webadmin webadmin

“IS VEDA THE UPCOMING RHEZA?” – A YOUNG INDONESIAN LAD, ROARING IN AP250cc

Real Life /

Veda Ega Pratama! As cool as the name sounds, so are the skills, the 14-year-old displays! “It all began at the Astra Honda Racing School. I was 11 years old when I joined the school to professionally get an education in racing, and I would thank my family for this. They have guided me when and where to start and tadaaa! I’m here today! “I was 4 year old when I first fell in love with this two-wheels sports. My father exposed me to the motorcross world. I was young and super-excited. The speed, the sound and crowd during races. All these wowed me! Honestly speaking, looking at the professional riders at the turns never scared me. Not even once! I wanted to explore and feel it for myself. “The adrenaline rush! It is what that brought me here today! I have gained a fair amount of knowledge in racing school and it has helped me so much throughout my racing career thus far, especially during my days in National Championship and also Asia Talent Cup.” As a debutante in the AP250 race category, Veda together with his teammates has stunned fans with his exemplary skills in the 2023 curtain raising round in Chang International Circuit, Thailand and the second round in Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. Alongside the numero uno of Indonesia, Rheza Danica Ahrans and Herjun Atna Firdaus, Veda has proved his potentials in being classified as one of the finest in coming years. So, the question here, is Veda the upcoming Rheza or is he going to make his own name in the world of motorsports?  Let’s hear from the stunner, himself! “Rheza, definitely a role model to me. He is my senior in the team now and I am learning plenty of stuffs and skills, on and off the circuit. I’m grateful to be youngest and get to learn from the best. There are also Herjun, Adenanta and Gerry in the team. They are very experienced riders that has a lot to share with me. To be honest, I’m not anywhere near to them yet, at the moment, but I would love to give all my heart to this team and work harder to be the first at the chequered flag.” “And I would be definitely be proud to carry his name, if anyone asks whether I am the next Rheza. It’s not easy to be where he is today. At the same time, I would want to create my own legacy in coming years. Being a part of Astra Racing Team, to work on my dream, it’s definitely a huge opportunity for myself.” “It’s too early for me to comment on my current performance. As there are few more rounds to go, new circuits to compete and much more skills and technicalities to learn. Also, new bike for this season. So, I have to adapt quickly and handle my machine better to perform well in next round.” Firmly on a podium hunt and title contention, Veda looking forward into next round in Sugo, Japan enthusiastically. Meanwhile, the senior in the team, Rheza welcomed Veda with huge smile saying young talent energise the team and brings in fresh air. “Veda is still young but he never failed to prove that he deserves a place in the team through the last two racers. Even though he has a long journey ahead of him, it is pretty obvious he could go far with the skills he has. He has been a great teammate so far, and the chemistry among us is splendid, I would say.” said Rheza. Answering the same question, Rheza giggled while calling himself still a ‘work in progress’. “I’m not sure if Veda is the upcoming Rheza, but I am sure if he put effort and work harder, he can better than me. I’m still learning and learning in every race at every circuit. Everytime I race, doesn’t matter at a new circuit or the same one, for me it’s a brand new day of my career as a professional rider. I learn something new everyday. “And again Veda is young. So I hope he learns as much as he can in this season. So he can do better every other. I wish him all the best and we will definitely work together to give the best to our team.” It was a great start for the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM boys as all three conquered the AP250cc category after two rounds. What awaits them towards the end of Championship? Let’s wait and enjoy the feast for the eyes soon in the upcoming rounds.

