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HOME-GROUND SPARKS CONFIDENCE

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

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.”

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BEST LEARNT THROUGH MISTAKES

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

With another one round to go, the SuperSports 600cc race category anticipates a rush of adrenaline among its riders and a highly competitive strike that would further alleviate their overall standings. Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team is determined to make his move impactful in Round 5 of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which will be held at Chang International Circuit thisweekend. The Indonesian lad may have been unlucky in the final race of Round 4 but he certainly has the in-depth experience and prowess that the race needs to make the cut for the season. Over the course of 4 rounds, Andi made it to the podium four times including two wins. Despite the severity of the unfortunate incident which stripped him of valuable points to be on a competitive chase with hisultimate rival, he sits at the second spot overall with a total of 108 points. Commenting on his race at Sepang, Andi said, “Sepang is one of my favourite circuits as I am very familiar with it. I understand its character very well and with the motivation of my team members, I tried my best to maximise my potentials there. The casualty in Race 2 may have been uncalled for however I must acknowledge the fact that ASTRA HONDA team made excellent improvements to the performances of the CBR600R machine which further strengthened my position.” “The disappointments are there because I was embarking on a positive note after Race 1. But that is the downside of racing. The unexpected hurdles are expected in racing. I do not wish to think further rather I chose to stay focused towards the course. I will not repeat the same mistakes as I did in Race 2 and will expand my wings further to aim for the champion title in the SuperSports 600cc race category.” Andi is an established rider who first found his interest within the ARRC domain in 2017 in the AP250 race category as a wild card rider. He scored the third spot in Race 1 and second spot in Race 2 which immediately marked his potentials as a professional rider. He went on to the SS600 showground in 2018 and made an impressive finish at the fifth spot overall. Year 2019 may have posed more challenges to his performances nevertheless he completed the season once again at the fifth spot overall. In 2020, Andi did not participate in the one-round season but after the two-year hiatus, he came back this year with an enhanced performance which left fans and spectators in awe. With his win in Race 1, Round 1, he said, “It was an important mark of the year for me. With that win, came the confidence that I needed for this year to overcome the highly competitive rush of the race category. My glorious moment though would be my first ever win at the Sentul circuit in this category which has always kept me motivated.” For the coming round, Andi said, “I will definitely give my best shot for the coming race. I am currently working on my physique and mental strength. The rest, I have worked with the team to ensure that everything is in order.”

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DISMAYED YET CONFIDENT

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

The Asia Production 250cc race category has always been a demand, feeding the appetite of our ASEAN fans while amplifying its robust nature when complemented by a rider. Muhammad Andy Fadly of Motul Sniper Manual Tech Racing Team is doubling his efforts to restrain from the foreseeable pressure at Round 5 of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which will be held at ChangInternational Circuit this weekend. Andy became a head-turner in the race category with his flair for speed and technical prowess since he reigned champion in 2019. During that season, he illustrated impressive showmanship when he bagged seven spots on the podium including three wins which presented him with a total of 214 points. He came back this season with a grand entrance when he made it to the podium twice in Round 1 including one win. His positioned was further accentuated when he pulled a stunner in Round 2 with a double win consequently creating a hat-trick for himself. While he remains strong on the overall front, Andy however appears to be grappling with his performances since Round 3 at SugoInternational Racing Course. Adding on to the strain of his failure to perform according to his standards, Round 4 was also unfavourable to him when his efforts became futile in attaining the top three positions. Andy now takes the lead position with a total of 121 points nevertheless the stakes are high and he is well aware of the jeopardy ahead that could potentially ruin his chances of becoming champion. Commenting on his performance this season, Andy said, “It was a good start for me this season however it was not enough for me. I need more spots on the podium to be able to keep my champion title in the AP250 race category. I am dismayed by the decision and regulations which required me to cut down on my RPM. But overall, I am very happy with my performance which has placed me at the lead position in the overall standings.” Speaking about memories, Andy is pleased to say, “My best moment was when I made a double win in Malaysia in Round 2. However, there comes a price when you are at your best. In my case, the cut in the RPM has made riding tough in Round 3 and Round 4. Nevertheless, we will keep going as much as we can to achieve the best outcome.” For the coming round, Andy said, “Of course in Buriram, I will do everything I can in my capacity to become the overall champion once again in the AP250 race category.” Andy aspires to level up to the SS600 race category if he wins the champion title once again this season.

