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Undoubtedly, Andi Farid has showcased phenomenal performances since the first round of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, ARRC 2022 and being promoted to the elite class with Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA (HADR), justifies it all. Who doesn’t know Andi? Ask the fans of Indonesia and they will tell all about the young chap who not only gained recognition at the Asian front but also at the international racing scene. Andi emerged in the motorcycle racing arena at the age of 15 with his debut in the Asia Dream Cup in AARC, 2014. In 2015, he marched his way into the Asia Talent Cup before proceeding into the European racing scenes. Since then, the now 25-year-old has made appearances in several international racing platforms including the CEV Moto3, World Championship. With firm grasp on experience, Andi will be performing alongside ASB1000 2022 Champion, Zaqhwan Zaidi this season. “I am happy to have been promoted to the ASB1000 and I think this would be the first target for every rider who participates in the ARRC before they move forward to a world championship. Thanks to Honda that I have the ability to expand my wings further. Honda is unique. The team consists of riders and staff from different countries. Yet, they are amazing although there are differences and it is nice to be part of them.” “We have gone through few test rides together. I mingle well with them. There were no barriers in the communication and all of them are ever ready to lend a helping hand. I could feel the connection among them. Besides that, racing along someone like Zaqhwan is a boost for me. He is extremely talented and above that, a humble personality. So, I believe that we can bring a greater impact to the team for this season.” “Apart from that, I am also excited to start the 2023 season in a new class. It will not be an easy feat because everything is new to me but I am well prepared physically and mentally to face this new challenge. I am adapting and I am feeling confident with the pace for now.” “Other than that, I am so excited to start the 2023 season in a new class. It will not be easy because everything is new for me, but I have been preparing myself physically and mentally to face this new challenge. I have to adapt fast and get along with the pace as soon as possible.” Andi Farid or fondly known as Andi Gilang was born to couples Andi Suriadi (father) and Andi Rina Soviana (mother) in Bulukumba, South Sulawesi. He started his venture in the motorcycle racing world at the age of 8 and in 2010, joined Astra Honda Racing’s young rider development programme. Five years after that, the Indonesian was selected to compete in the 2015 Asia Talent Cup after finishing 6th in the 2014 Asia Dream Cup. “It’s love for me. My first love! That’s why despite the ups and downs, struggles and pains, I have survived all these years. It would be a lie if I were to say that this journey has given me only happiness. There were more disappointments than joyous moments. Nevertheless, the disappointments and struggles has only made me a better rider and pushed me further towards better benchmarks.” “Whenever I am down, I distract myself with other activities and try to move on ASAP! That helps me focus on my next race. I think, we as aa rider, we have the ability to switch on and off our focus. If we want to win, we can’t stay in the past. It’s not gonna make any changes in my points or results. So, just move on to the next!” Outside his racing duties, Andi enjoys billiard, Futsal, and watching movies.  In 2020, Andi got married to a policewoman and now he is a father of beautiful lil girl!

“The skills are in my genes and the love for this sport in my blood, I believe,” said Andy Mohamad Fadly while giggling. Andy has had colourful successes in the ARRC scene. He first took the steps into racing professionally at the age of 14, debuting in the Asia Dream Cup in 2015. Since then, the young lad showcased gradual improvements and today, he has made an impressive name in the Asian motorcycle racing scene. “I was crazy about motorcycle racing since young and always watched the MotoGP on TV every Sunday. Besides that, it could be my gene too, taking it up after my father as he used to be a rider. From idolising Valention Rossi as a kid and watching my father’s photos of racing, I somehow found an affinity for the sports.” “It was never an easy path though for me just because my father had the reputation. I can only be inspired and if it’s in my gene as I consider myself to have, then I am lucky fellow. I had a fair number of struggles, frustrations and pains throughout my journey in the motorsports.” “Neither do I know where to begin with nor to explain the struggles that I have overcame in these 9 years. Beginning from the joys and sorrows of winning and losing, I continued by battle and never once gave up on my hopes and dreams. Of course, the presence of my family and friends gave me so much more in terms of my growth.” “All the hard work and effort that I have put in bore fruits. Two titles in the AP250cc and I am revving up for the SS600 this season. To be honest, I am proud of how far I have come.” The 23-year-old who has been growing stronger by the season, finally won the championship title in 2019 after a phenomenal fight in the final round. In his fourth full season of the Asia Production 250cc race category, 2022, Andy emerged strong despite unavoidable challenges. Moving forward to the SS600 with a new team, a new title too, perhaps? “I should thank Yamaha Racing Indonesia Team for their faith and trust in me. SS600 is not new for me as I have taken the challenge in 2016. But during that time, it may not have been right for me as I struggled to maintain my pace and put up on a good fight. It was one of the best experiences nevertheless because I learnt new techniques and skills when competing in that class. Moreover, competing with experienced riders. That was amazing!” “Unfortunately, I was asked to return to the AP250 race category. Now with greater experience, I am more confident with my riding skills and I am ready to rock the scene.” “My expectations may not be high as I am returning to the class after a 4-year gap but it is not impossible. Anything is possible in a 6-round season. My main target would be to fight for the overall championship title. As for now, I am all set for the race. If I could make it to the podium, that would be celebratory enough for me.” Andy Fadly, all geared up for the new season in a new class, will also see the likes of Ahmad Afif Amran, Muhammad Adenanta Putra, Soichiro Minamimoto, Gerry Salim and Sha Juntong.

