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FROM COIMBATORE TO INTERNATIONAL SCENES – SENTHIL KUMAR IN AWE

Real Life /

Have you ever wondered how professional motorsport riders made it to the sport and how much it would have cost families to get their children to the top of the game? Does being rich really make a difference in the world of motorsport and are all riders from wealthy families? Most of them come from well-off households while some from merely average backgrounds. The wealth of the families varies significantly. Some begin from humbler settings and needed greater external support and sponsorship in the hope that their hard work pays off. Some parents take up loans to have their kids making a presence in the scene of motorsports and some came from families who worked extremely hard to make their children’s dream a reality – MotoGP riders like Jorge Martin or the more recent name like Pedro Acosta (whose father was a fisherman). It wasn’t an easy path for 21-year-old Senthil Kumar either who was born in Coimbatore, a city situated in the Southern India to parents who owned a grocery shop. As a teen, Senthil made his way into the National Championship, one of the main feeder series for a professional motorcycle career in India. “I started racing at the age of 14. I would say it is a little late to enter the two wheels arena but it was worth the risk and try. I fell in love with this sport because of my brother. He was the first in the family to have ventured into this scene, professionally and proved that there is a future with it. So, my first race was in some of the local races and then to the National Championship, competing inthe junior category.” “My brother is not just an inspiration to me but he is also my biggest support system with my career. If he has not invested in my dreams, I wouldn’t be racing in the Asian level right now instead I would have ended on the streets of Coimbatore. I am forever grateful to this wonderful man who made it a possible for me to take a deeper look into the career of motorsports.” “Basically, I’m from an impoverished family. My dad owns a tiny grocery shop in India and my mother is a home maker. Initially, we could not afford the expenses that entails a rider’s entry into the racing world. Nevertheless, my brother kept pushing me to work on my dreams. He also looked into the financial aspects of the industry and paid for me with his hard-earned money until I was selected by Honda,” expressed Senthil. As a result of his success in several local races, Senthil earned a place in the Thailand Talent Cup and Honda Idemitsu Talent Cup with Honda. He was only 18 then. Despite being a debutante, he made it to the podium with a phenomenal expression of passion throughout the race. Boom! In 2019, the Coimbatore rider made his entrance into the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship! “My ARRC debut was in 2019 where I competed in the AP250 race category. It is my favourite category and my first hence a great learning curve. Not to mention the thrill that comes with riding among some of the best in the category – highly experienced and competitive riders. Some of them have even been to the World Championship before. It was tough in the beginning, getting used to different circuit layouts with its challenging turns but what matters most is learning something valuable and pertinent in each round.” “Then came the two-year hiatus due to the global pandemic and a very unexpected twist to it which took away the chances of further improving. This year has been tough and rough. We struggled a little with the machine but managed to overcome it. It does seem like we are becoming better. My team is putting in all their efforts to bring out the best in terms of the machine’s capacities.” Commenting about his season thus far, Senthil said, “If you told me at the beginning of the season that there is a certain kind of expectation in terms of riders’ ability and the results that I would obtain, I would not have believed it. But as the going gets tough and as riders get better, you will always want more and be on par with the better troop. At the end of the day, you just want to achieve the feel of being at the top, right? So, I am never happy with my race. I never will!” “I mean, there has been races that I have been really happy with like the first round in Buriram. So, every race that I finish, there is something more to do and a better result to achieve.” Senthil is not one to be easily shaken down. He believes in hard work – both from his team and himself has put in this season. Hard work always pays off. Like every other rider, Senthil does have his long-term dreams that he hopes to achieve some day. “My dream is to embark on the footsteps of my hero, Marc Marquez and to be the champion in MotoGP. I love his attitude and charisma on/off circuit.”

