Asia Superbike 1000

Haruki Noguchi of SDG Motor Sports HARC-PRO Ph. made Japan proud today when he bagged victory in Race 1, Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in the Asia Superbike 1000cc category held at Sugo International Racing Course. The 20-lap race came to a halt when a casualty occurred after three laps. The race was rescheduled to 10 laps with Haruki at the pole position after he made fastest in the Super Pole session. Haruki who has stamped a trademark move in the ASB1000 category once again boasted his skills when he fled ahead of the troop at the lead position. As Zaqhwan trailed right behind him, Haruki began picking up speed and eventually made it an almost impossible task for his contender to strike. The race showcased Haruki’s confidence and fiery act as he guarded his position relentlessly till the end of the race. Haruki clocked in at 15’00:898s. Commenting on the race, Haruki said, “The prior practice and experience I had from the All Japan Championship gave me an insight into the condition and layout of the circuit, which I would say is a plus for me. Off course, apart from racing in my homeland which is yet another form of boost to my overall prowess. I would say that while my machine is in an extremely good condition, I still myselfstruggling at certain turns.” “The weather today has been good during the race. Some riders are extremely skilled on wet ground and as much as I have never experienced riding in rain, I would do my best if needs arise. This circuit can be very slippery during rain hence we can only hope that it would be a better day tomorrow.” At the second place, Md Zaqhwan Zaidi of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA logged in at 15’04:789s. Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of YAMAHA Racing Team ASEAN takes the third place at 15’04:884s. Top 5 Winners – Race 1 Haruki Noguchi, SDG Motor Sports HARC-PRO Ph., 15’00:898s Md Zaqhwan Zaidi, Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA, 15’04:789s Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin, YAMAHA Racing Team ASEAN, 15’04:884s Anupab Sarmoon, YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team, 15’05:105s Keisuke Maeda, Team GYTR, 15’05:627s Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Haruki Noguchi of SDG Motor Sports HARC-PRO Ph. wraps up the practice session when he clocked in fastest in the Asia Superbike 1000cc category in Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which was held at the Sugo International Racing Course. Haruki, poised on his machine has never failed to impress. Today, he marked 1’29:171s, making it his fastest time for the day. Haruki currently holds onto the second spot overall with a total of 74 points. He took the winning position in Race 2 of Round 2 at the Sepang International Circuit and has been determined since to make it big in his homeland. Commenting on the session, Haruki said, “It feels good to have finished fastest. We faced some mechanical issues with the machine earlier however we were able to rectify the issue with the data that we have obtained in one of the Japanese Championship that was held in Sugo so we managed to get a better time.” “For tomorrow’s race, I hope that we will have good weather. The circuit condition too plays an important role. At the moment, it is quite slippery probably because of the drift that took place here a week or two ago. We will try our best though.” Coming in at the second fastest spot for the day was Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team with his best time at 1’29:321s. Overall, he sits at the third place with a total of 65 points. Taking the third fastest spot, Rei Toshima of DOG FIGHT RACING clocked in at 1’29:390 in the third practice session, making it his fastest time for the day. Top 5 Fastest – Combined Result Haruki Noguchi, SDG Motor Sports HARC-PRO Ph., 1’29:171s Apiwath Wongthananon, YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team, 1’29:321s Rei Toshima, DOG FIGHT RACING, 1’29:390s Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin, YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN, 1’29:509s Yuki Ito, YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN, 1’29:541s Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The Asia Superbike 1000cc category never ceases to amaze fans and spectators and is the cream of the crop in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. With Haruki Noguchi of SDG Motor Sports HARC-PRO Ph. charging in with great prowess and speed alongside some of the best names in the scene, the race is bound to get even more exciting in rounds to come. The Japanese rider finally got his shot at the top spot on the podium in Race 2, Round 2 when he clocked in at 25:44.793. His performances throughout the races have been far from ordinary with a certain riding style in place. One would recognise Haruki’s move as the race flags off with him bolting ahead of the others. Haruki definitely showcased an improvement in Round 2. Although he is undoubtedly one of a kind in his game, Round 1 was rather unsatisfactory for his standards when his close contenders knocked him down the chart. He buckled up and in Round 2, he moved himself upward on the podium, taking the second spot in Race 1 and concluding the finale at the top spot. Commenting on his strategies, Haruki said, “For Round 1 and Round 2, there were no specific strategies except that I kept pushing myself to do better. That worked!” For the upcoming race, Haruki said, “It is extremely exciting to race in my own country. I personally feel that I would do better with minimal stress compared to when I race abroad. Additionally, we have done one race in All Japan Championship at the circuit hence we have some data in hand that would help the team to identify the right settings for the machine. I am also better prepared as I am aware of the circuit’s layout. I will do my best as usual.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

