2022

SUHAITHAI WINS RACE 2 – ZAQHWAN, ASIAN CHAMPION

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

The intensity of the high-powered machine complimented by the extremely dextrous riders taking charge of the circuit is one of the greatest accomplishments one can achieve in the Asia Superbike 1000cc. Today, Suhaithai Chaemsup of EEST NJT Racing proved his accomplishment when he took the win in Race 2 of Round 5, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at Chang International Circuit. At turn one of the first lap, Ikuhiro Enokido took an immediate move into P1, followed by Apiwath and Zaqhwan at P2 and P3 respectively. Poleman Kasma however lost his pace and went down to P8 in the first lap. Meanwhile, Zaqhwan was trying to close his gap with Apiwath however it was not an easy feat. The front troop, Ikuhiro, Apiwath, Zaqhwan, Anupab and Yuki Ito were lined up in a row waiting for their moment to strike and by the end of the third lap, Apiwath managed to take lead. Half way through the third lap, Zaqhwan made a quick move and switched positions into P1. Apiwath inches away was adamant with his chase, trying his best to supersede Zaqhwan. At the back, Kasma moved his way back up to P6. Seconds into the sixth lap, Zaqhwan lost his momentum. With that, Apiwath and Anupab quickly made their moves ahead of him. By the end of the seventh lap, several changes took place with Anupab at the lead position, followed by Apiwath and Zaqhwan at the top three positions. Kasma made impressive moves and locked into P4 waiting to strike. His moment to slide from the inside came when Apiwath took a fall, instantly placing him at the lead position. Anupab dropped to P4. As the heat picked up between duo, Kasma and Zaqhwan, Ikuhiro managed to slide ahead of Zaqhwan at the last turn of the tenth lap. The critical moment among the riders began when wildcard rider Suhaithai came out of nowhere into the lead position. By the last lap, Suhaithai charged ahead fearlessly with a gap of 4.8s from Ikuhiro who was at P2 and marked victory at 23’01:544s. The Thailand rider was 2-time Asian GP125 Champion for year 2000 and 2002. Commenting on the race, Suhaithai said, “It was a very good weekend. In the beginning, I was not serious about the race however the decision to change the tires made a whole lot of difference for me.” At the second spot was replacement rider Ikuhiro Enokido of SDG Motor Sports HARC-PRO Ph. who clocked in at 23’06:347s. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team takes the third place when he logged in at 23’07:374s. The Asian Champion for the Asia Superbike 1000cc year 2022 goes to Md Zaqhwan Zaidi.  Commenting on the title, Zaqhwan said, “I have no words to describe the happiness that I feel right now but I would like to say a big thank you to all those who have supported me in my journey. I would like to thank the team for the great setup of the machine. This victory is for my friend, Rozaiman – have a speedy recovery!”

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ANDI FARID, SS600 CHAMPION

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

The thrill of the SuperSports 600cc race category, apart from the carefully engineered machine which functions perfectly at full speed is the highly competitive riders who are never complacent. Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team today showcased extreme prowess in his domain as he dashed towards victory in Race 2 at Chang International Circuit. As soon as the race begun, Irfan made a strong move into the lead position. Not expecting the move by his rival, Kritchaporn went on to make his chase from P2. Andi Farid who lost his footing in the first lap landed in P4 however he was quick to make his recovery. By the end of the third lap, the winner of Race 1 made his comeback into P1 while Kritchaporn battled with Nakarin who was eager to make his move. Meanwhile, Ratthapong was lurking close behind. By the end of the fifth lap, Ratthapong superseded Kritchaporn and took P3. Meanwhile, leading with a wide gap ahead, Andi was riding fearlessly. Into the seventh lap, Ratthapong managed to slide ahead of Nakarin. Closing in behind the latter, Kritchaporn was waiting to strike. By then, Andi was fully in charge with a gap of 2.3s from his rival who was working very hard to close the gap.  Meanwhile, Helmi Azman who began from the tenth spot on the grid managed to pick up speed and moved into the front troop at P5. The Malaysian rider who was leading in the overall standings seemed to have grappled with his pace however he was determined to make his cut. With one more lap to go, Ratthapong began picking up speed and succeeded in closing the gaps as he swiftly switched places with Andi. However, Andi was not about to give up. The ASTRA HONDA rider was quick to find the opportunity and at the last turn, he grabbed P1. Ratthapong lost control of his machine but made a quick move only to be defeated by Andi who dashed confidently to the finish line. Andi clocked in at 21’49:924s consequently making him the Asian Champion of the SuperSports 600cc for year 2022. Commenting on the race, “I don’t know what to say but first of all, I would like to thank my family for being my pillar and also the Indonesian fans who have supported me endlessly. I am grateful to my team who has been there to lift me up through my ups and downs. This season was challenging but they never gave up. Thank you.” Ratthapong Wilairot of YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team logged in his best at 21’50:474s. Kritchaporn Kaewsonthi of HONDA Racing Thailand took his first podium at the third spot with his best at 21’57:730s.