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REMINISCING SWEET MEMORIES AT CHANG

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

The Underbone 150cc is a game changer for many successful riders in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship who seeks to advance further in their professional pathways. Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team has definitely showcased a progressive transformation throughout the years within this race category and is close to making history for himself in Round 5 at the Chang International Circuit this weekend. The Indonesian lad has come a long way in the arena of the Underbone race category. In 2016, he made a name for himself when he reigned as champion in the Underdone 130cc race category. As the Underbone machines evolved to a bigger capacity, so did Wahyu. He went on with his venture into the Underbone 150cc in its debut season and completed it with an impressive note at thesecond spot overall. In 2018 however, Wahyu faced setbacks that pulled him down the rank order to the eighth spot in the overall standings. Nevertheless, every unfulfilled expectation brings with it valuable lessons for greater successes. As he went on to the following season, he found his momentum and strengthened his abilities to manoeuvre in a race category known for its dense nature and vague possibilities. In 2019, Wahyu took a climb up the rank and made it at the fourth spot overall. As a rider, success is evident in its winning title. Wahyu has reflected improvements in his riding styles and has also projected his ability to utilise the right strategies at the right time. This season, he made a step onto the podium six times including one win which has placed him at the top spot overall with a total of 126 points. Commenting on the season, “After two years of not racing, this year has been good. I was able to learn from mistakes. Usually, I learn it from watching YouTube videos on ARRC. I realised that I have been too ambitious so this season has really given me the opportunity to enjoy the moment when I ride. Of course, I also tried as much as possible to be consistent and with the good communicationand understanding between myself and the team, it has been a fruitful season.” On his performances, Wahyu was definitely appreciative of the lessons in Japan. He said, “After our win in Race 1, we faced some issues with the machine and I could not complete the race. However, that was a good incident because we were able to evaluate our setbacks and come back stronger.” Racing at Chang Circuit, Wahyu went on to say, “It is my favourite circuit as I have made records and created sweet memories there. In 2016, we celebrated being champion in the UB130 race category. Therefore, I will work hard to do my best in the final round.”

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VICTORY FOR HARUKI

2022, 2022 Round 4, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

It was quite a show with the Asia Superbike 1000cc in Race 2 of Round 4, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which was held at the Sepang International Circuit. Haruki Noguchi made SDG Motor Sports HARC-PRO Ph. proud with his win after an invigorating battle among the Best of Asia. Kasma took a bolt ahead as soon as the race flagged off. Haruki who began the race at the fourth spot too did not waste his time as he positioned himself fiercely at P2 while Zaqhwan took P3 from the 8th spot on the grid. Meanwhile, Apiwath who was at P5 managed to bring himself up to P4 in lap 2 while the trio ahead of him kept their momentum in their positions. Towards the end of the second lap, Haruki made his move and took over Kasma’s position. Seconds into that, Apiwath unfortunately crashed and ruined his chances for a win. In the third lap, the battle heated up between Haruki and Kasma who were inches away from each other. The latter was desperately finding ways to supersede Haruki but Haruki kept in his pace strong at P1. Zaqhwan was left on a chase, trying to pick up speed however the duo ahead of him were intertwined in a fiery battle. By the end of the fifth lap, Kasma succeeded at P1 once again. Yuki Ito who went on to take P4 was trying his best to close the gaps with Zaqhwan. Nevertheless, Zaqhwan did not seem to be open to the thought of giving in to the Yamaha rider. Meanwhile, Haruki and Kasma continued their never-ending battle as they switched between P1 and P2 multiple times. Zaqhwan and Yuki Ito kept to their positions with another two remaining laps to go. With another lap to go, Haruki bucked up and took greater speed as he fled further away from Kasma. But Kasma has no intentions of giving but Haruki accelerated further to the chequered flag with a 0.916s gap from Kasma, clocking in at 23’25:006s. Commenting on the race, Haruki said, “Firstly, thank you to my team and sponsor. Right now, I am truly happy because this weekend was tough but finally, we achieved the top spot. We will continue pushing till the last round.” Kasma Danial Kasmayudin of YAMAHA Racing Team ASEAN took the second spot on the podium at 23’35:922s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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AZROY BRAGGED VICTORY

