Asia Superbike 1000

The Asia Superbike 1000cc of the idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship left fans in awe when Haruki Noguchi of SDG MS Harc-Pro.Honda.Ph braced the unforeseen challenges of the season with mastery, defeating the rising rebellion of his contenders and coming out stronger than ever. Round 1 was just tipping point to what the season holds and is about to get scorched. Moves to win is all that is in the cards for Haruki and since his debut in Season 2022, the Japanese- born lad has been fiercely marking his territories with mind-blowing performances on the circuit. Towards the end of last season, Haruki was on his way to claiming victory but his endeavours were brought to a halt when he succumbed to injuries following an accident. While the downside was taking a step back from the scenes of ARRC, the upside was returning with a greater willpower to succeed. “My passion overrides circumstances and I am truly grateful to be back in the scenes of ARRC to pursue my ambition of succeeding at the top. My fans and supporters are my biggest motivational factor and I am further driven to make sure that my performances are constantly above par. Make no mistakes is something that I adhere to.” In the season kick-off, Haruki initially displayed a low profile however came out with a striking manoeuvring gesture in both races that earned him a double-win. It was undoubtedly a heated battle of fiery machines, coupled with the scorch of the heat wave. Nevertheless, Haruki was drilled to succeed and worked his machine to his advantage. Commenting on the race, “During the practice and qualifying sessions, I could not make a good lap time. I had problem adapting to new tires. But the team and I are of the opinion that we should always use new tires during high temperature like the one we faced at Buriram. This is different from the other riders.” The Asia Superbike 1000cc of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship left fans in awe when Haruki Noguchi of SDG MS Harc-Pro.Honda.Ph braced the unforeseen challenges of the season with mastery, defeating the rising rebellion of his contenders and coming out stronger than ever. Round 1 was just tipping point to what the season holds and is about to get scorched. Moves to win is all that is in the cards for Haruki and since his debut in Season 2022, the Japanese- born lad has been fiercely marking his territories with mind-blowing performances on the circuit. Towards the end of last season, Haruki was on his way to claiming victory but his endeavours were brought to a halt when he succumbed to injuries following an accident. While the downside was taking a step back from the scenes of ARRC, the upside was returning with a greater willpower to succeed. “My passion overrides circumstances and I am truly grateful to be back in the scenes of ARRC to pursue my ambition of succeeding at the top. My fans and supporters are my biggest motivational factor and I am further driven to make sure that my performances are constantly above par. Make no mistakes is something that I adhere to.” In the season kick-off, Haruki initially displayed a low profile however came out with a striking manoeuvring gesture in both races that earned him a double-win. It was undoubtedly a heated battle of fiery machines, coupled with the scorch of the heat wave. Nevertheless, Haruki was drilled to succeed and worked his machine to his advantage. Commenting on the race, “During the practice and qualifying sessions, I could not make a good lap time. I had problem adapting to new tires. But the team and I are of the opinion that we should always use new tires during high temperature like the one we faced at Buriram. This is different from the other riders.” “Personally, I struggled on the long-straight. Definitely, the BMW came back with a much-developed speed and was quite fast. Smooth too. With riders like Zaqhwan who also tested in Buriram and found good setting of the machine, there were definitely some disadvantages on our side. Nevertheless, our strong point was on the technical bit and that definitely superseded the minor setbacks.” Moving forward to Round 2 that will be held at Sepang International Circuit, Haruki is prepping to re- create history. Last season, Haruki made it second on the podium in Race 1 and took the win in Race 2. The robust rider does not seem like he would settle for anything less and is confident to stride alongside homegrown rivals. “The Sepang circuit is quite technical. This would definitely be an interesting race to cross-check the level of mastery. Chances are, the race may not see the formation of a big group but it would definitely be an interesting fight at the last lap when someone makes it into the group.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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

