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Buriram may be home to ancient temples, food that feeds the appetite, a tropical climate, distinctive local culture, stunning view of the countryside, Thailand’s largest volcano that has marched towards extinction, forest park for good measure and many more but unless you’re set on venturing far from the country’s well-worn tourist route, it is highly unlikely that you may discover a town which has a population of approximately 27,000,000 on your itinerary.Unless of course, you are a Motorsport aficionado! Since 1996, Thailand has been the proud host of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) –the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing in Asia to date and this year, the championship celebrates its 27 th year. Thailand Circuit which is situated in Nakhon Pathom was the official venue until Chang International Circuit took over the role for greater exposure and excellence. Built in 2014, Buriram has since become home to motorsports! Competing on the home-ground, in front of thousands of supporters is always a memory to be cherished for riders. It becomes even more monumental when they clinch the podiums at their home circuits. At Buriram, the turnout of spectators each time a two-wheel race takes place is larger than life.How has Buriram pulled off what many couldn’t, enticing punters into the stick to watch blokes hustle speed machines around an asphalt loop and 70% of them are Thai attendees? Explaining the motorsports culture in Thailand, the YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team rider, Anupab Sarmoon who competes in the ASB1000 race category expressed, “The best thing about racing at home-ground is the amazing people and the unending support rendered to us. 50% of the population in our country love motorsports and the rest support for the flag that we carry each time we hit the ground – in the name of our country.” “How could I disappoint my people when they have come all the way to support us? That has always been the motivational push that I needed each time I race in Buriram. To be honest, many loves Thailand. Not only the local people but also the foreigners who have extended their visit to our towns and cities. So, I would say that it’s two in one. They not only watch the race but also enjoy the days inour country.” Adding essence to the flavour, Buriram is also added into the calendar of the most prestigious two-wheel race, MotoGP World Championship since 2018. Situated about 400km (a five-hour-drive) to the northeast of Bangkok, fans can expect to enjoy a warm welcome from enthusiastic and friendly citizens, with an ever-increasing passion for motorcycle racing. “I am pretty excited for the next race. The season begun here in Buriram and will also see through the final race. I had a good start this season with an added advantage at my home-ground and now I am confident that I could do better to finish the race among the top. With Haruki out of the equation due to unforeseen injury, it also gives me the opportunity to make it to the top three.” Meanwhile, the fellow team rider, Apiwat Wongthananon, who is at the 5 th spot in the overall standing in the ASB1000 race category hopes to have a fun and fulfilling ride at the circuit. “Thailand is a nice country for people to visit. Who doesn’t love Thai food, right? They get not just the satisfaction of watching a race but also the exchange of cultural diversity and an acquisition of local tastebuds. One thing for sure, Thailand and in particular, Buriram is a treasure cove of culture and beauty. Apart from that, I would say that there is an increase of interest among many Thaistowards motorsport these days which means, we get undivided support and attention. As much as I am excited, I can assure you that the locals are too.” “I would say that I had a good start in the first round here at Buriram. Yet, my performances weren’t consistent throughout the season. But this time around, we are working on a better strategy and set up for the race which I believe would help us achieve our team target. My team has been working tirelessly to make the best of the machine. So, I hope to do my best and be among the front troop. Iwant to finish the race without any issues. Definitely, I am eyeing for a spot on the podium as it would ultimately boost the points and the overall results. Let’s hope for a better weekend. I am welcomingall fans to the Land of Smiles.”