2022, 2022 Round 4, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

It was a delightful performance by the SuperSports 600cc riders at Race 2 of Round 4, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at the Sepang International Circuit with Malaysian trio battling at the top three position. But it was Azroy Hakeem Anuar of Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team made a significantfinish. Seconds upon the flag off, a casualty occurred which kicked Andi Farid and Ratthapong off the chart. In an instant, the window opened for Azroy to take the lead position with Nakarin at P2 and Kritchaporn at P3. As Azroy picked up on his speed, so did Nakarin and the duo were seen creating a wider gap in between for the riders tailing them. By the end of the second lap, Azroy pumped up on acceleration, creating a 1.274 gap with Nakarin. Three laps down, Helmi Azman who was at the 8th position in lap one succeeded in pulling himself up to P3 and with dexterity and experience in hand, he overtook Nakarin gracefully. By mid-race, Azroy has distanced himself way ahead with approximately 1.739s gap from Helmi. Meanwhile, Ibrahim was making his way closer to Nakarin and in the sixth lap, the gaps closed as the former switched places with the latter. With three Malaysians at the top three positions, the HONDA riders seemed powerfully aligned. In the seventh lap, Helmi attempted to reduce the gap as he went on to fix his speed. Towards the end of the lap, he was 0.236s away from Azroy. At the last lap, it was a heated battle between duo of the same team. For a moment, Helmi took control at P1 only to be knocked back down to P2. At the last turn, Helmi missed out on the window to slide in and with that, Azroy bolted ahead to victory at 21’53:325s. Commenting on the race, Azroy said, “I had to take the win today, no matter what. I knew that Helmi was very close behind me in the last three laps but I went on as usual. At the last lap, Helmi started making his moves and attacked me. But I recognise his riding styles and I went on to overtake him. We were in and out of P1 but at the last corner, I gave my best shot. I am truly happy to have won thisrace.” Md Helmi Azman takes the second spot on the podium at 21’53:451s. Md Ibrahim Md Noroddin of SIC Racing came in third at 21’54:954s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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CELEBRATION FOR ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM WITH 1-2

2022, 2022 Round 4, Asia Production 250, Latest News /

It was an exhilarating performance by the Asia Production 250cc riders at Race 2 of Round 4, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team made a grand finish at the Sepang International Circuit when he bagged the top spot on the podium. Herjun was off to a fantastic start. Bolting ahead of the other riders in the troop, he kept at P1 with his buddy from the same team, Adenanta tailing closely behind him at P2. Aldi who took P2 in the beginning of the race succumbed to Adenanta. By the fourth lap, Adenanta took a shot at P1 briefly before Herjun once again decided to take lead. Aldi on the other hand was left in a chase at P3 with no luck on his side. Meanwhile, Anggi was inching in among the top three riders, aiming to close the gaps and by the sixth lap, he managed to slide in between duo of the same team at P2. But it was only for a brief moment before the ASTRA HONDARacing Team riders emerged in the 1-2 positions. As the battle continued, Aldi found his way back into P2 in lap seven. But the duo of ASTRA HONDA is not about to give up their spot to the YAMAHA Racing Indonesia rider. After the last turn, while Herjun paced up towards the chequered flag, Adenanta and Aldi got into one last fight before the former made the cut. Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team made his best time at 19’47:245s. Commenting on the race, Herjun said, “I am very happy with both races, yesterday and today. The guys behind me very extremely good. My mechanic and team were great in the way they have done up my machine and I am truly grateful for that. It’s the best team I have ever had. We will definitelydo our best again in the next round.” His teammate, Md Adenanta Putra logged at 19’47:690s. Aldi Satya Mahendra of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia clocked in at 19’47:694s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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WILDCARD RIDER MADE THE CUT

