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LACHLAN’S GLIMPSE OF WHAT’S COMING

2026, Latest News /

  Fresh off the off-season and already back in rhythm, Lachlan Epis wasted no time reminding the paddock that his focus for 2026 is firmly locked in. The Australian rider returned to the track during the recent Dunlop Private Tyre Test, offering an early glimpse into a season that promises both evolution and ambition, while season 2026 itself has yet to officially begin. “It’s always good to get back on the BMW and go riding no matter where you go, and getting to do it at the Dunlop tyre test was an added treat,” Lachlan shared. “We ran an older 2024 bike with updated aerodynamics and electronics and just chipped away at our programme. It was especially nice to put down some competitive times on day two.” Beyond lap times, the test marked the first step toward a refreshed chapter. “We will look different this new season, with new colours and a new title sponsor in Swift Grow. With their support, we’re expanding the team staff and focusing on a one-rider operation for 2026. These changes are important for us to achieve our goals.” Stability, however, remains central to Lachlan’s approach. “Stability is really important to me, so having the same familiar faces around me, with the addition of extra brain power and a track spotter, puts us in a good position. Staying with BMW also helps, especially if we can solve the top-speed issues we struggled with in 2025.” Mentally, the hunger is sharper than ever. “My mindset is similar to last year, but my preparation is different. I’ve made changes after missing the mark in 2025.” That includes relocating to Andorra, partnering with ND Network for performance development, and refining physical support systems to combat fatigue. On-track gains are already showing. “We’ve worked hard to improve engine braking in the final phase of braking, and we made a step during the Dunlop test.” As for what comes next? Lachlan keeps fans guessing. “You’ll have to follow me on social media and be a little patient while we get everything just right and looking smick.”

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DUNLOP’S NEXT STEP FOR ARRC

2026, Latest News /

As the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship continues to push the limits of speed and performance, tyre development remains a critical pillar behind every lap time and race-winning move. Reinforcing its long-term commitment as the championship’s official partner, Dunlop conducted a focused two-day private test at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, dedicated to advancing its next-generation racing tyres for ARRC. The test marked an important milestone in Dunlop’s ongoing evolution programme, with multiple tyre specifications evaluated under controlled yet demanding conditions. Each run was designed to extract precise performance data—covering grip characteristics, durability, and consistency, ensuring that every development step is backed by measurable results. According to Dunlop Tyres Event Manager, Kentaro Kobayashi, the direction is clear and deliberate. “Currently, we are working on next-generation tyre development for ARRC. We are trying different specifications to understand its performance. From thereon, we will utilise the data to develop the best suited model for ARRC,” he explained. “Overall, the outcomes have been promising. Our standard tyres are already at a high-performing condition. Now, the focus would be to customise according to riders’ needs. That would be our next homework, to integrate data from both the testing and feedback of our riders.” With data-driven refinement and rider-centric development at the core, Dunlop’s latest efforts signal not just an upgrade in technology, but a sharper, more tailored racing experience for the ARRC grid in the seasons ahead.

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OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR, Season 2026