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INDONESIANS MARKED VICTORY

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

The Asia Production 250cc has interestingly seen an increase in its fanbase with extremely agile riders expanding their capacities through experiences and bold moves. As the season came to a close, Rheza Danica of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team put on one last show before racing down the straight line to claim victory. The race began on the wet grounds with Adenanta taking lead, closely trailed by Anggi Setiawan, Rheza Danica and Piyawat. Aldi who was close behind began picking up speed and broke ahead of the troop in the first lap. Meanwhile, Adenanta took a slip and fell. By the end of the third lap, Aldi made it to P1 while being closely shadowed by Rheza Danica, Anggi Setiawan and Piyawat. The battle between the four fiery riders grew stronger as they made their laps. Meanwhile, Rafid Topan began inching closer towards the front troop and by the end of the fourth lap, he closed the gaps and made his move into P3. By the end of the fifth lap however, Anggi Setiawan had a fall and was out of the equation. Rheza went on at the lead position. However, behind him, Rafid Topan and Aldi Satya were entangled in a battle to retain their position at P2. Blame it on the wet circuit, Aldi Satya unfortunately slipped and fell consequently opening up the opportunity for Piyawat to strike. With two more laps to go, Piyawat went on at P2, trying his best to close the gaps with his rival ahead of him however with a gap of approximately 9.3s, it seemed impossible for Piyawat to move any closer. By the last lap, Rheza was confident, far ahead of the troop. After the last turn, he strode swiftly to the finish line, clocking in at 20’36:566s with a gap of 16.196s away from Piyawat. Commenting on the race, Rheza said, “From the start, the circuit has been wet and I just enjoyed the ride. I stayed focused on the race and finally, I am back at the top spot on the podium. Thank you to ASTRA HONDA team and my family for the unwavering support given to me.” Piyawat Patoomyos of HONDA Racing Thailand logged in second at 20’52:762s. Aiki Iyoshi of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Racing Team made it third with his best at 21’01:105s. With the conclusion of Race 2, Muhammad Andy Fadly of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Racing Team celebrated his win as the Asian Champion of the AP250 race category for year 2022. Commenting on the title, Andy said, “I feel extremely happy. This season has pushed me towards working even harder. Even more so when my RPM was cut down since Round 3 in Japan. I struggled a lot but I am thankful to God for the blessings. Also, thanks to my family members and the team who believed in me and have supported me in every way.”

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DOUBLE JOY FOR ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM

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

The nerve-wrecking performance of riders in the Underbone 150cc race category always been one of the greatest highlights that kept audience glued to their seats. Ahmad Fazli Sham of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team made a stunning rush to the finish line and grabbed victory in Race 2 of Round 5, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at Chang International Circuit. The riders revved off to a fleeting start, aligning themselves in positions that would provide them the best opportunity to strike. With the nature of the Underbone 150cc race category being highly unpredictable, the riders have to be quick in their thoughts and moves to secure a position that would serve them best. In the midst of the chaos among the riders, Syafiq Rosli managed to break himself away from the troop of riders leaving a gap of 1.641s in between a group of four riders trailing behind. Towards the end of the fourth lap, Fazli Sham who was at P2 began inching closer towards Syafiq. In the following lap, Fazli overtook Syafiq but before the lap ended, Shafiq struck back for P1. Mid race, the rain hit the grounds of the circuit once again. Nevertheless, the riders were undefeated. They kept their focus on the highly competitive feat. By the end of the seventh lap, it was a close battle between Fazli Sham, Syafiq Rosli, Hafiza Rofa and Hafid.   With one more lap to go, Fazli Sham took lead before Syafiq eased his way back into P1 at turn seven. By then, the fight for the top spot heated up between the duo. At the last turn, Fazli Sham made a brilliant move from the inside before picking up speed towards the finish line. He clocked in at 17’40:433s. Commenting on the race, Fazli Sham said, “I would like to thank the team for the unending effort towards making this possible. It was a tough race I would say. Mid race however, I realised that there was a wide gap behind me so I stayed focused on what lied ahead of me. I am grateful that luck was on my side this time around.” Mohammad Syafiq Rosli of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team took the second spot, with a gap of 0.336s and his best at 17’40:769s. Md Hafiza Rofa of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team took the third spot, clocking in at 17’40:679s. With the final race, Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team was crowned the Asian Champion for the season. Commenting on the championship, Wahyu said, “I don’t know what to say but I am pleased to have won the championship title. I thank my team for the hard work that was put into this championship. Also, the great support from family and fans in Indonesia. God has definitely been good to me and has blessed me abundantly.”