In 2017, a 20-year old woman made it to worldwide history when she became the first female motorcyclist to win a world championship in Portimao, Portugal. Her name is Ana Carrasco.  In 2017, a 20-year old woman made it to the worldwide history when she became the first female motorcyclist to win a world championship in Portimao, Portugal. Her name is Ana Carrasco. Meanwhile, within the Asian region, Muklada Sarapuech reigned as the first female rider to win a title in the history of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, ARRC when she took the win in the Asia Dream Cup, 2015. After her win, she was then offered the opportunity to take a step into the international domain, making her debut in the FIM CEV Repsol Moto3 Junior World Championship in Jerez and Valencia. Muklada is also the first Thai woman to win a race at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram. The Bangkok born lass, raced under the number 44 represented A.P Honda Racing Thailand back then made an impactful finish at 19’11:671s, beating 24 male rivals in the making of a historical move. It was just the beginning of women taking home, trophies and titles where the goals were to gracefully turn over the stereotypes of societal norms. In recent years, an increasing number of women were motivated further to embark on a mission in the motorsports scene – some for personal reasons and the others, professionally. However, it comes with a cost – one that included hardship, challenges and criticism. Since motorsports have historically been a hetero-masculine sport, women paid the price to revolutionise thoughts and perceptions in the domain. What was it like for Muklada in her endeavours to challenge the male-dominated sport? It was not an easy attempt for the 29-year-old woman. “When it comes to motorsports, especially two-wheels, it has been traditionally perceived as a masculine sport. First things first, many would make physical comparisons between a male and a female. They tend to compare the body size, strength and endurance level. People’s perspectives and assumptions alone is good enough to defeat a woman’s actual abilities. That is good enough to hinder women from entering the motorsport scene.” “If you ask me though, it is pretty much a myth to me. Biologically, we could be different however a woman is capable to compete and excel just like men. Men and women are built with a mental ability to achieve the same things. That’s probably the most important element when it comes to racing. To plan and execute at the right time,” said Muklada. Muklada was 11 years old when she begun her journey on a two-wheeler with a Nano Bike. Little did the child in Muklada realise that 4 years down the road, she would be competing in the FMSCT Thailand Championship in Honda Click 125cc class. Her excellence in the first round, grabbed the attention and the rest is history. “The other challenge for women was the lack of knowledge with minimal number of females participating in motorsports – persuasion was tough when it comes to parents. But as time goes by, and as the reputation of motorsports increased tremendously in Thailand, they started viewing motorsports from a different light. Thereafter, my family have been there for me throughout my riding journey till this very day. I am grateful for having them.” “Every challenge that I have faced in my career thus far, I don’t see them as a limitation. I would say that they are the stepping stone towards my victory. All these have pushed me further and I have never given up, not even for once. Sort of a motivation for me to keep moving forward. That is my strength I would say.” “Now I am back in the AP250 race category. I have enough experience to take up the challenge but this time is not only to win some races but to bring home the title.” “Definitely won’t be an easy task though. I have been exercising regularly and consulting a trainer, preparing myself physically. Most importantly, I have to keep studying the circuit tricks and tips through the championship videos. I have been devoted to all of my races. Every race is a new beginning. Especially the season opener. It would be truly a meaningful one to win and also fuel me further for the next rounds. I hope to do my best and collect as much points as I can.” Women for some years now have been carving successful careers in multiple walks of the two-wheels and four-wheels racing world! While the proportion of women to men is still far from balanced, things have been changing.  To every women out there, what else you girls waiting for?