2026, Latest News /

The FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) is pleased to announce the Championship Calendar for Season 2026. The season will commence in April 2026 and will feature six rounds across Asia, continuing the tradition of bringing world-class motorcycle racing to diverse circuits and communities across the region. Commenting on the upcoming season, Ron Hogg, Promotions Director of Two Wheels Motor Racing said, “ARRC has always aspired to expand its footprint and strengthen its visibility among Asian communities. Season 2025 reaffirmed that our collective efforts through partnerships, rider development and fan engagement bore indefinite fruits of success. We are proud of the progress made and are grateful to our partners, sponsors, teams and riders for their unwavering support. Congratulations to all who have excelled and thank you for being part of this journey.” “Every season is a learning curve and Season 2025 was no exception. With the traction gained, we are optimistic about the outlook for 2026. Season 2026 will witness a strategic recalibration of regulations, designed to ensure a level playing field for all riders while simultaneously advancing the standards and benchmarks of excellence across the championship. These adjustments reflect our commitment to fairness, competitiveness and continuous improvement, ensuring that ARRC remains aligned with global best practices while fostering growth and innovation within the Asian motorsport community.” FIM Asia President, Stephan Carapiet said, “Season 2025 was not without its challenges, yet it became another defining chapter in the journey of the ARRC. What could have been obstacles were transformed into milestones through the strength of our collective spirit. Organising a championship of this scale is never simple but the unwavering contribution, cooperation and commitment of the ARRC community has always made the task lighter and the outcome greater. For that, we extend our deepest gratitude. Thank you and well done to our partners, sponsors, teams, riders and crew members who have stood steadfast in support of the ARRC vision!” “Moving forward, we hope for a much smoother road ahead. What we have learnt this season will inevitably be a guide to everyone for the coming season. Six rounds have been scheduled for the coming year and while we return to the familiar circuits, we nevertheless will be back with different motivation, different level of competence and different goals. As for ARRC, the hope is to go on discovering new hidden talents while motivating existing teams and riders to continue expanding their wings for a much greater passion-driven success. With that, we are pleased to announce the Championship Calendar for Season 2026!”

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WHO TAKES THE ASTRA SEAT?

2026, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

  Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has officially revealed its rider line-up for the 2026 season in the ASB1000 category, offering an early glimpse into how Honda plans to approach the new season. Confirmed under the HRC umbrella are Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA RACING THAILAND, Keito Abe of SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES, and Malaysian duo Md Zaqhwan Zaidi and Azroy Hakeem Anuar from IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA. All four riders are familiar names in ASB1000, bringing experience, and proven speed into the new season. However, one major question remains unanswered. The rider seat at ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM is still vacant. Following Andi Farid Izdihar’s emotional farewell after 12 years with the team, the paddock has been buzzing with speculation over who will take over one of the most closely watched seats in the championship. While fans eagerly await the official announcement, the confirmed HRC ASB1000 riders shared their thoughts on the mystery surrounding the new ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM ASB1000 rider. Keito Abe did not hide his curiosity, offering a mix of honesty and humour. “I have a feeling it could be Adenanta. He’s a very fast rider. But after last season, when he narrowly missed the SS600 title, I honestly don’t know what his next move will be. Maybe he wants to secure a championship first,” Keito said with a laugh. “If he really steps into ASB1000, then winning the championship will become even harder for me.” For Md Zaqhwan Zaidi, the anticipation itself adds excitement to the season ahead. “I really don’t know who the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM rider will be, but I can’t wait to find out,” he shared. “As soon as I know, I want to go up to him, say hello, and welcome him to the grid. I’m excited to fight together in ASB1000.” Azroy Hakeem Anuar kept his response playful yet respectful. “I think I might know who it is, but let’s wait for the official line-up,” he said. “Whoever it is, welcome to ASB1000. I’m looking forward to battling with you on track.” Nakarin Atiratphuvapat echoed the same sense of anticipation. “It’s always interesting when a new rider joins the ASB1000 grid,” he said. “I don’t know who he will be, but one thing is certain. The racing will be competitive, and I’m sure everyone will enjoy it.”