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VORAPONG DID IT, AGAIN!

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

Since its debut in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, TVS Asia One Make Championship has witnessed its rider making phenomenal advancement in their riding skills. Vorapong Malahuan from Thailand made one last push towards the finish line, bagging the top spot on the podium in Race 2 of the season finale at Chang International Circuit. It was a good start once again for Vorapong who fled ahead of the troop as soon as the race begun. Watcharin stayed close behind and by the end of the second lap, Fugo Tanaka made his move to P1. By then, it seemed like Vorapong has decided to take a more relaxed approach as he slowly backed away to P7. He had nothing to lose considering his big win yesterday as the overall champion. The battle became more evident between Fugo Tanaka and Watcharin who were taking turns at P1. Meanwhile, James Frederick began making his moves as he tailed behind the duo. Into the sixth lap, James managed to slide ahead of Watcharin and for a moment took lead before Fugo struck back for his lead position. By the end of the sixth lap, Vorapong flaunted his skills as he made his way back up to P2.  In the seventh lap, Vorapong succeeded at P1. Fugo Tanaka, defeated went on a wild chase. With one more lap to go, the former began picking up speed and at the last turn, he dashed towards victory once again, marking his win at 15’12:815s with a total of 176 points. Commenting on the race, Vorapong said, “I was a little bit relaxed today. I made a new record this morning during the warm up session. During the race though, I faced a problem at turn three and I panicked. So, I slowed down and played safe. I had a lot of fun with today’s race. Nevertheless, I wanted to achieve yet another victory today as I am not sure if I would be back next year and I gave my best shot.” At the second spot was Fugo Tanaka of Japan, clocking in at 15’14:050s. Watcharing Tubtimon of Thailand took the third spot on the podium, logging in at 15’14:527s.

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MAGNIFICENT VICTORY FOR KASMA

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

The final round of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship took Chang International Circuit by a storm and the Asia Superbike 1000cc riders never ceased to increase the appetites of its fanbase. Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of YAMAHA Racing Team ASEAN made an impeccable dash to the finish line and claimed victory in Race 1. Zaqhwan was off to a blistering start as soon as the race flagged off. Seconds later, Kasma, the pole man was succeeded further by Anupab who took the fifth spot on the grid. As the race went on towards the end of the second lap, Zaqhwan kept his lead position but Apiwath emerged quickly to take on P2.  By the end of the third lap, Apiwath made his move to P1 with Zaqhwan trailing close behind. Mid lap, the exchange of positions became intense with top riders taking turns, leading. In the midst of the chaos, Zaqhwan was pushed downstream to P4 while Anupab regained strength at P1. By the end of the fifth lap, the Yamaha riders were moving fast ahead of the others. Kasma made it to P1 once again in the seventh lap. Thai duo, Anupab and Apiwath went on to pressure Kasma with their wild chase. Meanwhile, Zaqhwan seemed to have lost his momentum as the trio ahead of him created wider gaps. He instead faced an intense push from Passawit who was waiting for his chance to strike. By the end of the tenth lap, Passawit did it. With two more laps to go, Kasma was still leading but Anupab was determined to supersede the former. The task seemed impossible as Kasma went on with empowering turns. By the last turn, Kasma was on his way to victory. He made his mark on the circuit with his best at 21’00:576s. Commenting on the race, Kasma said, “To be honest, I can’t believe that I won because everyone knows that the Thai riders were magnificent on this circuit. However, I tried my best to stay consistent throughout my laps. Also, the presence of my wife gave me the boost that I needed.” “I would like to thank the YAMAHA crew members who have supported and believed in me. This victory is for them, my family members and friends in Malaysia. Thank you once again and we will try again, tomorrow.” Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team hit the second spot with his fastest at 21’01:187s. At third place was his teammate Apiwath Wongthananon who marked his best at 21’02:850s.