“IS VEDA THE UPCOMING RHEZA?” – A YOUNG INDONESIAN LAD, ROARING IN AP250cc Read More »

MALAYSIANS MAKING WAVES IN NEWLY ESTABLISHED CATEGORY TVS IN ITS SECOND SEASON

Real Life /

The TVS Asia One Make Championship has been an incredible spectacle, showcasing the impressive skills of riders from across Asia. Now into its 2nd season, Round 2 saw the Malaysian riders dominated the Sepang Circuit. It could be an added advantage of performing at home ground with the cheers of friends and fans but it was undeniable Muhammad Muzakkir Syah caught everyone’s attention with an exemplary performance, leading from start to finish. Despite, competitive efforts from fellow Malaysian Ramdan Rosli at every turn, Muzakkir’s dominance was solid! Competing in different category for the 2023 season, from AP250 to TVS, Muzakkir who is well known as Muz, sees no hurdle to make his ways to the front in every race. Interestingly enough, Muz finds it easier and more pleased with his machine and skills in this category. “I would say the competitiveness in TVS is fairer compared to the other categories. I competed in AP250cc category before this, there is not much of a difference in riding skills but the challenges are pretty massive. In AP250cc class, there are different manufacturers with machines of different capacities. Some machines can be slower than the usual level of speed or heavier and some can be super fast. So, strategically, it was quite hard for me. “I was a lil surprised when I came into this category and found it more comfortable. Yet, the level of competitiveness is not any lesser because all the riders that have been chosen are the best from every Asian country. The plus, machines with same capabilities and only the skills differs. Hence, the best takes up the victory. This is surprisingly appealing for me.” “There are still fair amount of challenges here in TVS. For example, Vorapong. He is my main contender at the moment. As the champion of the first season definitely he would want to defend his title and his mentality, something to be praised. He has the winning mentality and he has his own strategy for every race.” “Hence, to get my first title in my debut season is still pretty tough but not impossible. Regardless, I’m all good here in TVS! And there is Ramdan, he is the fastest among us at the moment, but the luck wasn’t on his side in race 1 at Sepang. I believe he can catch up soon in the upcoming rounds, especially after Sugo and climb to the Top 3 of TVS category” The two Malaysians showcased adrenaline rush kind of performance in Sepang which proved their hunger for the victory. While Muz aced the Race 1 of Sepang, Ramdan pulled off a pretty cool stunt to clain his first ever victory of the season. The Malaysian rider, triumphed with a time of 14’21:125s. “My main target for the season would be placing myself in the top 3. My machine had some technical issues during opening race in Chang International Circuit and unfortunately I was unable finish my race. DNF! I was super disappointed but never gave up. Home race was a boost to me and together with Muz we decided to give all our best into the last race. “God’s grace we both manage to climb on the podium! “Definitely, this is a boost for me in the upcoming race in Sugo. I have to work harder and work on my strategies as Sugo is quite a tough one. The weather over there is unpredictable as well. I’m looking forward to next round!” After two rounds, Muz clinching the 2nd place of the chart, eight points behind the defending champion, Vorapong Malahuan. Meanwhile, Ramdan at the 6th with 45 points.

MALAYSIANS MAKING WAVES IN NEWLY ESTABLISHED CATEGORY TVS IN ITS SECOND SEASON Read More »

