Real Life

Malaysian rider, Md Zaqhwan Zaidi of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo faced a significant setback during Round 2 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. During the qualifying session, Zaqhwan crashed and fractured his hands, resulting in him being unable to participate in Race 1. The incident has been a tough blow for Zaqhwan, who expressed his disappointment and frustration over the unfortunate event. “I felt so frustrated and disappointed because Zhuhai circuit is my favourite and I know that I was able to perform in the race,” Zaqhwan remarked. His passion for racing at Zhuhai, a track he holds in high regard, only added to the anguish of being sidelined. Zaqhwan has already undergone surgery and is currently focusing on his recovery. He remains hopeful to return to racing as soon as possible, setting his sights on Round 3 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Indonesia. “I hope I don’t have to skip the upcoming round because I’ve already discussed with the doctor about my injury and they said it’s possible to recover before the Motegi round,” he shared, emphasizing his eagerness to get back on track. Reflecting on his missed opportunity, Zaqhwan stated, “Yes, I feel sad because I know I can be competitive in the race and able to give a better result. This is racing, anything can happen.” His acceptance of the inherent risks of the sport underscores his resilient spirit. The medical team has provided a tentative recovery timeline, but Zaqhwan is realistic about the challenges ahead. “Doctor said yes, I am able to race again but it depends on my recovery time and I need to focus on physiotherapy. They estimate about one month to recover, but I think it still might not be enough. Nonetheless, I want to be competitive and try to win the race. I hope this injury doesn’t stop me from achieving my target.” Zaqhwan remained firm with his ambition to compete in the Motegi round. He said, “Yes, I am hoping to race in Motegi. I want to join even if my hands are not 100 percent recovered.” He refuses to let his injury dampen his spirit, stating, “I don’t want to think too much about my injury. I know I might struggle more with my current hands condition, but my mental and emotions are not affected at all because my motivation is always high.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

He doesn’t talk much, but he has a great presence. This rider is Indonesia-born lad, Rheza Danica Ahrens of the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM. In person, Rheza might come across as shy and reserved. Besides short conversations with people he is close with, Rheza is often found quiet, either by himself or with his teammates. Hence, he was given the nickname “The Silent Boy.” True to his nature, Rheza admits, “Normally, I’m always just saying little words. I got it (The Silent Boy) from a long time ago when I was racing in national races. But I am happy that my team understands me well and always gives me trust to do more and more.” He also values the camaraderie within his circle. “I’m happy with everyone who is close to me, and I hope to share my happiness with them.” Who would have known that, when he is on the track, it’s a different story altogether? Behind the visor of his helmet, he transforms into a focused and relentless competitor, catching the attention of spectators and fellow racers alike. Despite his quiet demeanor, Rheza’s racing prowess is anything but understated. Last year, Rheza clinched the overall championship title in the Asia Production 250cc race category. This year, he has taken on an even greater challenge by making the leap to the highly competitive Supersports 600cc category, a step up that not only highlights his confidence in his abilities but also signals his readiness to take on more experienced and skilled competitors. The transition to the Supersports 600cc category is no small feat. It demands not only superior technical skills but also enhanced mental fortitude. His ability to adapt and excel in a more challenging environment is a clear indicator of his potential to rise even higher in the ranks of motorsport. Rheza’s transition to the Supersports 600cc category has brought both excitement and challenges. “I’m happy to be back in SS600. There are many experienced riders who ride 600cc bikes. I’m happy to join this class again, and the current bike is much better than the previous one I rode, but I need to improve on riding this bike. It’s not easy, but step by step, I am confident that I will get better.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The scene of highs and lows encapsulates the very heart of motorcycle racing, where the exhilaration of speed is tempered by the harsh reality of unpredictability. However, it’s a journey of peaks and valleys not willingly sought after by any rider. The unpredictable nature of the sport tests the limits of skill and fortitude. The statistics of Supersports 600cc in Round 1 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship painted a somber picture: Race 1 – DNF (Did Not Finish), Race 2 – DNF (Did Not Finish). However, delving deeper into Malaysian rider of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team, Azroy Hakeem Anuar’s performance reveals a narrative of promise and potential that refuses to be overshadowed by setbacks. From the onset of the event, Azroy commanded attention with his prowess on the track. Consistently impressive performances in Practice sessions underscored his readiness to compete among the best. Practice 1 saw him secured an impressive P4, followed by a stellar ascent to P2 in Practice 2. The momentum continued into Practice 3, where Azroy asserted his dominance by clinching the top spot. Qualifying further validated his credentials, securing