2023 Round 1

HARUKI TOPS THE CHART

2023, 2023 Round 1, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

The Asia Superbike 1000cc went on swiftly at Chang International Circuit in Race 2 of Round 1, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Haruki Noguchi of SDG MS HARC-PRO.HONDA.PH. made Japan proud when he concluded the race for the day with yet another victory. The scene of the Asia Superbike 1000cc kept the audience at the edge of their seats yesterday when Haruki pulled his tricks for a win towards the end of the race. While Zaqhwan was boosted up with a new lap record, he may not have anticipated the consequences of swinging into the act too soon. Azlan on the other hand gave a stunning performance with his slow move up, injecting pressure before calling it a day. In today’s race, Zaqhwan was quick to take turn 1 however Markus made it past him before the second sector. Haruki was playing it cool at P3. At turn 3 of lap 2, Haruki moved to P1 and Azlan sled into P2. Markus on the other hand was finding his pace at P3 while Zaqhwan trailed at P4. The battle was heated up between Haruki and Azlan with the latter flexing up his muscles once again after a long unfortunate season last year. By the end of lap 3, Azlan was in charge. Azlan seemed confident, gliding swiftly lap-by-lap while Haruki followed him diligently. By the end of lap 7, Andi was steady at P3 but inched closer to Haruki before overtaking him at turn 3. Into the 9th lap, Andi worked his magic and took lead at turn 3. With that, he picked up speed. Haruki who was at P3 moved ahead of Azlan. With two more laps to go, the battle heated up. Zaqhwan emerged into P3 with Haruki ahead of him and Andi leading. It was at the last turn where Andi presumably made a mistake. Haruki grabbed the opportunity to strike for a win at 20’57:031s while Zaqhwan swerved in for the second best. Azlan made it into P3. Commenting on the race, Haruki said, “It was not a bad start but everyone seemed to be picking up on speed. Although I was at the front, today seemed a little tougher for me. But the last turn gave me the opportunity and I am happy for the win. I thank everyone who has worked hard for me.” Md Zaqhwan Zaidi of HONDA ASIA-DREAM RACING WITH SHOWA clocked in at 20’57:227s. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of ONEXOX BMW TKKR TEAM logged in at 20’57:638s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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ONE FOR HOMELAND

2023, 2023 Round 1, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The SuperSports 600cc was fired up this afternoon with the rush to victory at Chang International Circuit. Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA RACING THAILAND emerged winner in Race 2 of Round 1, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). Time waits for no man and Super KIP knew that phrase all too well when he dove into motion as the race was flagged off yesterday. Nakarin however was not about to bow defeat on his home-ground and went on a chase before taking lead. Unfortunately, SS600 seeks perfection and one wrong move was another man’s advantage. Helmi on the other hand took a calmer approach and braved through confidently for the third spot. In today’s race, Nakarin beat Khairul to the punch at turn 1 but down to the second sector, Khairul was quick to overtake Nakarin before completing lap 1. At P3 and P4, Keito Abe and Soichiro were bracing the challenge but the latter was quicker. Three laps down, Nakarin was chasing Khairul furiously. By the 3rd turn of lap 5, Khairul managed to form a slight gap while Soichiro inched closer to Nakarin. By mid-race, Khairul was 0.446s apart but Nakarin was picking up speed. Meanwhile, Keito Abe was fighting to close up the gap with Soichiro. By the 10th lap, Nakarin made his way closer to Khairul with approximately, 0.239s gap. The Thai lad was determined to close the gap and make his up way into P1. One more lap to go and Nakarin is getting closer towards Khairul and at turn 4, he made it pass the Malaysian. Nakarin broke away from Khairul at 0.105s gap and succeeded victoriously at 20’02:187s. Commenting on the race, Nakarin said, “Last night I couldn’t sleep as I kept thinking about the race and how to do differently today. The game was pretty similar to yesterday but I tried my best to manage to tires till the last lap. Personally, KIP is very strong. But I tried overtake him at the last lap and close the gap at the last corner and I made it.” Khairul Idham Pawi of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM took second at 20’02:292s. At the third spot, it was Soichiro Ninamimoto of YAMAHA GEN BLU RACING TEAM ASEAN at 20’05:717s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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IT’S RHEZA ONCE AGAIN

