Japanese, Keito Abe.” Would KIP be able to grab the title for this season? Possibilities are high! “As for now I do not want to pressure myself by thinking of title, but somehow we are half way there. It seems possible but this is race. Anything can happen and anybody can win. So, for now I am going to enjoy the race and collect as much points as I can. Podium in every other rounds and let’s see. Que Sera Sera!”

“Winning race at my home ground, it wasn’t merely luck. There was this excitement of racing in front of my family, friends and home crowd, I can’t deny that advantage that I had in Sugo, yet, the amount of hardwork I put in, that comes first. How would I miss a podium at my home-ground?” In two-wheels race, a start can change the rest of a rider’s race. Starting well means hitting the first turn at the head of the pack and not wasting energy trying to move up in the first few laps, with the risk of falling that it implies. The similar rhythm applies when a professional rider begins his journey for the season. Usually, a positive start would boost up each rider’s confidence and definitely it helps to push forward in the following rounds. Yet, for the 23-year-old Japanese rider, it’s a different script when the results weren’t on his favour. “A good start does not guarantee victory or a place on the podium, and a bad start doesn’t mean I would fail the whole season. I have proved it through my race in Sugo circuit last month. I would be lying if I say there is no pain in the loss, there’s no single win and I was struggling throughout the last two rounds. But that’s the beauty of race. Everyone has a chance to win therefore each round matters and I have to admit that I have messed up in certain rounds due to some unavoidable technical issues.” “I have never given up! “I ventured into motorsports when I was 7 years old. It all started when my dad brought me to watch pocket bike races over the weekend. The moment I saw it, I knew there’s something in it! You know they call it #bikegasm ha ha ha.. Fortunately, my parents were very supportive too throughout my career till today.” “I entered ARRC as a rookie rider in 2019 and the rest is history! With neck-to-neck racing and bashing fairings from start to finish in Sugo circuit, for AP250, Aiki Iyoshi gave Motul Manual Tech Racing Team their first win of the year, pipping Veda Ega Pratama of Astra HONDA Racing Team by 1.682secs. Heading to Bumi Pertiwi for the upcoming round this weekend, battling against the Astra Honda’s Trio at their home-ground, Aiki finds it as a NO BIG DEAL! “This will be my first appearance in Mandalika, I’m excited! I am someone who loves suspense and surprises. So I am looking forward to race at this circuit. I will try to read the circuit as much as possible during the qualifying round. I am expecting a good result so that I could start my race 1 in a better position.” “Generally, being in a good position in the starting grid is important in securing a strong position after the first turn, which is a key element to ensuring a chance of winning the race. Nevertheless, I am all set for the challenges ahead of me this weekend. “Performance wise, I believe it’s getting better by each round. I think it is possible to fight for the top 3 at the moment. For now the Astra Boys are the fastest. There’s nothing to do right now, but we’ll see. As I mentioned earlier, that’s the beauty of the race. Anything is possible even at the very last corner of the circuit.” “I have strong feelings the second half of ARRC will be favourable to me and I can do better. I don’t know how it’s going to be at the end of the season but I’m definitely not giving up! Especially in Mandalika, am aiming for a podium. Let’s see!”