With an absolutely crazed fanbase quite unlike anywhere else, there is no question at all that Indonesia deserves the well-known FIM Asia Road Racing Championship’s return in its home-ground. It has been almost 4 years including the hiatus brought along by the Covid-19 pandemic since the championship made its grand presence in the land of thousand islands. With Sentul Circuit located just outside the capital city of Jakarta, it is not hard to imagine that a well promoted and managed race at the country could easily have challenged the record made by Indianapolis Motor Speed which witnessed a spectatorship of over 400,000 people – such is the love for Motorsport in Indonesia. Keeping the hopes high for ARRC to return to Indonesia, ASTRA HONDA Racing Team promising rider, Andi Farid Izdihar applauds the support of his people throughout the years. “I think Indonesia has one of the craziest motorsport fans. I competed in the World Championship last year here in Indonesia. There were many people who attended the championship from all around the world. But one thing that I can assure you is that 50% of them were Indonesians. They have huge enthusiasm for motorsport. Even Dorna acknowledges it,” said Andi, giggling. Andi is no stranger to the world of motorsports. He emerged into the two wheels racing professionally at the age of 15 and made his debut in the Asia Dream Cup at FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in 2014. The young ambitious lad went on to the Asia Talent Cup in 2015 which paved a pathway into the European racing scenes. Since then, the 24-year-old made appearances in several international races including a spot in CEV Moto3, World Championship. He went on to say, “Unlike the current generation, they start as early as six or seven years old but I was a little late when I began. I was 11. The interest caught me when I was 8 years old, during those times when I would watch adults racing near my place. I don’t stay at home because I was eager to watch them which made my mum upset. Nevertheless, it didn’t stop me.” “Fortunately, when my father noticed that I have such huge interest in two wheels, he wasn’t against it. In fact, he offered great support and paid for everything that I needed to be part of my dreams. I then started engaging in junior level tournaments in 2019. My first debut in ARRC was in 2014. Though I started a little late compared to the other riders, I was able to step into the Asia Talent Cup when they noticed my talent and passion,” explained Andi. Undoubtedly, Andi has showcased a phenomenal performance since the first round of ARRC this season. Commenting on the current standings, Andi denied the statements that he should be comfortable with his position at the second spot which presents him with 108 points. “It is impossible for me to secure the championship as my main contender, Helmi Azman is ahead of me by 32 points. Even if I make it to the podium in the next race, I still won’t be able to chase him. At the same time, I can’t be reckless as Nakarin is just 4 points away from me. I have to avoid making any mistakes and finish the race as best as I could. I would want to end the season with a podium in hand.” “I will try my best to finish the race and collect the maximum points for my team and for myself. Chang International Circuit has always been my favourite. I have carved good memories and have made great results. So, I hope for a positive outcome in Buriram,” said Andi.

Two Malaysian riders, Azroy Hakeem Anuar and Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin received a confidence boost ahead of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship Finale which will be held at the Chang International Circuit. A dream to many but a blessing to the two lucky riders who found an opportunity to perform on the World stage. Being handpicked comes with a challenge that may not be very pleasing. The short preparation time was a setback however the riders showcased astounding performance during the race. Their ability to adapt to the Moto2 machinery and team crew was a crucial element in being a performer in the international front and both riders proved their worth with it. Ask any rider and they would say that,it is no easy task getting accustomed to the Moto2 machine. Nevertheless, the duo was bold in their stance and with the experience in hand, they nailed it in their capacities. Admitting that the feat was quite a challenge, they are undoubtedly happy to have finished the race safely in their very own homeland. Kasma who had a full season in the Moto2 race class in 2020 was seen trying to maintain consistency with his pace throughout the race. One can’t deny the fact that he was competitive enough to have represented the country on a platform recognised as world class. “It was a challenging race but I did my best to remain consistent throughout. I made mistakes, yes but Alhamdullilah, I was able to complete the race. That felt good. It was also a thrill to have been back among the highly competitive riders. Let’s not talk about winning. For me, what was even more thrilling was riding with riders of high calibre and great showmanship. I believe that I have put on a good fight.” “Next would be the ARRC final round. Currently, I am at the 3 rd spot overall in the ASB1000 race category with a total of 115 points. At first, I just wanted to focus on collecting as much points as possible but now, looking at where I stand and wit Haruki out of the scene, I am confident and am looking forward to a battle for title. It will be a tough one still with Zaqhwan there. He is no easy contender for sure.” “With the boost I received from MotoGP Malaysia, I know that I can put on a good fight. Most of all, I truly want to enjoy the race and touch the finish line safe and sound,” said Kasma. Meanwhile, Boon Siew Honda Racing Team rider, Azroy who made a debut in Moto2 race class for the first time said that he was “less happy” with his performance but was still very grateful for the opportunity given and to have completed the race safely. “It is quite a challenging race. I managed to make a good start but after half a lap, a rider tried to overtake me in a dangerous manner which caused us to overshoot. I then tired to maintain my lap time and thankfully, I was able to complete the race. Not very happy though with the result. But it was a great experience which gave me a little insight to the world of MotoGP and I will strive again to do better.” “All these years, I have dreamt of performing in the eyes of the world but I never once thought that it would happen at my home-ground. I’m glad! It’s done for now and my next focus would be the finale of ARRC in Buriram!” “It is impossible for me to chase the championship title but I will put on a good fight to be among the top three. I am all geared up to go on full throttle and collect as much points as I can for my team. They have put up so much effort and I hope that the result in the final round pays off!” explained Azroy.

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.”