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CHANGE FUELS AIKI

2026, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

In the AP250 category, familiarity is often a weapon. For Aiki Iyoshi, season 2026 is about giving that up, and embracing the unknown. After competing last season aboard a Kawasaki with MOTUL KAWASAKI SNIPER MANUAL TECH, Aiki begins a bold new chapter in this season by joining SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES. It marks not only a change of team, but a complete shift in machinery. For the first time in his career, Aiki will race on a Honda. For many riders, such a transition would be unsettling. For Aiki, it is fuel. “Honda is an unknown world for me, but that’s exactly why I’m excited. New challenges are what push a rider to discover his true potential,” he shared, embracing the uncertainty that lies ahead. Adapting to a new bike in AP250 is no small task. Every detail, from braking feel to corner exit, demands recalibration. Aiki knows the learning curve will be steep, but he is prepared to meet it head-on. “Everything is new, so every lap matters. I want to understand the bike deeply and make each session count. That’s how progress is built,” he explained. Transitions don’t shake Aiki’s focus. “My sights are only set on the championship. Nothing less,’ he said, exuding the quiet confidence of a rider who knows exactly what he wants. Pre-season testing will be crucial, but Aiki believes his experience racing against Honda riders gives him a valuable foundation. “I’ve battled Hondas for years, so I understand their strengths. Now it’s about fine-tuning the setup and unlocking that performance for myself,” he said. What excites him most, however, is the opportunity to grow alongside one of the most respected teams in the paddock. “Every part of this journey excites me. I want to win with a top team, and SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES. gives me that belief,” Aiki added. As determined as ever, he makes sure his fans know exactly where he stands. “Even on a Honda, I will ride my own way. I’m not here to lose. I’m here to win. My fans’ supports mean everything to me,” he said with conviction. This move is more than a change of colours. It is a test of adaptability, mentality, and ambition. “I believe this step will help me grow, not just as a rider on track, but as a person. And I’m ready to keep growing,” Aiki concluded. A new bike. A new team. A new challenge. For Aiki Iyoshi, the AP250 journey in 2026 is just beginning, and he intends to make it count!

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HAFIZH’S HUNGER MET TRIUMPH

2025, 2025 Round 6, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

Nobody expected that a single Ducati could shake up the ASB1000 grid. But Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah made sure they did. Riding for JDT RACING TEAM, Hafizh entered the 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship determined to improve on last year’s third-place finish. What the paddock didn’t anticipate was how dramatically he would elevate his game. In just his second season in ASB1000, Hafizh transformed from a strong contender into the benchmark for the category, making his challenge all the more remarkable as the lone Ducati rider in the field. From the opening round, Hafizh rode with the confidence of a man who knew exactly what he wanted. His aggression was calculated, his race pace sharper than ever, and his growth from 2024 was clear to see. Every round, he refined something. Every race became a lesson and opportunity to refine his bike. While others stumbled under pressure, Hafizh kept pushing, kept learning, kept improving. The Ducati demanded commitment, and Hafizh delivered. On tracks where the odds were against him, he fought his way into the front group. When the setups were not ideal, he salvaged crucial points with maturity. And when opportunities appeared, he struck with the sharpness of a rider who knew he had unfinished business. From P3 last season to the top step this year, Hafizh didn’t just win a title. He proved how far determination, evolution, and sheer hunger can take a rider. In the new season, can he do it all over again?

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KASMA, GLORY BY INCHES

2025, 2025 Round 6, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

Kasma didn’t expect to hear his name. Who would have guessed that a few slightly better finishing positions could decide an entire championship? For Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING, that was exactly how the SS600 category of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2025 unfolded. After finishing fourth in the final race, while his closest rival, Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM came third, Kasma was convinced the title had slipped away. The announcement that he was the overall champion left him both surprised and elated. The championship had been claimed by a razor-thin edge of consistent performance. After last season in ASB1000, Kasma returned to SS600 and had to readapt to the class, the competitors, and the rhythm of the category. Yet the familiarity of SS600 worked in his favor. He didn’t need to dominate every lap. He rode intelligently, made the most of every opportunity, and let experience guide him when the stakes were highest. Each podium, calculated overtake, and point collected reflected the adaptability, skill, and racecraft honed over years at the highest levels. When the championship was finally confirmed, Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin didn’t just claim the SS600 title. He turned a season of uncertainties into a triumph even he hadn’t fully anticipated. And now, with the 2025 season etched into history, what remarkable moments will Kasma deliver next?

