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“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!”

After winning his fourth championship title in the International German Motorcycle Championship, Markus Reiterberger, returns to Asia in the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). This time, with the aim to fight for the championship title that he missed out on 3 years ago. After a very promising start for Reiterberger and his team, the 2020 ARRC season came to an abrupt stop due to the coronavirus pandemic. Nevertheless, he is back on a hunt for the first Asian title with the ONEXOX BMW TKKR team and it looks like he is in on a positive roll. Born in Trostberg, Germany in 1994, Reiterberger begun his professional career in 2007 and  in 2008 he was a contestant of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. That’s huge! The 28-year-old won the Yamaha R6-Dunlop Cup in 2010 and then competed in STK1000 and the Superbike IDM championship. He also had a Moto2 appearance at the Sachsenring circuit in 2012, before winning the Superbike IDM title for the first time in 2013 and the second time in 2015. With vast experience in two-wheels sports, bagging an Asian title would definitely make him all-rounder. “I started my journey in the two wheels since I was 3 or 4, somewhere around there. My father was a speed bike rider, he does long rides. Adding to this, my hometown is a place famous for motorcycling and racing. So, I would say it is weird if a kid from the town isn’t interested in this sports. You may have a hard time finding one with no interest in racing back in my hometown.” “From Germany to Spain, and all over the European country, I believe I have made my appearance in many parts of the country but not in Asia. So, when I got the chance to compete in the Asian region specifically the ARRC, I was super excited and all pumped to bet on the title. But, unfortunately Corona had the biggest nose in intervening in my dreams, ha ha, just kidding!” “I am very happy to get another chance in the Asian Road Racing Championship. Three years ago, I already completed the first ARRC event on the MotoGP track at Sepang. Back then I finished fourth in the wet first race and won the second race on a dry track with a big lead and a new lap record. I really enjoyed it and this time around being able to compete full season, it’s going to be remarkable, or at least will try to make one!” Reiterberger faced the second event of the 28th edition of ARRC after the season opener in Chang International Circuit at the end of March, the season continued at Sepang, last month. The German lad who knows the Sepang International Circuit well from his time in the World Superbike and also finished on the podium at the World Endurance race in the 2019 season at Sepang together with BMW team-mate Ilya Mikhalchik, proved he has a good memory. Reiterberger dominated the action and took a superior victory in the first and second race! “Back then it went really well for us which is 3 years ago. We were brutally fast the whole weekend. Our lap times were comparable to those of the World Superbike at that time. And this time we were the fastest too. Sepang has a special place in my heart. The layout is so much interesting. I have always admired this cicuit. Sugo, could be my next toy to try on. “Adding on to this, the level of competitiveness has increased tremendously with young riders showcasing great strength. It is quite captivating. Such as Noguchi and Azlan himself, not to forget Zaqhwan. Im really looking forward to the rest of the season. I desire podium finishes as much as I can and the title is THE MAIN GOAL!” What does the ARRC 2023 hold for this German born racer? Let’s wish him luck!