a commendable P2 on the grid, setting the stage for what promised to be a thrilling race day. Indeed, Azroy did not disappoint. Positioned prominently within the front group throughout both races, he fervently battled for podium contention, refusing to yield to the challenges posed by his rivals. However, fate delivered a harsh blow as Azroy’s ambitions were dashed by unfortunate incidents during crucial overtaking maneuvers. Azroy lamented, “I felt disappointed to lose the points, I just threw away 50 points so easily. I still can’t accept the result. But it’s already in the past. For now, I will strive to be better than before.” Azroy shared, “I’ve made significant strides since last year, yet it’s apparent that I became overly confident in my ability to secure victory. Regrettably, I committed an error that I now realize was avoidable. Rest assured, I’ll glean valuable lessons from this experience and strive to perform even better in the future.” Azroy emphasized, “Naturally, for that type of overtaking maneuver, patience is essential. I must exercise greater caution in such situations moving forward.” Azroy sets his sights on the upcoming Round 2 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Zhuhai International Circuit, China. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Apiwath Wongthananon, the dynamic rider from Thailand who has been capturing spotlight in the Supersports 600cc at IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. As a pivotal member of the YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASIA, Apiwath has consistently flaunted his prowess on the track, leaving spectators in awe and competitors trailing in his wake. The recent Round 1 of the championship held at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand validated Apiwath’s exceptional skills. Despite the pressure of performing in front of a home crowd, he delivered a masterclass in racing, securing victories in both Race 1 and Race 2. His ability to maintain a significant lead over his rivals demonstrated not only his speed but also his strategic acumen on the circuit. Apiwath’s track record in the previous season may have been limited to just one round, but it was a memorable one. In that solitary appearance at the Chang International Circuit, he clinched second place in Race 1 and emerged victorious in Race 2. His teammate, Soichiro Minamimoto, also contributed significantly to the team’s success by securing a win in Race 1 and finishing second in Race 2, ultimately leading to their team’s unexpected triumph. However, as Apiwath himself acknowledges, the true test of a champion lies in their ability to excel beyond familiar territory. With Round 2 of the championship scheduled to take place at the Zhuhai International Circuit in China, Apiwath faces a real challenge – one that revisits his skills on terrain he hasn’t raced on in quite some time. Despite his track record of dominance on his home circuit, Apiwath acknowledged the necessity to adapt and evolve in response to readdressing the challenges of Zhuhai international Circuit. Apiwath said: Although it’s been some time since I last raced here, I’m confident in my abilities and preparation. I anticipate delivering a strong performance and showcasing my capabilities in Round at Zhuhai.” “My ultimate goal is to clinch the championship title this year. Every rider in this sport boasts their own individual strengths and capabilities. The key to triumph lies in the art of error reduction and seizing pivotal moments. I am dedicated to refining my skills to secure victory.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

As the riders gear up for Round 2 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Zhuhai International Circuit, SuperSports 600cc rider, Sha Juntong of VICTOR RACING Team is set to ride on home turf once again, aiming to rewrite his story after a challenging outing last year. The Zhuhai International Circuit holds a special place in the China lad’s heart however, his aspirations were dashed by misfortune when he encountered setbacks during races in Round 5 of ARRC last year. In Race 1, Juntong recorded a DNF (Did not Finish), followed by a DNS (Did Not Start) in Race 2, that watched him ending his challenge in Zhuhai with only disappointment. Juntong expressed, “Last year’s competition was a regret. Due to personal operational reasons, I fell during the qualifying session and fractured my right heel bone, and I have not fully recovered until now.” Despite the difficulty, Juntong will approach the upcoming race with a fresh mindset, recognizing the room for improvement in his craft. “I mainly participate in this competition with a learning mentality because I know that I still have a lot to improve, but at the same time, I will do my best to strive for better results. My team and I have made sufficient preparations for this home game, including my personal training and vehicle adjustments. I believe that my results in this home game will definitely be a breakthrough,” emphasized Juntong. Bolstered by meticulous preparation, both personally and with his team, Juntong hopes to bring joy to those who support him with a better performance in this coming round. Juntong said, “In China, more and more fans pay attention to ARRC. I can’t wait to bring them a wonderful home game.” Despite the eagerness to excel on home soil, Juntong acknowledged the reality of his situation. “To be honest, I really want to win the game at home, but I know where my ability is now. But I will do my best.