Why do people love motorsports? Why is it so cool and classy? What makes speed so exhilarating? Motorsports has been popular for the longest period of time and has seen fans flocking from all parts of the world to catch a glimpse of the events besides watching it broadcasted live. The numbers are in fact higher than those who play video games for sure. Watching the high-speed machine complemented by the likes of highly meticulous riders while feeling the goosebumps rising is surely one of the reasons that makes it ever exciting and intriguing. The pump of adrenaline that comes with watching the professional riders compete knowing that one wrong move could result in a catastrophic experience is what makes it even more exhilarating. Nevertheless, this does not dampen the young blood of an 8-year-old from realising his dreams and taking his passion to the next level. Indonesia born, an all-grown-up, Muhammad Murobbil Vitoni of LFN H.PUTRA 969 INDONESIA Racing Team, who is making waves in the Asia Road Racing Championship, ARRC, currently, shares how he fell in love with motorcycle racing. “I was 8 years old when I first got to know what motorsports is. I saw my uncle training his riders for a motorcycle race. Love at first sight! I was deeply, madly in love with the bikes and I can’t help it. ha ha ha.. At the very young age I never looked at it as a career path. All I know was that, I would look classy if I am on the vehicle and pull off stunts at every corner like how they do it on TVs and in real circuits.” “And in motorsports, there’s this saying, “Courage, comes first, then power and comes the technique. The courage, I had to pull myself together to convince my mom as she was against it. Fortunately, my dad stand by my stood by my side and we both managed to convince my mom. Once the green flag waved, I had the courage to be on the cicuit and the rest was history! “My first race took place when I was 14 in Indospeed Race Series. 4 years later I made debut in Asia’s prestigious race, ARRC, in UB150cc category, which was last year and I learned all the tricks and tips to be a better racer this season.” In the last race at  Sugo, Murrobil or well known as Robby Sakera made the cut with his best lap time at 1’46:401s and grabbing the second spot on the grid for the race, yet, the result wasn’t favourable to the 19-year-old who is  in the hunt for the golden title. “Thank God, at the moment I am at the 2nd position overall. However, I am still not satisfied with the results throughout the first half of the season. I can do better. Now, I am working on my techniques and strength. Sometimes it takes a lil luck too.” “Looking at the overall results, I am not too far from the main contender but at the same time my fellow Indonesian riders, Gupita Kresna and Wawan Wello they are not far behind either. So, I have to avoid mistakes at all cause to be on the podium in the next round in Pertamina, Mandalika. Eventhough there is an advantage of competing at my home ground in front of my home-crowd, it applies to both my Indonesian rivals as well.” “Regardless I am all excited to perform in front my family, friends and fans. Lombok is a beautiful place to visit and I believe that people across the globe would come to watch us racing. I am excited to not only race but also to meet the people there in Mandalika. I will try my best for a podium finish. The rest is God’s plan. Let’s see what Mandalika has in store for me.” “As for the season, I would definitely be hoping to grab the title, but you know, UB150cc is very unique and competitive on it’s owan way. So, we can’t predict anything. I’m hoping for the best and wishing every other riders a very good luck.” After four rounds of ARRC, Murrobil is 19 points behind the main contender Nazirul Izzat, meanwhile, the two other Indonesian riders Gupita Kresna and Wawan Wello at third and forth position respectively.

Familiarity with a venue creates a powerful force when combined with the will of the majority of its crowd. The effect is tacit. Undeniable fact! Racing at the home-ground is always an added advantage for its countrymen. Would this work magic with Indonesian rider, Decky Tiarno Aldy’s next battle? He is definitely hoping so! Commonly known as Decky Al among Indonesian motorsport scene, The 23-year-old has been making waves in the newly established category, The TVS Asia One Make Championship. This platform which has gracefully entered it’s 2nd season in 2023, has been showcasing the impressive skills of riders from across Asia. Decky begun his venture in motorsports as young as 11 years old through several racing events back in his birth city, Sengkang Kabupaten Wajo. The deep interest towards motorsports brought him to the Asia’s prestigious two-wheels event, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, ARRC. “No matter which field you are venturing in, there must be a starting point. Mine was the local races at my village. We have huge love for motorsports. It can be a small racing event or big racing event, doesn’t matter. So, this is where it all started. A lil difference here, I wasn’t only into race, but I was into automotive as well. I love to explore the engines and spare-parts. It’s funnn!! “When I was 11, I told my parents about my love for this sport and fortunately they weren’t against it knowing the amount of risk in it. I’m grateful for them for being the pillar since day one.” “My first major race was my debut in TVS which happened last year. I made it to the top 3. That was a great learning curve for me. The level of competitiveness in this category is equally competitive compared to other classes because all the riders that has been chosen are the best from the Asian country. The plus here is that, machines are as powerful as the AP250 machines or even more than that. It is only the skills that differs. Hence, the best takes up the victory. “But this year it’s quite different with the participation of new riders. There are few newcomers and they are so good. As in the Malaysian riders, Muzakkir and Ramdan. They are my tough competitors at the moment including Vorapong. In that case, competing at my home soil, I have to make it favourable to me.” “If we look at the current standings, the point difference between the four of us isn’t much. The level of competitiveness is undeniably tough. For the next round, I must avoid making any mistakes at all cause and as I mentioned earlier performing in front of my home crowd would be a boost for me to touch the finish line with a victory on my hand.” Decky showcased high-skilled performance in the last round at Sugo which proved his hunger for the title this season. Some pretty cool stunts to note! “This is my first appearance in Mandalika and I hope I will make it a memorable one to cherish forever. I lack in experience here when it comes to this circuit, so, it will be a new experience at the same time. I try to collect as much info as possible that I could during the qualifying round. Apart from that, I would give all my best and try to collect as much points I can in this round. The hunger for title is definitely there but I would prefer not to pressure myself. I just wanna enjoy the race!”