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ANDI, STUNNING VICTORY

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

It was quite an evening for the riders of the SuperSports 600cc at Round 5 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship as they fought their battle for yet another shot of fame. Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team took the win in Race 1 when he completed the race with flying colours. The race begun with Kritchaporn at the pole position. Andi Farid took the second spot on the grid while Ratthapong started from the third spot. As soon as the race flagged off, Kritchaporn went on a steady start at the lead position while Ratthapong strode at P2. Irfan slid into P3 but as the race went on, Andi Farid who fell two positions down made it back to P3 by the end of lap 1. Meanwhile, leader of the overall standings, Helmi Azman took a start at the 10th spot on the grid but by the end of third lap, he was seen slowly picking up his momentum at P7. While Kritchaporn was speeding his way ahead of the troop, Andi was inching closer to Ratthapong and by the end of the fourth lap, the former made his move ahead of the latter. Andi was on fire as he went on to pick up speed. Mid of lap four, he succeeded in getting ahead of Kritchaporn who began losing his momentum. Ratthapong then took P2 and engaged in a heated battle with Andi. For a moment Ratthapong exchanged positions with Andi but the red suit rider was adamant in taking back his position. By the end of the sixth lap, Andi made it just to be succeeded by Ratthapong once again. At P3, Nakarin seemed to be closing the gaps little by little. But the highlight remained between the Thai and Indonesian rider who were relentlessly pursuing their ultimate goals before Nakarin took the leap up to P1 at the end of the eighth lap. The pressure went on the rise among the trio as they exchanged positions among themselves.  By the last lap, it was Andi taking lead with Nakarin and Ratthapong on a chase for the top spot. Andi began picking up speed and at the final lap, confidence was boosted as he dashed to the finish line clocking in his fastest at 20’04:379s. Commenting on the race, Andi said, “The race was very tough. I noticed that the gaps were quite close in all the laps. I tried to attack towards the last three laps and I managed to make my move towards the end.” “I thank my crew members, the team who have worked very hard for this victory. I would also like to thank my friends and family members who have been extremely supportive. We will do our best again tomorrow.” Meanwhile, Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA Racing Thailand took the second spot on the podium when he logged in at 20’05:429s. Ratthapong missed it at the last turn and Azroy Hakeem Anuar of Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team grabbed the opportunity to strike. He made it third at 20’05:583s.

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MOMENTOUS DAY FOR ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM

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

It was a rhythm not to be missed with the Asia Production 250cc as the robust riders strode with great speed and energy on the Chang International Circuit. Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team celebrated victory in Race 1 when he made a triumphant rush to the finish line ahead of the others. The race flagged off with Thai rider Piyawat as the pole man, teammates of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team, Adenanta at P2 and Herjun Atna at P3 after the qualifying session earlier this morning. However, at the first turn, Herjun made a quick slide ahead of Piyawat and took lead. However, before the end of the first lap, teammate Rheza managed to take over P1. The fiery battle went on between the riders in red suit and by the end of lap 2, Adenanta hit fastest followed by Piyawat and Rheza. Meanwhile, Aldi was seen making his way close to the trio ahead of him. Taking P4 in that moment, Aldi was determined to find the opportunity to strike. The trio however was not about to be defeated. In the fifth lap however, wildcard rider Jakkreephat found his way ahead of the leading trio. But Herjun and Adenanta seemed to have their strategies aligned to make this battle worth their efforts. By the end of the sixth lap, Herjun took the lead position while Adenanta kept close behind him. Piyawat was seen taking strides at P3, hoping to make a comeback to P1. The riders of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team however went on to guard their positions although they were constantly pressured by their closest contenders and by the end of the eighth lap, Piyawat went ahead with great speed at the lead position. With two more laps to go, Piyawat was not in a position to make any mistakes especially with Adenanta just inches away from him. At the last lap however, trio of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team teamed up to make their moves. Herjun switched places with Piyawat and by the last turn, he was squeezed out of top three position by Adenanta and Rheza. Herjun fled ahead towards victory, clocking in at 19’06:534s. Commenting on the race, Herjun Atna Firdaus said, “I am extremely happy with the race today. I gave my best to the team and I am proud of that. Also, thanks to my boss and the crew of ASTRA HONDA who worked tirelessly to make this win possible.” “It was a tough race. The competitors were good however I am thankful for my team members who have helped me too. We will try again tomorrow and hopefully, I will make it back to the same spot on the podium.” At the second place was Md Adenanta Putra who recorded his fastest at 19’06:696s. Rheza Danica Ahrens made it third, clocking in his fastest at 19’06:763s.