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

The roar of the ASB1000 grew louder today in the first practice session with riders pushing beyond  limits, testing their engine capacities with the hope that tomorrow would score them their first goal for the season. In that bid Md Zaqhwan Zaidi of HONDA ASIA-DREAM RACING WITH SHOWA emerged  fastest with the combined result at 1’35:486s, held at the Chang International Circuit.  Earlier this morning, Md Zaqhwan Zaidi of made the fastest in Practice 1 when he clocked in his fastest  followed by Markus Reiterberger of ONEXOX BMW TKKR TEAM at 1’35:755s. At third fastest, it was  Andi Farid Izdihar of HONDA ASIA-DREAM RACING WITH SHOWA at 1’35:805s. During Practice 2 in the  noon, Markus and Zaqhwan exchanged positions with the former clocking fastest at 1’36:069s while  the latter at 1’36:132s. Andi remained at third fastest, marking his best at 1’36:336s.  Markus hit it back again in Practice 3 at 1’35:623s while Zaqhwan and Andi followed suit in second and  third fastest spots. However, with the combined result, Zaqhwan was recognised fastest while Markus  and Andi concluded at second and third.  Commenting on the session, Zaqhwan said, “It definitely felt very good. I was happy, excited and  challenged. This year is foreseeably a tough one ahead with the likes of Markus, Andi, Noguchi and  other international riders making up the entry list. If you noticed, the earlier session was pretty tough with the difference of less than a second. I have to be forward thinking in my approach during the race  especially in managing the pace, even more so with such hot weather. The machine is indeed at its  best and I am feeling really good manoeuvring it. Using the No. 1 on the machine definitely amplifies  the pressure but I like the pressure. It pushes me further to do well especially my defence of the  championship title.” “The weather will be somewhat similar tomorrow, I presume. I can already imagine the strain during  the race especially among the top 5. I have to work on some strategies – perhaps, work on widening  the gap or even trail someone close. But the more challenging bit would be preserving the tire till the  end of the race. It is not going to be easy and I expect the tires to wear out by the 5th lap. Well, anyhow,  I will keep my fingers crossed.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

High in performance with higher engine capacity is not the only stimulating factor in the Asia Superbike 1000cc race category. What makes it even more invigorating is the mastery of riding techniques that complements the machine in achieving a sole purpose – victory. Md Zaqhwan Zaidi of Honda Asia- Dream Racing with SHOWA was exemplary in his showmanship last season when he reigned champion in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). Zaqhwan is geared up this season for a foreseeable strenuous act of title defence alongside contenders of the past season Haruki Noguchi and Kasma Daniel Kasmayuddin. The ASB1000 race category is steaming up with notable names marking the entry list. Will Zaqhwan be able to withstand the mounting pressure? Teaming up with Andi Farid Izdihar, Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA might just be in for a delightful experience. Zaqhwan commented, “No doubt, I have mixed feelings between being nervous and excited. I have to admit that last season was a struggle for me. I was frustrated with my performances and with the machine. We have had a number of tests last season and have gained good feedback on the machine. So, I feel better and am more confident now. My goal is certainly to defend my title but it is not going to be an easy task especially with new riders this season aboard the BMW and Yamaha machines. Of course, teaming up with Andi would be a great experience. Andi is an exceptional rider and it would definitely be an added bonus for our team.” One man army of SDG MS Harc-Pro.Honda.Ph, Haruki’s goals may have been shot down last season due to unfortunate circumstances however there is no backing away for this Japanese lad. Haruki is fired up to regain his assets this season. Recalling the act in his debut season, Haruki was relentless in marking his territories with great dexterity and speed. What’s in store for Haruki this season? Haruki said, “I missed out a big opportunity of becoming the champion last season. I know that this season would be a tough call but again, this is my second season in the ARRC and I am glad to have grasped as much knowledge and experience as I could last year. I have high expectations therefore I would not settle for less. The goal is to get over the injury and be a champion. I always believe in fighting with all my might and not giving up till victory is in hand.” All the way a Yamaha boy and representing YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN, Kasma has been fearless in his debut season as he braced the demands of the highly competitive stride among the best of Asians. It may not have been his year to celebrate but Kasma is poised for greater accomplishments and will return to dazzle the scene of ASB1000 race category. Commenting on the race, Kasma said, “I enjoy riding the Yamaha machine – it is powerful and well- equipped with braking system, the much-needed strength when overtaking an opponent at the corners. I do hope though that this machine has been upgraded in terms of its top speed for this season. Frankly, I would not consider last season a very competitive feat but this season definitely foresees greater challenges especially with the season’s entry list. So, maybe this year would be a little tough for me. One of the things that I value most in my experience of riding is being calm and working with the rhythm. That allows to push further within my limits while having a smooth rider. Above all, ASB1000 riders can’t afford to make too many mistakes. I will give my best shot despite the challenges ahead and hopefully strike while the iron is hot.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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!”

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.

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.

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.”