2023, 2023 Round 1, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

The Asia Production 250cc race category concluded its final race for Round 1 of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) at Chang International Circuit with victory in the hands of Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM. Rheza was flawless yesterday as he bolted ahead from the start to completion. His in-depth experience was a class of its own as he went on lap-by-lap, increasing speed to create a gap that kept his contender at bay. His feisty teammate Veda Ega may have zero experience in the ARRC domain but was not to be doubted as he went on to spark pressure throughout the race. Herjun on the other hand, fought a good battle with Thai’s female, Muklada before taking her down. It was a great start for the riders of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM today with Herjun taking lead at the 1st turn before his teammates Veda Ega and Rheza made their way before him. It was unfortunate though for three other riders who crashed before the 1st turn. As the race went on, Jakkreephat and Rheza engaged in battle before the latter superseded. Meanwhile, Muklada was at P3 while Herjun pressured Irfan from P5 before overtaking. By the end of lap 4, lady rider took over P2. Meanwhile, ahead of them, Rheza was building up on speed and drawing up gap as Muklada and Jakkreephat aimed for P2. Irfan on the other hand was pumped up to take over P3. By the end of lap 7, positions switched and Herjun was leading behind Rheza who was on his way to victory. Turn 6 of lap 8, Irfan made a bold slide from the inside into P2 just before it was snatched by Muklada. The competition was tight between trio, Herjun, Irfan and Muklada who were aiming for the second -best spot. With one more lap to go, Rheza was impeccable, as he strode ahead with an almost 9-second gap. But the race was once again made exciting at the last turn in the battle for P2. In that chaos, Herjun took a fall. Jakkreephat and Muklada avoided the crash and sped towards second and third spot respectively. Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM marked his best at 18’38:595s. Commenting on the race, Rheza said, “It the beginning, it was a little tough for me to find my pace but once I was ahead of them, I was focused on finding the right rhythm. I managed to create the gap and went on to pick up speed. This is a good start to the season and I am very happy.” Jakkreephat Puettisan and Muklada Sarapuech of HONDA RACING THAILAND made their best at 18’47:427s and 18’47:463s respectively. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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DOUBLE VICTORY FOR ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM

2023, 2023 Round 1, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

The riders of the Underbone 150cc race category were in full form this afternoon with the mission to conclude the final race victoriously at Chang International Circuit. However, the win was not for all but only for one who was able to prove his worth. This time around, it was Md Hafiza Rofa of ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM. With more than twenty riders cramping up the racing line, it was tough to judge who will make the cut. Race 1 was nevertheless mind-blowing when Shafiq who was out of sight worked his way into the winning spot with tight margins. While Haziq and Wawan was seen more often throughout the laps among the top 5 riders, Shafiq was strategizing to strike. That worked when he barged ahead of Haziq with Wawan right behind. As soon as the race flagged off, the troop gathered in a tight line with Wawan Wello taking lead at turn 1 before Hafiza and Fazli Sham went ahead. By the end of lap 1, Izzat Zaidi came into action with Wahyu close behind. By the end of lap 3, Pilipino lad, Gian Carlo took charge but was quickly superseded by Malaysian, Haziq Fairues. Between slip-streaming and the ability to strike at the right time, the riders were in endless exchange of positions. The Underbone race category can be quite a trick but maintaining consistency among the frontliners is essential to avoid losing the momentum. With one more lap to go, the battle was heated up. At the eighth turn, Wawan was ahead with Hafiza following close behind. At the last turn, Izzat sled in between Hafiza and Wawan and made it second while Hafiza who overtook before the final turn made it first at 16’31:171s. Commenting on the race, Hafiza said, “It was a tough fight today. The riders were vigorous but I tried to push in the last two laps to catch up with the middle group before I went for the win. My team and crew members have prepared a fantastic machine and I thank them for it.” Md Izzat Zaidi of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC clocked in at 16’31:275s. Wawan Wello of PITSBIKE JRT TECH 2 ONEWAY RACING TEAM made third at 16’31:418s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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VORAPONG WOWED WITH DOUBLE WIN