MARKUS TAKES LEAD IN ASB1000

2023, 2023 Round 3, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

Asia Superbike 1000cc is an intriguing race category which encapsulates not only the speed of the machine but also the ability to weigh between riding techniques and calculated moves. In Race 2, Round 3 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that was held at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course, Markus Reiterberger of ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team showcased exemplary attributes that rewarded him with a victory. Taking a moment to reflect upon Race 1, Japanese rider Takume was off to a majestic start but soon started facing challenges of worn-out tires. Malaysian rider, Kasma used that to his advantage as he picked up pace la-by-lap before attacking him at the right time, with the right strategies in mind. German rider, Markus reduced his pace for a moment before jumping right back into the game. Japanese rider, Keisuke who was off the limelight for the first 17 laps emerged at the last lap to bag the third spot. Today, the race went on a high-speed chase once again with Markus taking lead in the first lap followed by Haruki at P2, Takume at P3 and Azlan Shah at P4. By the end of lap 2, the four riders in the front troop drew up a gap with the riders of the back troop. As TKKR rider, Markus glided confidently ahead, Takume was injecting pressure on Haruki. By the end of lap 3, Azlan was back into the pit. Meanwhile, the back troop was led by Kota Arakawa, followed by Rei Toshima, and Kasma. Among them, Kasma was seen moving fiercely forward and before the end of lap 4, he took over Rei Toshima’s position. Meanwhile, among the front troop, Takume took a slide ahead of Haruki. But, German rider, Markus was picking up speed with a gap of 1’452s. Down to 12 laps, Haruki took a slide from the inside ahead of Takume while Kasma pushed himself into P4. There was a huge gap between Takume and Kasma but the Yamaha rider was focused on closing the gap. With another 8 laps to go, Haruki crashed at turn one instantly opening the pathway for Kasma into P3. But luck was not on his side too when Kasma took a fall at turn one. With that, Markus was free of threats with a 5’074s away from Takume who was at P2. Meanwhile, taking P3 was Kota Arakawa followed by Andi Farid and Zaqhwan at P4 and P5 respectively. The two teammates worked towards closing the gap with the Japanese rider ahead. Kota Arakawa however does not intend to give up his position just yet. But Andi kept on with the pressure and finally overtook him. For Markus, it is all about maintaining his momentum and avoiding mistake. It was almost impossible then for Takume to bypass Markus. Unfortunately, Takume too took a fall. Andi moved into P2 and Zaqhwan took P3. At the final lap, Markus was on his way towards victory. Teammates Andi and Zaqhwan were leaning towards second and third position. With no mistakes made, the trio made it to the podium. Markus made an impressive 17’860s gap ahead when he clocked in at 26’42:374s. Commenting on the race, Markus said, “My weekend was almost perfect apart from the second place yesterday. I was still happy with the outcome yesterday but I can’t imagine a better race than today. It was really good. I could push from the very beginning as I have planned. I also studied the lap time from Noguchi as he was the strongest rider. I noticed that I could do a few laps very quick and then stabilise my lap time. So, I followed through with my plan and it happened. When I don’t hear the sound of machine and when I noticed the gaps, I relaxed a little so that I could keep it together till the end. Suddenly, I saw it was more than 17s since many riders crashed too. I thank my team for the machine.” Teammates Andi Farid Izdihar and Md Zaqhwan Zaidi of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA took the second and third spot at 27’00:223s and 27’00:558s respectively. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

MARKUS TAKES LEAD IN ASB1000 Read More »

A WOW EFFECT!

2023, 2023 Round 3, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The SuperSports 600cc is constantly fuelled with nail-biting action scenes that makes it an ever- interesting race category. In Race 2, Round 3 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that was held at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course today, Khairul Idham Pawi of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team further injected excitement before concluding the race with a victory. It was unfortunately a tough ride in Race 1 yesterday with the rain conditioning the riders’ riding techniques and limiting their potentials. However, Japanese rider Keito Abe refused to be restrained and went on to showcase confidence and stability throughout the time frame. His fellow countrymen, Soichiro too, embraced the challenge of the rainy condition and made striking moves before ending it at the second spot. Thai rider, Nakarin on the other hand took a different approach after the break from red flag. He engaged in a battle with contender Soichiro before succumbing at third place. Unlike yesterday, today was a better day for the race and Helmi was quick to take lead as soon as the race begun with Soichiro at P2 and Kengo at P3. While the position of riders in the front troop did not change much in the first 2 laps, championship leader, Khairul was slowly closing the gaps from the 10th spot. By the end of lap 3, Socihiro managed to take lead while Khairul chased furiously at 5th spot. Teammate, Helmi took a step back at P2 while Kengo managed his pace at P3 before Keito took over. As Boon Siew rider, Helmi looked out for the right moment to strike, Khairul boldly pressured Kengo and it was a matter of time that he moved ahead. At the end of lap 5, Keito overtook Helmi. As Soichiro began losing his momentum, Keito went on forward into P1, Helmi took P2 followed by Sho Nishimura at P3 and Khairul at P4, all in a tight line. Mid-race, Azroy emerged at P5. With another 5 laps to go, Khairul was strongly positioned at P3. Azroy was out of the equation when he took a fall. TKKR rider, Keito was steady at P1 as he powerfully led all the way. Khairul on other hand was injecting pressure onto Helmi and finally broke into P2. With another three laps to go, the gap between the front and back troop were wide enough to secure the three top positions among the trio. At the final lap though, the intensity between Keito and Khairul was nerve-wrecking. Khairul went on to intimidate Keito and in a highly-stiff battle, Khairul and Keito dashed towards the chequered flag. Khairul wowed with a finish at 22’59:568s. Commenting on the race, Khairul said, “Today was an amazing feat and I am beyond grateful for the win. Yesterday, I struggled so much with the wet conditions so I tried all out today to make the most of it. Starting from the 10th position is not easy but I tried to close the gaps ahead of me, one-by-one. Most importantly, I was aware that I cannot afford to make any mistakes. I kept my focus on the front rider and it worked very well for me. In the 2nd last lap, I was behind Keito and I know he is very strong on his home ground. In the last lap, last corner, it was a very tight line so I worked on my speed instead to ensure that I could make it to the chequered flag first before Keito does.” Keito Abe of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team took the second spot at 22’59:581s. Md Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team made it third at 22’59:889s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