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FAMILIARITY AN ADVANTAGE TO ANUPAB

2022, 2022 Round 5, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

The finale of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship begun today with the free practice session and for the Asia Supersport 1000cc race category, Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA Thailand Racing TEAM made the fastest lap time, combined for the day at the Chang International Circuit. Anupab is no stranger to the circuit of his homeland and it could very well mean adding on to the strain of other riders. Riding aboard the Yamaha YZF-R1M, Anupab remained confident throughout the sessions and clocked in fastest in the third practice session combined at 1’36:434s. In the earlier two practices, Anupab made it at 1’37:306s and 1’37:401s respectively. Anupab currently has a total of 115 points to his name and stands a fighting chance to take the championship title. Commenting on the earlier sessions, Anupab said, “I am very familiar with this circuit and have done many rounds of practices here. Therefore, I am quite comfortable and confident riding here, even more so for that fact that it is my home-ground.” “There are many turns that I like at this circuit and these turns have earned me numerous achievements. While the challenges are there with riders like Zaqhwan and Kasma, it is definitely a ride that I am thrilled about. I will do my best for sure and keeping my fingers crossed that I will achieve my goals.” At the second fastest spot was Md Zaqhwan Zaidi of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA who clocked in his best time at 1’36:620s in the first session. In the following sessions, he made it at 1’37:192s and 1’36:733s. Zaqhwan currently leads the overall standings with a total of 154 points. Passawit Thitivararak of Astemo SI Racing with Thai Honda made it third fastest in the practice session when he logged in his best at 1’36:674s in the final session. In the earlier two sessions, Passawit clocked in his best at 1’37:066s and 1’36:938s respectively.

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ANDI MADE FASTEST IN THIRD TRY

2022, 2022 Round 5, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

After three sessions of free practice, Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team emerged fastest for the day in the SuperSports 600cc race category of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Chang International Circuit. It is just the beginning to the grand finale, happening this weekend. Standing strong at the second spot overall with a total of 108 points, Andi has made remarkable achievements throughout this season with four podiums including two wins. With Chang circuit being his favourite, Andi may just strike it again at the circuit as he did in the season opener. During the final practice session earlier, Andi clocked in fastest at 1’39:504s. In the earlier sessions, he made his fastest at 1’39:571 in session one and 1’40:073s in session two. He may have had a tough experience in the final race of Round 4 nevertheless, Andi is a strong character with a will to continue advancing. Commenting on the session earlier, Andi said, “My team has worked wonders with the machine and I know that they will continue to ensure that my machine is in a good condition for the coming races. We are one at Heart and great at teamwork! For the coming races, I will make sure to have a good time performing while giving my best.” “My main strategy is to stay focused all the way as it is key to success. I aim for the podium and with a little bit of luck, I hope to make it there.” At second fastest spot, Ratthapong Wilairot of YAMAHA Thailand Racing TEAM clocked in his fastest in the first practice session at 1’39:770s. In his second session, he marked 1’39:793s while in the third session, he made it at 1’39:958s. Ratthapong currently sits at the tenth spot in the overall standings. Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA Racing Thailand took the third fastest in the practice session, combined when he made his fastest in the first session at 1’39:885s. In the second and third sessions, he marked at 1’39:793s and 1’39:958s respectively.

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PIYAWAT BOOSTED IN PRACTICE SESSION

2022, 2022 Round 5, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

It was a bright sunny day and the Asia Production 250cc riders have warmed up for the finale of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Chang International Circuit today. Piyawat Patoomyos of HONDA Racing Thailand made the fastest lap time, combined in the free practice sessions. The Thailand lad seemed poised riding aboard the Honda CBR250 RR around the familiar circuit of his home-ground. It is no surprise that he made fastest in the practice session considering his achievement, second on the podium in Race 1 of Round 1 which was held at the very same circuit. This time around he made fastest in the practice session when he clocked in at 1’53:501s in the first session. In the second session, he made his best at 1’53:248s and in the third session, he clocked in at 1’53:377s. Piyawat currently sits at seventh spot in the overall standings with a total of 74 points. Commenting on the session, Piyawat said, “I am quite familiar with the circuit and I am particularly strong in sector 2 and sector 3. For tomorrow’s qualifying session, I hope to achieve the pole position and worse comes to worst, at the front row.” “For the race, I would definitely want to win. I hope to find a way to stay ahead of the troop which would help with my winning strategies.” Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team came in the second fastest for the combined session when he clocked in his fastest at 1’53:284s in the second session. In his first session, he made his fastest at 1’53:414s and in his third session, he clocked in at 1’54:040s. Herjun currently is at the fifth spot overall with a total of 82 points. His team, Md Adenanta Putra made the third fastest in the combined practice when he logged in his fastest at 1’53:466s in the first session. In the following sessions, he made his fastest at 1’53:772 and 1’53:574s respectively. Adenanta takes the third place in the overall standings with a total of 94 points to date.