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ARBI: DEBUT TO DOMINANCE

2025, 2025 Round 6, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

  Some riders grow into a championship. Arbi arrived as if he had been ready all along. In his very first full season of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM rider treated the AP250 class not as a place to learn, but as a stage to own. Race after race, Arbi showed a maturity far beyond a debutant. Arbi is calm when the grid got chaotic, precise when the pressure rose, and fearless in moments most riders would hesitate. What defined his season wasn’t just speed. It was composure. Arbi rode with the clarity of someone who trusted his craft entirely. His corner entries were smooth, his exits sharp, and his overtakes carried a quiet confidence that left rivals second-guessing. Even in races where victory seemed far, he never broke rhythm. He calculated. He adapted. He struck at the perfect moment, often without drama, always with purpose. Those who watched closely noticed something else. Arbi is not loud, yet everything about him is intense. Intense in focus, intense in discipline, intense in the way he carries the responsibility of wearing the ASTRA HONDA colours. He listens, he learns, he refines. And, the results show. To end a first full season as Overall Champion is not common. To do it with the poise of a seasoned contender is exceptional. Arbi has set the bar high. If this is only the beginning, how far can he possibly go?

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NAKARIN WON, HAFIZH CHAMPION!

2025, 2025 Round 6, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

Round 6 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2025 at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand, concluded with a thrilling Race 2 in the ASB1000 class. Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA RACING THAILAND claimed victory, and Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM crowned as the 2025 ASB1000 Overall Champion. At the drop of the lights, Nakarin stormed off the line with a strong start, immediately setting the pace at the front. He was closely followed by Keito Abe of SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES, Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA, and Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of JDT RACING TEAM in fourth position. Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM completed the top five early contenders. By lap three, Nakarin was in full control, setting the fastest lap of 1’35.911s and pulling a one-second gap from the chasing pack. His relentless pace continued as he improved further to 1’35.599s on lap four and 1’35.248s by lap five, gradually extending a commanding two-second lead. Meanwhile, the second group of Hafizh, Zaqhwan, and Keito engaged in a fierce battle for position, exchanging attacks and defending their lines with precision. Throughout the middle stages of the race, Nakarin maintained his advantage, while Hafizh faced mounting pressure from Zaqhwan and Keito. On lap eleven, Zaqhwan timed his move perfectly to overtake Hafizh and claim second, but the fight for the podium remained intensely competitive. The final lap saw Nakarin holding a comfortable 2.377s lead as he crossed the finish line to claim a dominant victory in 20’45.446s. Hafizh surged past Zaqhwan to finish second at 20’47.951s, while Zaqhwan secured third place at 20’48.060s, rounding off a thrilling podium. Despite finishing behind Nakarin in the race, Hafizh’s consistent performance throughout the season ensured he collected enough points to be crowned the 2025 ASB1000 Overall Champion with 193 points, narrowly ahead of Nakarin, who finished the season with 190 points. Keito Abe completed the top three in the championship standings with 170 points. Nakarin said, “I just tried to go for first position, but left it to the riders behind me to do the fighting. I did my best this season. We almost achieved the championship, but we are happy with the results we delivered. Next season, we will try even harder. I want to thank everyone who supported me, and congratulations to Hafizh.” Hafizh expressed after clinching the title, “No words can describe how I feel. Alhamdulillah, finally we did it. The hard work, the training, and everything we went through in Round 5 made us stronger to be here today. This win is for my boss, my family, the fans who always believed in me, those who doubted me, and also for my late grandmother. I am sure she is proud of me from up there.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. NAKARIN ATIRATPHUVAPAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (20’45.446s) 2. HAFIZH SYAHRIN ABDULLAH – JDT RACING TEAM (20’47.951s) 3. MUHAMMAD ZAQHWAN ZAIDI – IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (20’48.060s) 4. KEITO ABE – SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES (20’48.949s) 5. LACHLAN EPIS – SAVITAR RACING ASIA (21’02.639s) TOP 5 – OVERALL RIDER STANDINGS 1. HAFIZH SYAHRIN ABDULLAH – JDT RACING TEAM (193 points) 2. NAKARIN ATIRATPHUVAPAT – HONDA RACING THAILAND (190 points) 3. KEITO ABE – SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES (170 points) 4. MUHAMMAD ZAQHWAN ZAIDI – IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (168 points) 5. AZROY HAKEEM ANUAR – IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (135 points) TOP 5 – OVERALL TEAM STANDINGS 1. IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (303 points) 2. JDT RACING TEAM (201 points) 3. HONDA RACING THAILAND (182 points) 4. SDG HARC-PRO. HONDA PHILIPPINES (170 points) 5. A1 ENERGY BMW RACING TEAM (133 points)

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THANAT WON, KASMA CHAMPION!