2023, 2023 Round 1, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

It was a fantastic performance by the riders of the TVS Apache RR310 machine as they showcased the engine capacities alongside riding techniques that kept audience glued to their seats. Vorapong Malahuan of Thailand made his dash towards victory in Race 2 of Round 1, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) held at Chang International Circuit this afternoon. Although Piyawat was striking during the practice and qualifying session, Vorapong took the limelight in yesterday’s race when he emerged competitively to defend his championship title. This season definitely poses greater challenge for Vorapong but he is clearly not ready to be defeated. Taiyo Saito on the other hand made an impressive mark when he swerved out of the hurdles and into third place. During the race earlier, Piyawat went on a bolting speed ahead to take lead. Ramdan was second in line followed by Vorapong in P3. The Thai lad seemed confident as he charged ahead while the duo behind him tried to push through. Meanwhile, Malaysian rider, Muzakkir was chasing at P4 before Fugo Tanaka acted up. Before lap 4 ended, Ramdan found his moment to strike and took over the lead position briefly before passing it over to Fugo. It was not an easy feat as riders began striking at each other for the lead spot. With one more lap to go, it was Fugo at the front with Decky and Muzakkir on a wild chase. Vorapong was trying to inch closer from P4. At the last turn, the battle heated up. Skilled and highly experienced Vorapong managed to slide ahead into P2 and took speed next to Fugo before hitting it first at 14’56:268s. Commenting on the race, Vorapong said, “This race is different from yesterday’s. Yesterday, we were pushing faster and faster but today, it was not like that. All riders were trying to play safe, for the sake of restoring the tires till the end of the game. It was a hot day therefore it was crucial to strategize so that we can finish the race. Even during the warm up, I only did 2 laps because I did not want to wear it out. The tires are from Race 1 therefore, we had to safe it up for Race 2. To be honest, I did not know if I could fight for a win today but half way through the last lap, I noticed the Japanese rider taking lead. I thought of an idea for the last turn and it worked!” Fugo Tanaka of Japan clocked in at 14’56:269s. Decky Tiarno Aldy of Indonesia made his best time at 14’56:523s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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HARUKI, BACK STRONGER

2023, 2023 Round 1, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

Mastery and capacities were further amplified today in the Asia Superbike 1000cc race category at Round 1 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at Chang International Circuit. Haruki Noguchi of SDG MS HARC-POR.HONDA.PH flaunted his riding techniques as we swiftly ended the game with his first win for the season. Earlier this morning in the qualifying session, Md Zaqhwan Zaidi of HONDA ASIA-DREAM RACING WITH SHOWA made a spectacular mark when he made new record at 1’34:844s. His close contender Markus Reiterberger of ONEXOX BMW TKKR TEAM made his fastest at 1’35’008s while Japanese star, Haruki Noguchi of SDG MS HARC-PRO.HONDA.PH clocked in third fastest at 1’35:045s. According to Zaqhwan, “The qualifying tires does make a whole lot of difference due to the tire compound that varies from the race tires. In the beginning, I tested my rhythm for a few laps with the medium tires. It was later that we changed to the qualifying tires and I noticed the improved lap time. But I did not expect to meet the mark of 1’34s so I am very thrilled about it.” Zaqhwan went on a blistering speed as soon the race flagged off. He did not waste a moment at turn 1 when he took lead and fled ahead. Markus was determined to stay close behind. Meanwhile, Andi Farid was poised at P3 with Haruki waiting to strike at P4. At turn 7 of the third lap, Haruki made a bold move from the inside and into P3. With temperatures soaring , it was a heated scene on the circuit with the risk of tires burning out quickly. Into the sixth lap, Haruki once again made his move at sector 2 when he took Markus’ position. He then picked up speed as he went on to take Zaqhwan down. Into the 8th lap, Haruki succeeded. Into the 11th lap, Azlan who started from the back picked up speed behind Zaqhwan and made a bold switch ahead. In a twist of fate, the top 3 positions changed quickly with Azlan leading and Haruki fighting back for his spot. Meanwhile Zaqhwan could not keep up and by the last turn, it was either Haruki or Azlan before the former bolted ahead. Haruki bagged victory at 20’54:882s. Commenting on the race, Haruki said, “I am very happy for the win. During the test and practice, I did not do very well and struggled quite a bit. Moreover with the major injury on my back that I sustained last year. However, the team has been truly supportive and I owe it to them for this success.” Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of ONEXOX BMW TKKR TEAM took the second spot at 20’55:567s. At third, Md Zaqhwan Zaidi of HONDA ASIA-DREAM RACING WITH SHOWA clocked in at 20’55:698s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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SUPER KIP IS BACK