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FAZLI SHAM CLOCKED IN FASTEST IN PRACTICE SESSION

2022, 2022 Round 5, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

A striking resemblance among all riders of the Underbone 150cc race category of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, taking strides to clock in their best lap time. Among them, the one who stood out most today was Ahmad Fazli Sham of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team who made the fastest lap time, combined for the day in the free practice sessions held at Chang International Circuit. Riding aboard the Yamaha Y15 ZR, Fazli seemed to have established a fine connection with the circuit when he made the fastest lap time in the second practice session at 2’00:922s. In the first practice session, he clocked in his fastest at 2’02:522s. Fazli has definitely gained more confidence since his first podium in Race 2 of Round 4 which was held at Sepang. Although this season may not have been a fruitful one for Fazli, he seemed to have found his pace well during the practice sessions and emerged fastest today. Fazli is currently at the thirteenth spot in the overall standings with a total of 40 points. Commenting on the session, Fazli said, “I am very pleased with the results and with the setup of the machine. However, there needs a little tweaking at the back for better grip.” “For the qualifying session tomorrow, I will try my best to retain my momentum to be at least at the top three position or even top five so that I would be more confident for the Super Pole session.” At the second fastest place was Nazirul Izzat Md Bahauddin of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team who logged in at 2’01:145s. He currently sits at the fourth spot in the overall standings with a total of 73 points. Nazirul made his fastest lap time in the second practice session. In his first, he clocked in his fastest at 2’02:459s. Coming in at the third fastest spot was Gupita Kresna of 4S1M YAMAHA Racing Team. Riding aboard the Yamaha Sniper 150, he made his fastest at 2’01:494s in the first practice session. In the second practice session, Gupita recorded his fastest at 2’01:887s.

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VORAPONG AIMS TO BE FIRST CHAMPION

2022, 2022 Round 5, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

The riders of TVS Asia One Make Championship are in full form as they strode on the heated grounds of the Chang International Circuit. Vorapong Malahuan of Thailand made his mark on his home-ground when he emerged fastest in the practice session, combined in Round 5 of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. The Thailand lad who is currently at the lead position in the overall standings with a total of 126 points has showcased great showmanship throughout the season. In the last round at Sepang, Vorapong took the podium twice at the second spot. With Round 5 being the final round for the season, Vorapong is all out to making history beginning with the practice session. He made his fastest lap time at 1’51:880s in the first practice session. Although he didn’t make a better lap time in the second session, he nevertheless recorded the fastest among the troop of riders, clocking in at 1’52:097s. Commenting on the session, Vorapong said, “My plan is to put on a good show tomorrow for my fans here in Thailand. I want to put on a smile on everyone’s face.” “I definitely want to be in a good position but not to pressure myself too much. More importantly is protecting my championship points. Whatever said and done though, the pressure is unavoidable as there are many who expects me to be the champion. I will do my best like I always do in every race!” At the second fastest spot was KY Ahmed from India. Ahmed is currently at the sixth spot overall with a total of 49 points. In the first practice session, he made his fastest at1’52:463s which also concluded as his best time for the combined session. During the second session, he made his fastest at 1’53:748s. Watcharin Tubtimon of Thailand came in the third fastest for the practice session, clocking in at 1’52:957s in the first practice session and his best time for today. In the second session, Watcharin made his best at 1’53:284s. He currently takes the third spot in the overall standings with a total of 79 points.