2025, 2025 Round 6, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The final race of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2025 at the Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand delivered one of the most dramatic and unpredictable SS600 showdowns. Race 2 concluded with Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND won home race, and Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING crowned as 2025 SS600 Overall Champion. As the race started, Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM launched strongly from the grid. However, his early advantage was short-lived as Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING and Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND swept past to take control. By the second lap, the running order shifted again when Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TNP slotted into the lead, followed closely by Thanat and Kasma. Behind them, Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM carved his way through the pack, overtaking both Kasma and Anupab to climb into third place. The intensity increased as the riders entered the middle stages. Adenanta continued his charge, challenging Thanat and closing in on Apiwath. The two leaders exchanged positions repeatedly, with Thanat momentarily seizing the lead before Apiwath retaliated. Meanwhile, Aldi Satya Mahendra of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA produced a strong surge of his own, overtaking Anupab and gradually inserting himself into podium contention. The race reached a boiling point around lap 6, with Aldi moving up to second place while the front group compressed into a tight, unpredictable six-rider battle. By lap seven, Adenanta briefly took control of the race before Aldi countered to reclaim the lead. The following laps were defined by fierce but clean racing, with Aldi, Kasma, and Anupab locked in a high-speed contest for first place, while Thanat, Adenanta, and Apiwath traded blows for fourth. With the second group rejoining the leaders by lap 10, the fight for the win became a six-way sprint. Thanat produced the fastest lap of the race at 1’39.582s, re-entering podium contention just as the field approached the final lap. What happened next dramatically altered the course of the championship. In the last-lap chaos, Anupab made a decisive move to overtake Aldi and capture the lead. Adenanta then executed a brilliant overtake of his own, momentarily placing himself in position to win both the race and potentially the championship. However, disaster struck when he crashed out, ending his podium hopes and his season-long title pursuit in a single moment. The opening created by the incident allowed Thanat Laoongplio to sweep through and claim a sensational victory on home soil with a winning time of 20’07.296s. Aldi crossed the line in second at 20’07.458s, followed by Anupab in third at 20’07.647s. Despite missing out on the podium, Kasma’s strategic race management and consistent performance watched him secured the SS600 Overall Championship title for season 2025. He ended the season tied with Anupab on 167 points, but his overall results across the year placed him at the top of the standings. Adenanta concluded his campaign in third with 152 points after his unfortunate final-lap exit. Thanat said, “I have waited for this moment for so long! This is my first victory of the season, and winning on my home soil makes it even more meaningful and special. This one is for everyone who never stopped believing in me and has always supported me.” Kasma said, “This is truly a gift from Allah. I still can’t believe it. During the race, I was really nervous and focused on staying safe, just trying to stick with the front group without crashing and hoping for the best. But as I said, this is a blessing from Allah. Even though I didn’t finish on the podium today, I still secured the title. Alhamdulillah, Allah’s grace is boundless.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 1. THANAT LAOONGPLIO – HONDA RACING THAILAND (20’07.296s) 2. ALDI SATYA MAHENDRA – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (20’07.458s) 3. ANUPAB SARMOON – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (20’07.647s) 4. KASMA DANIEL KASMAYUDIN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING (20’08.188s) 5. APIWATH WONGTHANANON – YAMAHA TNP (20’08.226s) TOP 5 – OVERALL RIDER STANDINGS 1. KASMA DANIEL KASMAYUDIN – HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING (167 points) 2. ANUPAB SARMOON – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (167 points) 3. MOHAMMAD ADENANTA PUTRA – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (152 points) 4. WAHYU NUGROHO – YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (121 points) 5. THANAT LAOONGPLIO – HONDA RACING THAILAND (120 points) TOP 5 – OVERALL TEAM STANDINGS 1. HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING (267 points) 2. IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA (215 points) 3. HONDA RACING THAILAND (195 points) 4. YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA (192 points) 5. ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (190 points)

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