2022, 2022 Round 4, Latest News, Underbone 150 /

It never gets boring with the Underbone 150cc riders who put on a powerful and engaging show in Race 2 of Round 4, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Md Shafiq Rasol carved victory for ONEXOX Racing Team at the Sepang International Circuit when emerged fastest. The heated battle between the Underbone riders was expected as the experts in the field took turns to better their positions. In the first lap, Gian Carlo made his entry into P1 but by lap two, Afif Amran took over with great enthusiasm. However, P1 was not in the books for him today and by lap three, Fazli Sham came into the picture. Mid-race, Syafiq Rosli switched positions to P1 and by the second last lap, Gian emerged once again at the lead position. In what was seen as an electrifying race, the last lap held the best of all actions when the troop stormed towards the chequered flag in a bid to secure the best spot. But Shafiq was pumped up to dominate the scene. With the troop pressuring him in an immense chase, Shafiq bolted to the finish line, clocking in at 14’46:218s. Commenting on the race, Shafiq said, “To me, the Underbone category is a highly competitive one. I tried my best to be at the front group and mid-race, I kept following. Towards the last lap, I gave it go with my maximum speed and succeeded.” At the second spot on the podium, it was Wahyu Aji Trilaksana of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team 15’46:249s. Ahmad Fazli Sham also of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team took the third spot at 15’46:369s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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DECKY GRACED TOP SPOT IN RACE 2

2022, 2022 Round 4, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make /

Another successful ride for the riders of the TVS Asia One-Make Championship in Race of Round 4, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Decky Tiarno Aldy from Indonesia made a stunning act towards victory at the Sepang International Circuit. It was a good start today with clear blue sky as the riders stormed ahead upon flag off. Agung who took the second spot on the grid took lead few seconds into the race but was superseded by Arysad in the first lap. Into the second lap, Decky who was in P3 managed to steer his wheels ahead into P1. Meanwhile, Vorapong who was in the back group made it past the riders ahead and into P3. During the third lap, Vorapong who has been relentlessly pushing his was up succeeded in overtaking Decky but seconds later, Decky snatched the lead position once again. By mid-race, Fugo Tanaka who was on a hunt came into lead position with Decky and Vorapong closely trailing but Decky once again slid into P1. In the heat of the moment, Fugo acted quickly to recover his position. By the last lap, Fugo was determined to guard his position but Decky would not be defeated. Between a tough fight, Decky who came back to P1 began feeling the pressure from Vorapong. As soon as the duo made their last turn, Vorapong chased Decky, placing intense force from the back but Decky went on with no fear towards the chequered flag first, clocking in at 15’00:256s. Commenting on the race, “Frankly speaking, I did not expect to win. My focus was mainly at the first lap and the last lap. I kept taking note of the person behind me and the approximate gap. Towards the last turn, I made my move.” Vorapong Malahuan of Thailand logged with a 0.048 gap at 15’00:304s. At third place, Fugo Tanaka from Japan made his fastest at 15’00:579s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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1-2 FOR TEAMMATES IN THE ASB1000

2022, 2022 Round 4, Asia Superbike 1000, Latest News /

After a strenuous day coupled with the unpredictable weather at the Sepang International Circuit, Race 1 of the Asia Superbike of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, Round 4 concluded with Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team celebrating triumph over his win. It was quite an interesting feat this time around when Apiwath who took the third spot on the grid bolted ahead to grab P1 seconds into the race. Soon enough, Anupab began trailing him at P2 and Azlan at P3. By lap three, Azlan’s teammate, Adam who was at P4 managed to swerve into P3 when Azlan fell a few positions down. The 11-lap race which was cut short to 9 laps due to race direction, witnessed a neck-to-neck battle between the YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team duo in the top two position. While Apiwath kept to his lead position for four laps, he was then superseded by his teammate in the following lap while Adam paced steadily at P3. The remaining laps remained consistent among the top three riders as theywent on to complete the race. Towards the end, the duo from the same team engaged in one final battle before Anupab led in full force towards victory. He marked his win at 19’36:370s. Commenting on his victory, Anupab said, “It has been quite a challenge here at Sepang with the weather, sometimes it’s sunny and sometimes its rainy. For sure, my team’s decision to finalise on the dry tire made a whole difference in today’s race. I am thrilled to have won the race today.” His teammate Apiwath Wonthananon took the second spot on the podium, marking at 19’36:475s. Adam Noroddin of ONEXOX BMW TKKR Team clocked in third at 20’03:141s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

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