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PASSION AT ITS BEST

2022, 2022 Round 5, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

The TVS ASIA One Make Championship embarked on a whole new level of experience this season with FIM Asia Road Racing Championship and has contributed significantly to the field of motorsport and its professional riders. Vorapong Malahuan, rider from Thailand has been impacted positively throughout and looks forward to making history in the final round at Chang International Circuit this weekend. An old timer in the championship, Vorapong is more than familiar with the motorsport scene. His history can be traced back all the way to 2013, back to when UB150 race category marched through the stages of transformation from UB113, UB130 to what it is today. The Thailand lad may not have made significant marks during those years but it definitely gave him a lengthy year of experiences for his success this season. Vorapong said, “I started racing as young as 12 years old in drag racing. It was back in 2006. Over the years, I worked with my passion and found my way into the ARRC and Thailand championships. I became Thailand champion in 2010 for the Underbone category and went on to the ARRC platform and in 2015, I rode for the AP250 race category. That has given me a multitude of knowledge and vast experience when it comes to different machines and the manoeuvring techniques.” Vorapong has definitely made impressive collections for himself since the debut of the race category this year. A six-time podium including two wins have placed him at the lead position with a total of 126 points. Apart from the experiences reflected in his race moves, Vorapong also showcased confidence in manoeuvring the TVS Apache RR310 machine, an equally fundamental element towards success. Commenting on his successes, Vorapong said, “I always think positive when I am in a race. In Sepang, I was challenged with more riders in the lead group however I tried my best to make sure that my performance does not derail my overall standings. I owe part of my success to the Academy that I am currently working on because it gives me greater focus and helps me build up my strength.” For the upcoming race, Vorapong said, “My goal is to finish Race 1 at a good position. I don’t want to wait until Race 2. Overall, I am very proud to be part of the TVS Racing India that took a bold stance with the TVS ASIA One Make Championship in the ARRC. This has definitely given the opportunity for a road bike to be brought forward into a race championship where it’s form and functions are optimised. It has also helped me find my rhythm in the racing championship where I garnered some of the best moments.”

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HOME-GROUND SPARKS CONFIDENCE

2022, 2022 Round 5, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

The Asia Superbike 1000cc scene has definitely given rise to its complexities especially with bold and fierce riders always on the lookout to continue progressing and setting new benchmarks. Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team is thrilled to make one last move for the season beforethe curtains close in Round 5 of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Chang International Circuit this weekend. Anupab is a living testament to the growth of ARRC and the professional development of its riders since its inception. The Thai rider took a step into the ASEAN motorcycle racing arena and has never ceased to progress gracefully across the multiple levels of the riding platform, from the Asia Production 250cc and now at the ASB1000 race category. During his time in the AP250 domain, Anupab showcased potentials that promised greater prospects. In 2015, he made his debut in the final round of the season and took the third place on the podium in Race 1. In the subsequent seasons, between 2016-2018, Anupab scored impressive achievements when he made the third and second place overall before moving on to a more strenuous racing stage of the ASB1000 race category. His notable achievements were in 2017 when he swept the podium eight times with a total score of 188 points to his name. In year 2020, before the championship came to a halt due to the pandemic, Anupab made an appealing entrance into ASB1000 race category when he bagged the third spot on the podium in Race 1. This season, Anupab graced the podium three times including a win in Race 1, Round 4 which was held recently at the Sepang International Circuit. Commenting on his win, Anupab said, “The last-minute decision made all the difference. Thanks to YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team, we made the switch of tires and it was the right decision for that day that resulted in a win. The challenge for this season would definitely be the hurdles that is keeping us away from the champion title. However, the team and I have worked hard and willcontinue doing our best.” On this performance, Anupab said, “The memories of Race 1 at Sepang circuit are by far the best not only because I took the win but the achievement was a result of decisions made together as a team. Apart from that, I was also able to share the podium with my teammate. I am looking forward to the final race though. I am quite confident as the race will be held at my home-ground. I made it to the podium twice in the first round. I hope to strike again!” On future plans, Anupab said, “I am now staying focused on the coming race but of course, there are many challenges to overcome. This season has been quite impactful as the team and I have learnt from the robust riders. It will definitely help us develop further. For plans ahead, we will have to await the announcement from YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team again.”