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Azlan: Retire? Not Until I Champ Again At 40 years old, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, the seasoned rider from TKKR BMW Racing Team, is defying the conventional norms of retirement. Despite facing sponsorship hurdles that have left him without a salary, Azlan’s fervor for reclaiming the championship crown in the Asia Superbike 1000cc category at IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship burns brighter than ever. Azlan has been on a relentless quest for victory since his triumph as the overall champion in the ASB1000 class in its inaugural year of 2019. However, despite this initial success, subsequent years have seen him faced challenges and setbacks on his journey. Yet, Azlan remains driven by an insatiable hunger for success as he seeks to reclaim the championship crown. Azlan shared, “In the three years after my victory in 2019, I struggled with less competitive machinery. It wasn’t until 2023 that I had the opportunity to ride a bike that offered the performance I needed to compete at the highest level. I spent some time exploring its capabilities and understanding its mechanics. With this newfound mastery, I’m determined to make a comeback and reclaim the championship this year.” Despite TKKR Racing Team’s struggles with securing sponsorship, Azlan exemplified unparalleled tenacity at Round 1 of the championship at Chang International Circuit, Thailand, utilizing last year’s machinery. Demonstrating sheer skill and resilience, he clinched victory in Race 1 and secured a commendable second place in Race 2. Currently ranked second in the overall ASB1000 category, Azlan trails behind Andi Farid Izdihar of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo by a margin of nine points. Azlan said, “I yearn for victory, and I’m determined to make this year mine. Though the path ahead may be arduous, I firmly believe that no challenge is insurmountable.” Amidst the challenges of competing without a salary, Azlan maintains his focus on honing his physical prowess. He diligently works on his stamina and strength, recognizing the importance of maintaining peak physical condition in the fiercely competitive world of motorcycle racing, especially while facing younger riders. When questioned about retirement, Azlan’s chuckled before saying, “Hahaha, I anticipated this question because I mentioned retirement before… Let’s see how my performance goes, and then I’ll decide. My primary goal is to regain the championship, and only after achieving that will I contemplate retirement.” For Azlan, the challenges of this season extend far beyond the racetrack. Battling with younger competitors and navigating financial constraints, he embodies the epitome of perseverance and dedication. “The challenges I face this year are twofold: competing fiercely with younger riders and grappling with financial constraints due to the lack of a salary,” Azlan candidly admitted. Nevertheless, despite the obstacles, Azlan refuse to wave white flag to the hardships. His relentless pursuit of victory serves as an inspiring figure all who witness his journey, ceaselessly striving for excellence and defying expectations at every turn. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Introducing a fresh face from Korea – Kim Min Jae. Though relatively new to the scene, Min Jae’s journey serves as a testament to his tenacious resolve in the pursuit of excellence. Just a year and a half ago, Kim Min Jae took his first steps into the world of road racing. With a hunger for more competitive experience, he entered the TVS Asia One Make Championship in the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. For Min Jae, it was a bold leap into uncharted territory, but one that would shape his destiny. Reflecting on his experience during his debut in the TVS Asia One Make Championship, Min Jae shared, “My first experience riding the TVS racing bike, the rush of adrenaline, the roar of the engine – it was a feeling like no other. The bike was much more powerful and light, so it was really enjoyable, and everyone was very nice to me too.” Despite facing seasoned competitors in the FIM race, Min Jae embraced the challenge with open arms, resolved to compete with all he had. Driven by the desire to improve, Min Jae set his sights on Spain, a land renowned for its expertise in motorcycle racing. There, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery and skill enhancement, as well as mastering the basics. “Spain had what I needed to sharpen my skills and overcome my weaknesses,” he explained. Training with the Junior Talent Team in Spain, Min Jae immersed himself in a rigorous regimen of practice and preparation. From honing his riding position to perfecting his braking technique, every session brought him closer to his ultimate goal. Despite the physical and emotional challenges of being away from home, Min Jae remained strong-willed in his commitment to his dream. “I miss home a lot, but I need to train. However, I get to stay home for one week after every ARRC round, so it will be okay.” Even in the face of homesickness, Min Jae’s dedication to his training regimen never wavered. Min Jae is acutely aware of the road ahead and fueled by a passion that knows no bounds. He said, “My dream is to become a MotoGP rider. I believe that with each race and each lap, I inch closer to realizing my aspirations.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