2023, 2023 Round 1, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The SuperSports 600cc race category captivated fans as riders went on an awe-inspiring ride this evening in Race 1 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) held at Chang International Circuit. Khairul Idham Pawi of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM appeared steady and strong aboard the Honda CBR600RR as he strode swiftly ahead to the finish line. During the qualifying session, Khairul Idham Pawi of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM once again topped the chart with the best lap time at 1’39:000s. Thai lad Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA RACING THAILAND recorded second fastest at 1’39:015s while Malaysian, Muhammad Helmi Azman of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM made third fastest at 1’39:061s. The riders were off to a flying start as the race flagged off. Nakarin immediately made a swift move on the inside and took lead at turn 1 however, Khairul was quick to recover his position. At P3, Soichiro stayed calm which Helmi trailed him closely. With the riders aligned quite comfortably in their positions, it was a matter of closing the gaps between Khairul and Nakarin however the former was steadily leading the race. At P4 on the other hand, Helmi upped his pace and switched places with Soichiro at the end of lap 4. At the end of lap 6, the trio in front was keeping it consistent. Behind them, Ratthapong inched his way into P4 while Soichiro slowly began losing his momentum. Gerry Salim was moving upwards with Keito Abe close by. Super KIP was on his best in a long time and was fired up by the chase. He kept his contender at bay and steered away from even a minor slip. With 3 more laps to go, Helmi was playing catch up with Nakarin but the latter pushed himself further towards Khairul. During the last lap, Nakarin placed intense pressure on Khairul, trying his best to overtake and he did it at turn 5. The heated battle continued as Khairul strategized to make his comeback. At the last turn, Khairul worked his magic and grabbed the opportunity from the inside before bolting ahead towards victory at 20’03:796s. Commenting on the race, Khairul said, “My team worked really hard for this weekend. In the beginning of the race, I tried to pull away with about 0.5s gap however by the sixth and seventh lap, I did not have much grip on the tires so I calmed down a little and tried to manage the rider behind me. However, Cip managed to overtake me and I followed him closely. Unfortunately, he braked a little too late and that was my shot to victory.” Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA RACING THAILAND succumbed to the second spot on the podium at 20’04:082s. Muhammad Helmi Azman of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM clocked in third at 20’04:186s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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1-2-3 FOR ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM

2023, 2023 Round 1, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

The Asia Production 250cc race category was made exciting with riders striding aggressively to take lead in Race 1 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at Chang International Circuit. However, Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM had the upper hand when he graced the finish line first, bagging his first victory for the season. Earlier this morning, Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM made an impressive mark when he topped the qualifying session at 1’50:860s. His teammates Rheza Danica Ahrens and Veda Ega Pra Tama made their best lap time at 1’50:897s and 1’51:162s making them the top three riders in the session. With the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM trio taking the front row on the grid, the advantage was amplified for Rheza Danica who made a quick move to take lead at the first turn. With that impressive act, Rheza took control of the circuit, slowly increasing speed lap-by-lap. By the end of lap 3, teammate Veda Ega positioned himself steadily at P2 with Muklada trailing close behind. Herjun who was then at P4 overtook Muklada at sector 2 and by end of lap 4, the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM trio aligned themselves on the top 3 positions. Rheza was then fleeing comfortably ahead at P1 with Veda Ega fighting to close to gap. At P3, it was an exchange between Muklada and Herjun, mid-race. Muklada lost her chances at top 5 as Jakkreephat went ahead but she was determined to make the cut. The feisty battle for the third position went on between Herjun, Muklada and Jakkreephat. With one last lap to go, Rheza was confirmed for a win with Veda Ega at the second spot. It was at the last turn that the excitement mounted with Herjun and Muklada making one last push towards the chequered flag. As Rheza clocked in his masterclass performance at 18’37:710s, Veda Ega made his best at 18’38:639s. At third place, Herjun clocked in just in time to bag to third spot at 18’45:659s. Commenting on the race, Rheza said, “It was a quite tough race today especially with the heat steaming up the track. In the beginning, I kept my consistency intact by being completely focused. I presume that Race 2 will be equally hard but I will do my best tomorrow.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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SHAFIQ SCORED HIS FIRST WIN