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BEST LEARNT THROUGH MISTAKES

2022, 2022 Round 5, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

With another one round to go, the SuperSports 600cc race category anticipates a rush of adrenaline among its riders and a highly competitive strike that would further alleviate their overall standings. Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team is determined to make his move impactful in Round 5 of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which will be held at Chang International Circuit thisweekend. The Indonesian lad may have been unlucky in the final race of Round 4 but he certainly has the in-depth experience and prowess that the race needs to make the cut for the season. Over the course of 4 rounds, Andi made it to the podium four times including two wins. Despite the severity of the unfortunate incident which stripped him of valuable points to be on a competitive chase with hisultimate rival, he sits at the second spot overall with a total of 108 points. Commenting on his race at Sepang, Andi said, “Sepang is one of my favourite circuits as I am very familiar with it. I understand its character very well and with the motivation of my team members, I tried my best to maximise my potentials there. The casualty in Race 2 may have been uncalled for however I must acknowledge the fact that ASTRA HONDA team made excellent improvements to the performances of the CBR600R machine which further strengthened my position.” “The disappointments are there because I was embarking on a positive note after Race 1. But that is the downside of racing. The unexpected hurdles are expected in racing. I do not wish to think further rather I chose to stay focused towards the course. I will not repeat the same mistakes as I did in Race 2 and will expand my wings further to aim for the champion title in the SuperSports 600cc race category.” Andi is an established rider who first found his interest within the ARRC domain in 2017 in the AP250 race category as a wild card rider. He scored the third spot in Race 1 and second spot in Race 2 which immediately marked his potentials as a professional rider. He went on to the SS600 showground in 2018 and made an impressive finish at the fifth spot overall. Year 2019 may have posed more challenges to his performances nevertheless he completed the season once again at the fifth spot overall. In 2020, Andi did not participate in the one-round season but after the two-year hiatus, he came back this year with an enhanced performance which left fans and spectators in awe. With his win in Race 1, Round 1, he said, “It was an important mark of the year for me. With that win, came the confidence that I needed for this year to overcome the highly competitive rush of the race category. My glorious moment though would be my first ever win at the Sentul circuit in this category which has always kept me motivated.” For the coming round, Andi said, “I will definitely give my best shot for the coming race. I am currently working on my physique and mental strength. The rest, I have worked with the team to ensure that everything is in order.”

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DISMAYED YET CONFIDENT

2022, 2022 Round 5, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

The Asia Production 250cc race category has always been a demand, feeding the appetite of our ASEAN fans while amplifying its robust nature when complemented by a rider. Muhammad Andy Fadly of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Racing Team is doubling his efforts to restrain from the foreseeable pressure at Round 5 of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which will be held at ChangInternational Circuit this weekend. Andy became a head-turner in the race category with his flair for speed and technical prowess since he reigned champion in 2019. During that season, he illustrated impressive showmanship when he bagged seven spots on the podium including three wins which presented him with a total of 214 points. He came back this season with a grand entrance when he made it to the podium twice in Round 1 including one win. His positioned was further accentuated when he pulled a stunner in Round 2 with a double win consequently creating a hat-trick for himself. While he remains strong on the overall front, Andy however appears to be grappling with his performances since Round 3 at SugoInternational Racing Course. Adding on to the strain of his failure to perform according to his standards, Round 4 was also unfavourable to him when his efforts became futile in attaining the top three positions. Andy now takes the lead position with a total of 121 points nevertheless the stakes are high and he is well aware of the jeopardy ahead that could potentially ruin his chances of becoming champion. Commenting on his performance this season, Andy said, “It was a good start for me this season however it was not enough for me. I need more spots on the podium to be able to keep my champion title in the AP250 race category. I am dismayed by the decision and regulations which required me to cut down on my RPM. But overall, I am very happy with my performance which has placed me at the lead position in the overall standings.” Speaking about memories, Andy is pleased to say, “My best moment was when I made a double win in Malaysia in Round 2. However, there comes a price when you are at your best. In my case, the cut in the RPM has made riding tough in Round 3 and Round 4. Nevertheless, we will keep going as much as we can to achieve the best outcome.” For the coming round, Andy said, “Of course in Buriram, I will do everything I can in my capacity to become the overall champion once again in the AP250 race category.” Andy aspires to level up to the SS600 race category if he wins the champion title once again this season.

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