“With the departure of Andi Farid, competing in a different class for this season, we have a rookie rider, Mohammad Adenanta Putra, taking up the challenge in SS600cc – There are lots of improvements that are needed to be done, ASAP!” says Ricky Christianto, Astra Honda Racing Team’s, Team Manager. ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, the company which has a huge commitment to support the young generation of riders, nationally and internationally begun their journey in the Asia Road Racing Championship. It was first organized in 1996 as part of an Asian-wide initiative to boost the development of the motorcycle racing sport in the continent, A DECADE AGO! Since then, the team has produced a big number of young talents who has made names and achieved their ultimate dream, through various stages of development at regional, national and international level in Asia and Spain. Particularly, in the battle of two wheels in ARRC, they have earned a magnificent triumph throughout these years. Walked into 2023 season, as defending champions of two categories Super Sport 600cc and Asia Production 250cc, The Astra Boys might have something brewing in their cup. Meanwhile, commenting on the Team’s performance for the 2023 especially in the SuperSport 600cc, as a defending champion, Ricky sees a tough path to defend their title as they have betted a rookie yet enthusiastic young lad into the circuit. “With last season’s performance, I would say, we have learned so much and we did trial and errors together with our riders, mechanics, technical directors and everybody else in the team. Yet, there are still hiccups and I won’t deny that there is still much room for improvements with SS600 team and a lot of need to be done for us to end the race at the podium. “We are definitely aware that we have presented a rookie rider, Adenanta. He is good, but he is new! After first two rounds, it clearly was not the result we were expecting or what we are aiming for. Of course, we aspire to achieve the maximum that is possible – this is always our target. But the reality is that we are facing some troubles. We are still searching on ways to achieve our true potential. “Whatever it is, I gotta say, these riders, including Veda, young and new face the team who rides in AP250 category, they are adapting quickly, to the new team, new bike of the season and even the competitiveness of the category itself. I would definitely say, Veda has stunned me with his exceptional riding skills. All we need to do now, give them time and be there to work as a team. We will provide them with the best we could. That’s for sure.” said Ricky In the SS600cc class, two AHRT racers from East Java, Adenanta Putra and Gerry Salim struggled to keep their pace in the two round race which held in Sepang, in mid of May. Adenanta, who started at the seventh grid, continued to improve his performance until he had to settle for finishing in 6th position. As a debutante in this class, Ricky believes the true potential can be unveiled soon. Menawhile, a-14-year old, the youngest in the team, Veda Ega Pratama, showcased a cool performance in the last two round just like how his name sounds. COOL! He was in full control of his machine and his skills definitely raised eye-brows. “ Veda is the champion of underbone rookies class in National Championship last year and this year we have promoted him, which I would say he earned it to compete in a higher level of sporting class which is in ARRC and Asia Talent Cup, ATC. He is just 14 and I believe he is at the absolute pace to make ways into international scenes. Not only Veda, the three boys in AP250 class, they are roaring! I have a positive outlook on this category. “At the moment we have to look into 600cc class. This is definitely our main concern. We have to work together, as a team and we will see! Im hoping for more podium finishings. Fingers crossed.”

Boon Siew Honda Racing Team was established in 2011 with the sole purpose of competing in the Asia Road Racing Championship. The team has won 6 championship titles thus far, and continues to challenge the SS600 crown with Azroy Hakeem Anuar, Helmi Azman, and Khairul Idham Pawi also known as SuperKIP to the starting grid. SuperKIP is well known in Malaysia when he became the first ever Malaysian rider to win in the MotoGP race twice in the Moto3 category in 2016. With the current lineup, the team will be looking to secure the SS600cc class title once again using CBR600RR racing machine which is looking into full season this year in the Asia Road Racing Championship, ARRC. Talking about the Trio, and the most outstanding at moment, SuperKIP, has showcased an exemplary performance in the last two rounds beginning with the season opener in Chang International Championship and followed by home race in Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. KIP who had quite a dull season last year, broke through in all the races so far in the 28th edition of the most competitive two-wheels races in Asian region. “I was all pumped for this season. From the beginning I have set my goal and the first win at the season opener definitely a boost for me to push through every other race. Coming back to the motorsport scene after a long gap, I admit it was tough at the beginning and my performance in last season wasn’t up to the par.” “I never wanted to give up. I kept pushing and with the help of my team, teammates especially, Helmi and Azroy, racing alongside them gave me the motivation to pull it through this season. Somehow it is still early to conclude my performances. It has been good so far but there are room for improvements.” “At the moment, Nakarin seems stronger even though he is 16 points behind me. It is still possible for him to make his way to the top. So, I cannot be careless and I need to avoid making mistakes. But at the same time, I usually just enjoy every race and just focus on myself. My teammates are performing well too. Despite being teammates, the competitiveness among us nevertheless remains on the track. KIP has claimed two victories in the last two rounds and touched the finishing line in every other race with a trophy in hand. From bringing down the curtain on the 2022 campaign at the 6th position and acing in the first two rounds of the 2023 season, it is quite a comeback. Bravo! Meanwhile, the fellow teammate Helmi, who almost bagged the title last season, bounced back up to firmly hunt for the title this season, however finds the race this time around much more competitive. “We can clearly see how good KIP and Nakarin are at the moment. It’s quiet tough for me to tackle them. But racing alongside my much enhanced teammates do boost up my energy to perform better. To be honest, they are my motivation. On the track we fight, off the track we are a family. We push each other to do better in every race. “After every race ends, all of us, including the team manager, mechanics, riders and the whole team, we would sit and go through every mistake that we did during the race. From that, we can get a clearer picture of what is lacking and what need to be done. “This year with KIP and Azroy performing well, this is what I could see from the last two rounds, we would definitely be able to defend our team title in SS600cc. I have faith in my team and we will try our best to give back to the team. They have only given us the best. Been there through up and downs. So, we will try harder to hold of our titile.”