A WOW EFFECT! Read More »

STRIKING WHILE THE IRON IS HOT

2023, 2023 Round 3, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

Since the beginning of the season, the Asia Production 250cc has been producing amusing scenes that portrayed extraordinary mastery of its riders. In Race 2, Round 3 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM took a grand stand at the top spot on the podium at the Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course this evening. Recapping Race 1 that was held yesterday, intensity arose between Indonesian and Thai rider, Rheza and Muklada in the first few laps. Muklada went on a chase in an attempt to knock Rheza down however Rheza took a bold stance as he fought off the brewing pressure behind him. In the last few laps, Rheza accelerated and left Muklada in a distance before claiming victory. His teammate, Veda who fought his own battle with rivals in the back troop, concluded at third spot on the podium. In today’s race, Faerozi utilised his pole position well when he took lead at the first turn while Muklada rushed for P2. Before the lap ended, Muklada confidently took lead but seconds into lap 2, Rheza struck her and embraced the lead role. At the first turn of lap 3, Faerozi ferociously attacked Muklada before moving into P2. Meanwhile at P3 was Kawasaki rider, Irfan before Veda took over. Teammate, Herjun followed close behind at P6. Before lap 4 ended, Muklada found her way back into P2 and at P3, Irfan superseded Veda. In an interesting twist, Irfan made it into P2 but shortly after that, Veda overtook and teammate Herjun buckled up into P3. By then, Muklada was at P6 and the ASTRA boys lined up for the top three positions. Ifran went on to chase Herjun who was close by. With another 5 laps to go, leader of the troop was beginning to feel the pressure of teammate Veda however, Rheza went on steadily ahead. Irfan on the other hand found an opportunity to strike and took P3 but Herjun was relentless and took him down once again. With 2 more laps to go, Muklada decided to make moves and overtook Aiki into P4 however luck was not on her side when she took a fall before the final lap. Indonesian trio were once again at the top three positions and at the last lap, Herjun pushed past Veda and inched closer towards Rheza. In an unfortunate twist of fate, the battle between trio of ASTRA HONDA for the best position resulted in Veda rubbing against Rheza, causing the leader and Irfan to crash. Herjun in that moment grabbed the opportunity to dash ahead, clocking in at 20’00:053s. Commenting on the race, Herjun said, “I finished 4th in Race 1 but as soon as that was over, we analysed the outcome closely and made some fine-tuning on the settings. During the warm up earlier, we had a positive result. For this race, my machine was in a perfect condition but there are three more rounds to go after this so there is a lot of work that needs to be done. I hope to win the championship so let’s see how that goes!” Aiki Iyoshi of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Racing Team who was trailing behind immediately took the opportunity for the second spot at 20’03:273s. Teammate, Veda who quickly avoided the fall took the third spot on the podium at 20’01:735s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

STRIKING WHILE THE IRON IS HOT Read More »