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APRIL MADE PHILIPPINES PROUD

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

It is a ride that pushes riders beyond their limits while keeping them completely focused on the many unexpected possibilities. The Underbone 150cc race category concluded Race 1 with a celebratory moment for April King Mascardo of UMA Racing MMR YAMAHA Philippines at Round 5 of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held in Chang International Circuit. Hafiza began the chapter of today’s race as the pole man. At the second spot on the grid was April King. Meanwhile, Nazirul took the third spot on the grid. In the highly competitive feat, the battle foresaw numerous switches of positions between riders. Just as expected, by the end of lap one, while Hafiza retained his position at P1, April King was replaced by Fazli Sham and Nazirul dropped a few positions down. Nevertheless, the riders were fuelled with a mission to win. By the end of the third lap, Nazirul clocked in fastest followed by Fazli Sham at P2 and April King at P3. As the tension raised, the riders were even more determined to re-angle their positions and find the opportunity to strike. By the end of the fifth lap, Wahyu Aji emerged fastest. As the race continued, counting down lap-by-lap to its completion, the riders pumped with adrenaline went on with great dexterity coupled with experience to prove their worth in what was known as one of the toughest and unpredictable race categories. By the last lap, the heat was amplified as the Underbone riders went on a full-throttle after the last turn. April King, Izzat Zaidi and Syafiq Rosli made their final dash towards the finish line but it seemed like April King Mascardo of UMA Racing MMR YAMAHA Philippines had what it took to make it first, today. He logged in his fastest at 16’26:574s. Commenting on the race, April said, “I was super nervous on the grid earlier however when the race begun, I kept my focus on the race throughout. I thank all my fans from the Philippines and also my team, YAMAHA Philippines for the endless support given to us.” Izzat Zaidi of Pitsbike JRT OneWay made it to the second spot on the podium when he clocked in at 16’26:755s. At the third spot was Syafiq Rosli of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor Asia Team who clocked in at 16’26:787s.

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VORAPONG, FIRST CHAMPION IN HISTORY

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

A spectacular chase around the fine lines of the Chang International Circuit between riders of the TVS Asia One Make Championship came to end when Vorapong Malahuan from Thailand stormed towards victory in Race 1 of Round 5, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship.  It was a good start for Vorapong who fled ahead of the riders as soon as the race flagged off. Watcharin who began at the second grid trailed closely behind. While the other riders tried to play catch up, Vorapong was seen picking up on speed with Watcharin chasing him wildly. By the end of the second lap, the duo of Thailand has left the troop of riders with some gap in between them. Meanwhile, Fugo Tanaka positioned himself comfortably at P3 while pushing himself further to close his gaps with the duo ahead of him. By the end of the fourth lap, Vorapong was leading majestically ahead of the troop with a gap of approximately 3 seconds away from Watcharin. By then, Fugo was getting closer to Watcharin. Decky who was seen taking strides at P5 inched closer and by the end of the fifth lap, managed to slide into P4.  As Vorapong went on in full speed, trio Watcharin, Fugo and Decky were entangled in a battle to retain their positions. Unfortunately, Decky was struck down when his machine gave way and Arsyad took a shot at P4. With two laps to go and Vorapong out of reach, the battle for the podium continues with the three riders trailing him. At the last turn, Vorapong confidently glided towards becoming the first ever Champion in the history of TVS Asia One Make Championship. He made his fastest in at 15’00:076s. Commenting on the race, Vorapong said, “I felt a little pressured today because I needed to win. I am also very happy with the TVS team for the improved machine performance which is now faster than the AP250. As for the race performance, it is always tough in the beginning but the strategy is to increase speed lap by lap and create the gap needed to succeed ahead of the others.” “I would like to thank everyone who has been a great part of my success. The race only takes 10 minutes but I have waited to become the Asian Champion over 10 years. This is a new victory for me and I am truly grateful.” 5.7-second gap away, at the second place was Watcharin Tubtimon from Thailand who clocked in at 15’05:776s. Fugo Tanaka from Japan made it third when he marked his fastest at 15’08:412s.

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