It was a victorious moment for the Japanese when Haruki Noguchi of SDG Motor Sports HARC-PRO Ph when he nailed the top spot of the podium for the Asia Superbike 1000cc of Race 2, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. It’s been a long time coming for Haruki who has showcased incredible speed in the last two rounds. While he was defeated in the last three races, towards the end almost all the time, today, he was unbeatable when he took speed in the first lap and soared till the end. What started as a competitive feat among the best of Asia sizzled down when Haruki left the pack and took the last few laps gracefully, knowing that he has played the game well. By then, it was all about consistency. Clocking in at 25:44:793s, Haruki rode to a grand finish, 4.133s ahead of the next in line. Commenting on the race, “It was a highly competitive race, both Race 1 and Race 2 but today was a much better feat.” “I am truly thankful to my crew members and sponsors who have been supportive of my journey.” Meanwhile, Md Zaqhwan Zaidi of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA who appeared as Haruki’s biggest contender kept up to his pace. He was seen taking his stance as Adam tried to get in the way nevertheless, Zaqhwan beat him to the clock at 25:48:926s. Adam Noroddin of ONEXOX BMW TKKR TEAM clocked in right behind, taking the third spot at 25:49:248s. Race 2 Provisional Result:Asia Superbike 1000cc – Top 5 Riders: Haruki Noguchi, SDG Motor Sports HARC-PRO Ph., 25:44:793s Md Zaqhwan Zaidi, Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA, 25:48:926s Adam Noroddin, ONEXOX BMW TKKR TEAM, 25:49:248s Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin, YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN, 25:49:342s Apiwath Wongthananon, YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team, 25:49:585s Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The nail-biting race came to a close for the day when Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN took the circuit by a storm and earned himself the title of the fastest man in Race 1 of the Asia Superbike 1000cc category. Kasma was off to a good start at the pole position. While he lost his pace in the first lap, Kasma demonstrated persistence and one-of-a-kind skills that kept spectators wanting for more. Between lap 1 to 7, taking the lead was Haruki Noguchi who was fiery on the circuit, closely tailed by Malaysian rider, Zaqhwan Zaidi. While Kasma was seen looking out for an opportunity to slip in between his two contenders ahead of him, it was only at the seventh lap that he found the perfect moment. Between lap 7 and 8, Kasma geared up and accelerated ahead of Haruki consequently taking the lead. From then on, it was all about perfecting the speed and keeping up to the momentum. Kasma made an impressive finish when he clocked in at 25:44:610s Commenting on the race, “First and foremost, I owe it to my team for the fantastic machine. The handling and performance of the machine was spectacular.” “It was a heated battle especially with Haruki and Zaqhwan. In the beginning, it was tough finding the opportunity to slide in between but somehow, I found an opening mid race and I grabbed the opportunity. The blessing today was truly an unexpected one.” Haruki of SDG Motor Sports HARC-PRO Ph who made his final push to defeat the third rider in line logged in at 25:47:125s. Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team finished behind Haruki at 25:47:391s. Race 1 Provisional ResultAsia Superbike 1000cc -Top 5 Riders: Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin, YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN, 25:44:610s Haruki Noguchi, SDG Motor Sports HARC-PRO Ph., 25:47:125s Apiwath Wongthananon, YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team, 25:47:391s Md Zaqhwan Zaidi, HONDA Asia-dream Racing with SHOWA, 25:48:010s Anupab Sarmoon, YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team, 25:48:264s Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN took a leap in the final practice of Round 2 and emerged fastest for the Asia Superbike 1000cc category. The Malaysian rider aboard the Yamaha YZF-R1M seem to have found his pace this time around when he clocked in at 2:07:737s, seconds ahead of Md Zaqhwan Zaidi who was taking the lead in the first two practices. Kasma said, “Luck was not particularly on my side for the race at Buriram as I faced multiple mechanical issues with the machine. Even today, practice 1 and 2 posed challenges however my team did a good job to ensure the issues were rectified. That definitely contributed to a better lap time.” Commenting on the tyres, “I perform better using the hard compound tires for the rear and medium compound for the front. With the soft compound, I am unable to get good lap times.” Zaqhwan of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA took the second fastest spot, logging in at 2:07:759s. Behind the duo, Japanese rider Yuki Ito took the third fastest spot when he marked at 2:07:848s. Round 2 Practice Session – Top 5 Riders of ASB1000 Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin, YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN, 2:07:737s Md Zaqhwan Zaidi, Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA, 2:07:759s Yuki Ito, YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN, 2:07:848s Apiwath Wongthananon, YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team, 2:08:117s Adam Noroddin, ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team, 2:08:466s Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA rider, Gerry Salim is thrilled to ride at the Sepang International Circuit for Round 2 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. The dexterous ASB1000 rider has gathered experience from numerous international platforms however riding at the ARRC proved to be an entirely different ballgame for Gerry. It was not his best moment at Round 1 as he struggled with his pace. Gerry scored the 8th and 9th spot for Race 1 and 2 respectively. Commenting on the race in Round 1, Gerry said, “It was not a satisfactory race for me as I encountered issues with the setup of the Honda CBR1000RR R, one of which would have been manageable with more lap time.” “My challenge for Round 2 would be closing the gaps between the riders leading the pack. I intend to pick up some pointers from my teammate Zaqhwan who is more familiar and experienced with the circuit. I look forward to improving my performance at Round 2.” As for the team manager, Mr Makoto Tamada said, “The team is working on the settings of the bike to ensure that safety is of utmost priority while speed is up to the mark.” “Our strategies are designed to heighten the performances of our riders and to achieve the best outcome. We will devise our strategies further once we have received the relevant data.