PHILIPPINES BRAGGED VICTORY

2023, 2023 Round 3, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

Never a boring moment in the Underbone 150cc race category, the riders have their way of injecting fun into the scene. In Race 2, Round 3 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that was held at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course today, John Emerson Inguito of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team boasted victory with one final dash towards the chequered flag. A glance at Race 1 that was held yesterday, the fast and furious battle between riders saw the exchange of the lead position among a number of riders. Among them, the most striking ones were Nazirul who maintained his composure among the top three riders before slipstreaming towards victory, Wahyu Aji who showcased great riding techniques and Gupita Kresna who fought a good fight to take the third spot. Today’s race began with Wahyu taking lead followed by Murobbil at P2. The duo was off to a good start before Murobbil overtook Wahyu. But Wahyu was quick and managed his position well and by end of lap 2, Wahyu was back at P1. By the end of lap 3, Wawan made it to P1 and Nazirul who was at the back troop trailed closed at P2 while Shafiq Rasol made it into P3. The long trail of riders diligently stayed put in their racing lines, occasionally finding the right opportunity to strike. By mid-race, Nazirul cleverly bolted ahead of Peerapong with Wahyu close behind. Interestingly, the rivalry was strong among Wahyu, Nazirul, Murobbil and Peerapong at Sugo circuit and were seen taking turns at the top three positions. With another 2 more laps to go, it was all about managing their momentum and their positions among the front troop. At the final lap, riders buckled up for one last push. Racing uphill, John Emerson, Nazirul and Gupita were seen taking a dash towards the finish line. John Emerson however touched the finish line first at 18’01:380s. Commenting on the race, John said, “I am extremely happy with my achievement today. It is a dream come true for the team and I therefore, I am truly glad to have made them happy. UB150 has always been a challenging feat and everyone has an opportunity to win. The race was not easy at all but my experiences have been key to this success today. To all my Pilipino fans, supporters of 4S1M, thank you all so much. I could not have made it without you.” At second spot was Md Nazirul Izzat Bahauddin of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia logging in at 18’01:458s. Team Gupita Kresna Wardhana of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team made it third at 18’01:484s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

PHILIPPINES BRAGGED VICTORY Read More »

STRONG FINISH BY MALAYSIAN

2023, 2023 Round 3, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

The TVS Asia One Make Championship has been fuelling an experience of a kind to its riders since its debut in the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. In Race 2, Round 3 that was held at the Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course, Md Ramdan Rosli of Malaysia gave it an interesting twist when he bagged the winning spot on the podium. Reflecting on Race 1 that was held yesterday, we saw the mastery of Japanese rider Hiroki Ono who flaunted his experience o the circuit when he went on at the lead position from flag off to chequered flag. Riders of neighbouring countries, Decky and Ramdan engaged in an exchange of positions before Decky upped his performance further to take the second spot while Ramdan concluded at third. In Race 2, Decky was off to a great start when he took lead as soon as the race flagged off. Ramdan strode at P2 while Hiroki took a more relaxed approach at P3. Uphill after turn 14, Hiroki dashed ahead of Ramdan but seconds into lap 2, Ramdan made it back into P2. A comfortable gap was drawn between the trio ahead and the troop trailing behind led by Vorapong before Fugo broke into P4. By the fourth lap, Ramdan made it past Decky for a moment before the latter resumed his lead role. Meanwhile, Muzakkir who was trailing behind took a leap into P5. Hiroki who was playing it safe at P3 began making his moves mid-race and barged ahead into P1 with Decky and Ramdan close behind. Hiroki confidently picked up speed and quickly drew gap with the duo behind. With 4 more laps to go, Hiroki has worked on a 0.891s gap. By the 8th lap, Ramdan moved ahead of Decky before Hiroki succumbed to a mechanical issue and was out of the equation. That left Ramdan and Decky at the top two positions. Two more laps to go, Decky worked on his rhythm and glided ahead of Ramdan. At P3, Fugo battled with Piyawat and Muzakkir. Fugo however retained his positions at P3 but Vorapong broke into P4 and began his attack on Fugo but the Japanese rider managed his position firmly. Ahead of them, Ramdan boldly chased Decky down before dashing uphill towards victory at 16’38:545s. Commenting on the race, Ramdan said, “I was prepared to put up a fight with Ono as we have worked on our machine’s suspension. I was quite confident to embrace the battle in Race 2. But sadly, he faced some mechanical issue with the machine. Anyway, I am very happy with the outcome of the race today. It is never an easy feat, furthermore with my body weight in comparison to other riders but again, I am really grateful for this win.” Decky Tiarno Aldy of Indonesia took the second spot at 16’38:938s. Fugo Tanaka of Japan made it third at 16’44:373s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