Md Izzat Zaidi, probably, won’t need reminding of what happened in the last season of Asia Road Racing Championship, ARRC, in UnderBone 150cc class with Pits JRT OneWay. While most riders would want to move on from past, the defeat with merely one point difference injects morale boost for The Malaysian rider to again eye for the championship title this season. “I would be lying if I say there is no pain in the loss, my victory was diminished with a single point. 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 issue.” “I have gone through the similar situation in 2018 when I was with YYPANG Racing Team where I finished my season at the 2nd overall in UB150cc class. However, the result wasn’t really disappointing because I was aware as the gap points between my contender, Helmi Azman and myself were huge. So the expectations were lower. “Thereafter, I have struggled to be consistent. The following year, I only managed to finish at 17th overall and after three years I was back in the same class with a new team. Regardless, there were a number of successful moments last season, personally which I was happy and satisfied that I am back in form.” Izzat Zaidi begun his racing career in the year 2010 when he was 15 years old through the Malaysian Cub Prix. Even though it was quite late to begin professionally, Izzat has bagged some victories through nerve-wrecking performances. “Joy and sorrows of winning and losing in race is normal. That’s how my 13 years journey was like in motorsport world. Winning and losing are part and parcle of the race. That’s what learning is, after all; not whether we lose the game, but how we lose and how we’ve changed because of it, and what we take away from it that we never had before, to apply to the next one. “And my father always says winning is not always punctual but eventually it comes. I stand by this words and I will never give up on my dream. Opportunity only comes but once. Make use of it.” About to rewrite his script with Cardinal Racing Team, could this season be his to celebrate after 13 years of hardwork? “This season seems tough. Those UnderBone champions from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, everyone is there this season. Everyone has their own abilities and specialities. I have mine too. So, I have to adapt with the new team quickly. Plan and execute accordingly. we will be able to fine tune the machine and find the right setup needed for the machine for the first round in Chang International Circuit this weekend. “Usually, the hype would be higher for elite classes. But then the competitiveness in UB150cc is tremendous. I love how everytime the race accelerates my adrenaline whenever I am on track. Im hoping for a better season and grab the title this year. “I want to claim, This is my Year!”

“If you asked me 10 years ago, if I could grab the title, the enthusiastic me would have said, Oh yes, In a couple of years! However, if you have asked me the same question like five years ago, I would have laughed away! Yet, I have never surrendered even once.” “If you have asked me 10 years ago, if I could grab the title, the enthusiastic me would have said, yes, in a couple of years! However, if you have asked me the same question like five years ago, I would have laughed away! Yet, I never surrendered!” Twelve years and 155 days after making his debut in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, Vorapong Malahuan finally did it. Vorapong can be classified as one of the popular and unfaltering winners in the history of ARRC. No wonder there was a raw mix of emotions when tears and cheers filled the air at the end of the TVS One Make Championship last season. It would have never crossed his mind, just how long it would take to stand on the top step of the podium when he first took part in ARRC, in the Underbone 155cc race category. Back then, he represented Thailand Idemitsu Honda Racing Team. It was the season opener and he was 19 years old. It took another eleven seasons and 62 rounds in three different categories coupled with pain and frustrations before he experienced that feeling of being a winner, being crowned the Asian Champion for the very first time, in the newly established race category, TVS Asia One Make Championship. A 12-year-old boy who fell in love with speed and acceleration two decades ago, he began his racing journey with motorbike drag racing and it took him a solid 7 years before he made it to the real deal – Road Racing! “I’m a person who is very fond of speed and competitions ever since I was a young kid. I love bikes more than anything else in my life – my First Ever Love. I would say that I have devoted my life to this two-wheels, ha ha… I was 12 years old when I started my two wheels journey. My dad enrolled me in the motorbike drag racing, obviously after I bugged him for some time and finally he relented.” “Then, it took me another seven years before I started pursuing motorcycle racing professionally. Definitely, I would thank my previous and very first team who trusted my ability and gave me the chance to explore the real track all over Asia. Who would have imagined right… born in Chiang Mai, a city of mountainous northern Thailand, well-known for its culture and tribe of two villages. Currently, flying around, living my dreams and finally, I made history. I am definitely proud that I did not throw in the towel just yet.” “12 years was a rough patch. Well, motorsport itself is a tough business and every rider, even World Champions would have struggled to reach their goal. In a career that sees us typically travelling eight months in a year, despite down times, disappointments and frustrations or even injuries, there is a great need to bounce back up for the next race. We have to continuously move on, each and every time!” “I think as a sports person, we have the ability to switch on and off, it is what makes us unique. And I think that’s how I have also survived all these years. If I have given up after a few years of trying, I would not have gotten the chance to taste the sweet flavours of success.” Last season, the 35-year-old Thai rider displayed extraordinary skills with podium in each round. Vorapong’s journey in motorsport is quite an inspiration not only as a rider but also with his leadership skills through his academy, named AVRP Racing which provides professional training and courses to all ages and with no gender discrimination. “I am happy to say that my journey will never end with racing on track but it continues through my academy. If one day, I decide to retire from racing, I would continue serving through knowledge sharing. In our academy, we have professional tutors who help motorsport maniacs or enthusiasts enhance their skills with safety being the priority.” “As of now, I have no plans of retiring. I am still fit and I think I am able to push my contenders further. The victory last season creates an even greater appetite towards success. So, yea… let’s welcome another year of “Bikegasm. I am all set for the race this weekend.