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team stays positive for Round 2 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in Sepang this weekend. Undoubtedly, the season opener foresaw a challenging feat with world class riders pacing to beat the clock. Azlan however was seen consumed by the tensity that the game brought along after a two-year long hiatus as he toiled to set his pace. Azlan succumbed to Race 1 after three laps but made a quick recovery in Race 2, landing himself at the tenth spot despite the mechanical issues that he faced. According to Azlan, “We struggled quite a bit in Round 1 due to the machine’s electronic systems. We certainly did not have a solid base to begin with for our race setup hence the failure to achieve a strong finish.” Azlan has been on the crest of a wave and not being able to immerse himself completely in Round 1 would be the push that he needs to perform better in Round 2. Azlan is no stranger to the Sepang Circuit. In 2019, he bagged the top spot at the podium for races at the circuit and anticipates a better outcome. “For Round 2, we are more confident with the machine as we have gained pertinent data from the race in MSBK in year 2021. The data would go a long way in our progress for Round 2 and I am most certainly eyeing a spot at the podium in Sepang. I think we will nail it!” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The season opener of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship came to a victorious end for the Thais when Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team emerged fastest in the ASB1000 category. The mind-blowing session witnessed the performance of highly competitive riders who ramped up their efforts in the last race of the season to grab the winning title. Apiwath who took the second row on the grid picked up speed in the first three laps while competing with Haruki and Zaqhwan before taking the lead in lap four. The race saw a robust stride between the trio as they took turns to be at the top three position. In lap seven, Apiwath fell behind landing him in fifth position but quickly regained his pace to catch up with his top contenders. While Zaqhwan took the lead and Haruki followed close behind, Anupab glided into the top three position and Apiwat continued to strengthen his pace. By the twelfth lap, Apiwath managed to circle in to the top three position. The final lap saw a hard fight between the three big names and at the final turn, it was a neck-to-neck between Apiwath and Zaqhwan.  Towards the last seconds of the race, the vigorous Yamaha YZF-R1M rider beat Zaqhwan to the draw, clocking in at 21:02:530s. “I made a slip in the mid of the laps however I was quick to pick it up and re-strategise. I am very pleased to have won the race because this was an extremely tough race.” Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Showa fell to the second spot at the podium, logging in at 21:02:704s. Anupab Sarmoon who was trailing close behind the trio finished third at 21:04:032 presenting a double win for the YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team. Top 5 Riders of ASB1000, Race 2: Apiwath Wongthananon (THA), YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team, 21:02:530s Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi (MAS), Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA, 21:02:704s Anupab Sarmoon (THA), YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team, 21:04:032s Haruki Noguchi (JPN), SDG Motor Sports HARC-PRO Ph, 21:03: 891s Passawit Thitivararak (THA), Astemo SI Racing with Thai Honda, 21:07:417s Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

It was a well-planned move by Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA when his blistering pace earned him the winner title for the ASB1000 category in the season opener at Chang International Circuit. The much-anticipated race kept everyone at the edge of their seats as Zaqhwan who rode on the Honda CBR1000 RR R showcased his flawless tactics, riding swiftly along the first seven laps before making a calculated move to the top two position.  Towards the end of the race, the heat was on between Zaqhwan and Haruki Noguchi, the poleman who maintained his position at top speed through 11 laps. It was a switch of back and forth between the two before Zaqhwan pulled off his manoeuvring skills at the last turn before speeding off to the winning mark at 21:04:947s. “It was a challenging ride today especially with the high temperature on the circuit. I took a step-by-step approach in taking control of my machine and managing my pace.” “It is an exciting moment to have made a mark at the podium today and I hope that tomorrow’s race would be a better one.” Haruki of SDG Motor Sports HARC-PRO Ph who lost his balance at the last turn made way for Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team who logged in at 21:05:471s Haruki made it to the podium at 21:05.480s. Top Riders of Asia Superbike 1000cc: Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi (MAS), Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA, 21:04.947s Anupab Sarmoon (THA), YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team, 21:05.471s Haruki Noguchi (JPN), SDG Motor Sports HARC-PRO Ph, 21:05.480s Apiwath Wongthananon (THA), YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team, 21:07.258s Passawit Thitivararak (THA), Astemo SI Racing with Thai Honda, 21:07:520s Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com