STRONG FINISH BY MALAYSIAN Read More »

ACED BY KASMA

2023, 2023 Round 3, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

The riders of the Asia Superbike 1000cc went on a blistering speed in their attempt to conquer the Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course in Race 1 of Round 3, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship and emerging ahead to claim victory was Kasma Daniel Kasmayuddin of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN. Earlier today, during the Qualifying Session, Haruki Noguchi of SDG MS Harc-Pro. Honda. Ph. flaunted his mastery when he made a striking lap time at 1’27:610s which gave him an added advantage at the pole position. He was awarded with the “Pole Position Award” brought to you by SDG – Showa Denki Group and was presented by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kensaku Kashiwagi. Second fastest was Markus Reiterberger of ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team who clocked in at 1’27:780s followed by Takume Kunimine of TOHO Racing at the third spot with his best lap time at 1’27:972s. As the weather condition settled, the riders of ASB1000 were off to a great start with Takume at the lead position and Kota Arakawa at P2. Markus took P3. There was no wasting time with Takume as he went on a blistering speed ahead, drawing an almost 1 sec gap by the end of the first lap. Meanwhile, Malaysian rider, Azlan Shah was trying to catch up at P4. Pressured by Murayama, Azlan went on with impressive manoeuvring techniques to guard his position. At P6, Kasma was picking up speed in a bid to close the gap with rider ahead of him. Kota Arakawa on the other hand was getting closer to Takume and as intensity built up, Azlan managed to bypass his teammate, Markus. In an interesting twist, Kasma found his way ahead of Markus and went on to attack Azlan before finally striking from the inside. From P3, Kasma was on fire as he went on full steam to bring Kota Arakawa down and he did it. By then, Markus picked up speed and superseded Azlan. By mid-lap, Kasma began breathing down Takume’s neck. The gap was closing up and with 8 laps to go, Kasma worked his moves from the outside to take lead. Meanwhile, behind him, Markus sped up into P3 while Haruki worked on his strategies into P4. While Kasma went on to draw a wide gap, Markus inched closer towards Takume and from the inside, made it into P2. With 4 more laps to go, Andi trailed Takume diligently, finding ways to strike. He did, before speeding of ahead for another 2 laps. At the final lap, Kasma who managed to maintain his momentum was off towards a gleaming victory while Markus maintained at P2. At P3 though, Keisuke emerged ahead of Andi and concluded the race at the third spot. Kasma clocked in at 29’37:392s Commenting on the race, Kasma said, “In the beginning, I did not feel confident but I kept my eyes on the front group. I realised then that I had the potential to move forward therefore I tried to close the gaps lap-by-lap. My strategy worked and I am so thankful for my first win this season. There is another race tomorrow and I am keeping my fingers crossed to repeat the success.” Markus Reiterberger of ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team made it second at 20’39:529s. Keisuke Maeda of Team GYTR took the third spot at 29’42:993s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

ACED BY KASMA Read More »