2023, 2023 Round 1, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

It was a neck-to-neck battle of Asia’s best in the Underbone 150cc race category during Race 1 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at Chang International Circuit. Md Shafiq Rasol of ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM made his first cut for the season when he bragged victory. Earlier this morning, Md Hafiza Rofa of ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM made the fastest lap time at 2’02:176s in the Superpole session. Wawan Wello of PITSBIKE JRT TECH 2 ONEWAY RACING TEAM hit it at 2’02:508s while Md Izzat Zaidi of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC recorded his fastest lap time at 2’03:828s. While the pole position may not pose a significant advantage in the Underbone race category, it however sets a tone to the race. The race flagged off with the troop making a bolt to find the best position. Wawan Wello however was quick to find his pace as he took lead after turn one. However, mid lap 2, Ahmad Fazli Sham managed to pressure his way into P1. Hafiza who was then out of sight in the top 5 group picked up pace and emerged at P1. The competition was stiff as riders looped in and out of the top 3 position. Mid-race, Izam Ikmal took lead before Wawan Wello took his shot ahead. However, Izam managed to up his pace back into P1. With one more lap to go, Wawan Wello took lead but was struck by Nazirul Izzat and Murobbil Vittoni. By turn 5, Haziq Fairues took lead with a gap that kept his away from the troop trailing him. He held on fiercely but was superseded by Shafiq Rasol from the inside before the duo engaged in one final battle for the win. Md Shafiq Rasol of ONEXOX TKKR RACING TEAM clocked in at 16’31:851s. Commenting on the race, Shafiq said, “First of all, thank you to my team for the opportunity to race in this category. During the first few laps, I took my time among the back group. I did not push myself too much. It was not until the last few laps that I worked on my moves to take lead. That worked for me!” Md Haziq Md Fairues of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM came close behind at 16’31:863s. Third place on the podium went to Wawan Wello of PITSBIKE JRT TECH 2 ONEWAY RACING TEAM logged in at 16’31:909s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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VORAPONG BACK IN ACTION

2023, 2023 Round 1, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

TVS Asia One Make Championship was made even more competitive this season with the likes of extraordinary riders marking the entry list. This time around, Vorapong Malahuan of Thailand found his way to the top of the podium in Race 1 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that was held at Chang International Circuit. During the qualifying session in the morning, Piyawat Patoomyos of Thailand clocked in at 1’49:742s followed by Md Muzakkir Mohamed of Malaysia at 1’50:388s. Vorapong Malahuan, defending champion made his best at 1’50:935s. The riders were off to a fantastic start as soon as the race was flagged off. Vorapong immediately found the opportunity to strike and took the lead at turn one but was superseded by Ramdan who seemed confident striding aboard the TVS Apache RR310. Vorapong however struck back. In the second lap, Kerwin managed to loop himself ahead of the troop at the second sector and by the end of lap 2, Ramdan once again bolted ahead. By mid-race, Vorapong was back at the lead position. Nevertheless, he was strained by Malaysian duo Ramdan and Muzakkir and by the end of lap 5, Thai rider Piyawat emerged at P1. The pressure mounted with each lap and with two more laps to go, Ramdan faced issues with his machine consequently slowing him down. At the last lap, it was nip and tuck between Vorapong and Piyawat nevertheless, the Season 2022 champion was fiery in defending his title. As the last turn, he increased speed and bolted ahead clocking in at 14’55:442s. Commenting on the race, Vorapong said, “This place is really hot. At the starting grid too, it was super- hot! Yesterday was not so good for me as I couldn’t achieve a good lap time. But during the qualifying, I was more confident with my machine because I could obtain a better lap time. I am really happy to bag the first win for the season.” Taking the second spot on the podium was Piyawat Patoomyos of Thailand with his best time at 14’55:582s. Taiyo Saito of Japan took the third place on the podium, logging in at 14’59:756s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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