STUNNING WIN FOR KEITO AND TKKR

2023, 2023 Round 3, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The rivalry among the riders of the SuperSports 600cc has taken up a notch with boosted performance and agility. Significant to the change was Keito Abe of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team who emerged victoriously at the chequered flag in Race 1 of Round 3, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship this evening held at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course. Earlier this morning, Kengo Naga of Team KENKEN boasted an impressive lap time when he emerged fastest in the Qualifying session at 1’30:318s. That was one up for him, having a spot at the pole position. At the second spot was Muhammad Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team with a lap time of 1’30:370s followed by Sho Nishimuara of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team at the third spot on the grid at 1’30:382s. It was raining when the race flagged off but Helmi embraced the challenge and raced to the lead position at the first turn shortly before Soichiro took over. At the last turn, Keito Abe moved into P2. Meanwhile, Galang was at P4 while Nakarin took P5. The weather condition was not very helpful but Japanese rider, Keito was confident as he overtook his fellow countrymen at the end of lap 2. Before the lap ended, Helmi took a quick slide ahead of Soichiro and into P2. By then, Nakarin worked on his moves and took over P4. By the end of lap 4, Keito has drawn up a gap of 4.4s from Helmi. The wet circuit situation was a buzz- kill with a number of riders succumbing to falls. Nevertheless, Keito did not seem affected by the rainy day. He went on, picking up speed over the laps. While Helmi tried to catch up, the gap only got wider. With 9 more laps to go, the red flag came up and the riders headed back to their pits. As soon as the race resumed, Keito once again went on to take lead as Helmi trailed on. Soichiro was close by at P3. With the race cut down to 5 laps, it was all about strategizing and Nakarin did not waste a moment when he found the opportunity amidst casualty to move up into P2. Helmi lost focus for a moment and Soichiro took advantage of the situation to get ahead. Keito however was unaffected and went on with speed and stability at P1 with an impressive gap by the end of the lap. With three more laps to go, Nakarin was pressured by Soichiro took a slide ahead but the Thai rider will not be defeated. He quickly found a loop-hole and grabbed P2 back. But Soichiro was relentlessly and struck Nakarin once again. As Keito rode to victory, the battle heated up between Soichiro and Nakarin. The Japanese rider played his cards well and succeeded at second spot. Keito Abe made a stunning finish at 8’44:531s. Commenting on the race, Keito said, “The race was very difficult. Even more so with the wet circuit condition. I was scared but right now, I had a good feeling about the situation. I kept pushing myself until the end. So, I am truly happy with my achievements for the day. There is another race tomorrow and I want to win it!” Soichiro Minamimoto of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN clocked in his best at 8’47:313s. Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of Honda Racing Thailand concluded at third with his best at 8’47:770s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

STUNNING WIN FOR KEITO AND TKKR Read More »

MIND-BLOWING STRATEGY

2023, 2023 Round 3, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

It was a no-shocker in the Asia Production 250cc when Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM charged towards the chequered flag ahead of the rest for an impressive win in Race 1 of Round 3, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that was held at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course this evening. During the Qualifying session that was carried out in the morning, Muhammad Faerozi Toreqottullah of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia marked the fastest lap time at 1’39:078s giving him the additional boost needed for the race. At second fastest was Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM at 1’39:097s followed by Muklada Sarapuech of Honda Racing Thailand at the third place with the lap time of 1’39:270s. Faerozi was off to an awesome start from the pole position however seconds into the race, Rheza grabbed P1 from him while teammates Muklada and Jakkreephat moved into P2 and P3 respectively. Mid lap 2, Irfan Ardiansyah found the opportunity to strike and immediately took P3. While it was not surprising of Rheza to makes waves once again at the circuit, female rider Muklada was quite a stunner at Sugo. She was relentless as she went on a chase to bring Rheza down. Meanwhile at P4 and P5 teammates Herjun and Veda made it past Jakkreephat and began pressuring Irfan. By the end of lap 5, Veda succeeded. The trio was left battling for a better position as duo, Rheza and Muklada fled ahead with neither distraction or pressure from the troop. By end of lap 7, Aiki closed his gap with teammate and moved in P5 before overtaking Herjun. With another 3 laps to go, Rheza began working his magic as he drew wider gap with Muklada. At the final lap, it was almost impossible for Muklada to make her moves. Rheza was on his way to yet another victory and clocked in at 19’58:348s. Commenting on the race, Rheza said, “After the practice sessions yesterday, we have achieved quite a good lap time so we were aware of our strengths and the capacities of the machine. During the race, I was able to manage my rhythm well and I avoided making mistakes on each lap. I know that Muklada was right behind me at each lap but I kept my focus on creating some gap towards the last few laps. For the remaining rounds of the season, I aim to give my best shot even though there have been some changes after the RPM cut. It definitely will require more work but I will do my best.” Muklada Sarapuech of Honda Racing Thailand took the second spot on the podium at 20’00:396s. Veda Ega Pratama of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM made it third at 20’00:456s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

MIND-BLOWING STRATEGY Read More »