A historic moment for Indian motorsport, when Sarthak Chavan secured his place on the podium at the TVS Asia One Make Championship during Round 1 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Held at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, this achievement marked a significant milestone for Sarthak and the Indian racing as a whole. Chavan’s remarkable performance saw him clinch third place in Race 1 and then elevate to second place in Race 2, reinforcing his status as a rising star in the sport. What made his feat even more impressive was that this was only his second competitive outing at the circuit, following his wildcard entry in the final round last year. Sarthak said, “I’m very proud of myself for this achievement, and I feel that all my hard work is helping me to move in the right direction. Also, nothing feels better than bringing glory to your country.” “When I passed the chequered flag, my first thought was – Yes, I did it! It was an exceptional moment because it felt like this is what I have been working hard for. To make my country, my parents and TVS proud was a mind-blowing feeling because all of them have been behind me with rock-solid support.” “The last time when I raced as a wildcard, I lost being on the podium twice. However, this time, I was better prepared and confident about the results that I would grab. Once I finished my free practice sessions and qualifying sessions, I felt happy and encouraged as I finished in the top 3 positions. It gave me an intuition that the podium finish was on the way.” “My target for this year is to make a mark in the IDEMITSU FIM Asian Road Racing Championship. Also, TVS is an Indian manufacturer, which pushes me to work harder because as an Indian, I want to bring more glory to the team. I am looking forward to putting up a good fight against my competitors and winning the Championship this year.” Sarthak shared his thoughts on the potential contenders: “My target is to win the Championship. I know that Hiroki will be a very good contender this season to fight for the championship. I have seen him race. He is very strategic and calm while he rides. Vorapong is a very good rider too. I am quite close to him as we have worked together in India, and I have also raced for his team in Thailand.” “The challenge I am currently facing is tyre management, as we are provided with limited sets. It poses a considerable difficulty, but I am confident that I will learn how to effectively manage it” Sarthak added. Sarthak’s fearless pursuit of his dreams, coupled with his strong will and talent, positions him as a potent presence in the world of motorcycle racing. With his eyes set on the championship title and the unwavering support of his fans, Sarthak’s journey promises to be one filled with excitement and victory. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

In motorsports, it is common to think that being at the peak of physical condition is a prerequisite to excel. But Soichiro Minamimoto, who made waves in the SuperSports 600cc scene, did not do it the conventional way. Last year, Soichiro made headlines when he swept the overall championship in Round 6 of the SuperSports 600cc, IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship despite battling a nasty bout of illness. Yes, you read that right. While most of us would struggle to get out of bed with a fever, Soichiro was out on the track, dominating the competition. “Before arriving at Buriram, I felt bad,” he recalled. “I slept 14 hours but didn’t recover. Then, after finishing Friday’s practice, I felt even worse. I was sick for over a week. Turns out, it was tonsillitis.” But here’s the kicker. Soldiering through the sickness, Soichiro went on to win Race 1 of the round. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, he secured second place in Race 2, cementing his status as the overall champion. His teammate, Apiwath Wongthananon, also played a crucial role making it second in Race 1 and securing victory in Race 2, ultimately leading to their team’s overall triumph. Soichiro added, “I was so exhausted that I couldn’t remember much. But I was fast. When I won the championship, none of us on the team thought we could become champions, so the team only had one championship T-shirt.” Reflecting on his unexpected success while feeling under the weather, Soichiro jokingly said, “I think I race better when I’m not feeling well. Hahaha… But I would not want to go through that again. Health is more important than racing to me.” Fast forward to this season, Soichiro has set his sights on conquering new challenges in the Asia Superbike 1000cc category. Despite facing stiff competition in the opening rounds, Soichiro remains undeterred. “ASB is very exciting because there are a lot of fast and experienced riders. Our rivals are strong,” he remarked. Soichiro added, “We are behind our rivals in terms of top speed. But if we can bring out the strengths of Yamaha, we can be competitive. We’re working on the areas that were lacking in the opening round. I hope we can battle with our rivals.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

He walked in as a wildcard rider in the TVS Asia One Make Championship of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship between 2022-2023, fought a bold fight in 5 rounds, 10 races and swept a total of 9 podiums equivalent to 8 wins! Hiroki Ono, the Japan born lad, whose name resonates with excellence, left an indelible mark even as a wildcard rider. Hiroki’s performance was nothing short of stellar, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with on the track. Hiroki’s introduction to the ARRC came in 2022 when he entered as a wildcard rider, seizing every opportunity to showcase his talent on the track. Over the course of five rounds, Hiroki carved nothing short of flying colours, capturing the hearts of fans and rivals alike with his captivating performances. Hiroki’s competency and persistence are undeniable. Yet, despite his remarkable achievements, the elusive overall championship title remained just out of reach, thwarted by the constraints of wildcard entries and the points system. This year, Hiroki embarked on a new chapter in ARRC, committing to a full-season Round 1 at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand was a start for him where he showcased his mettle on the grand stage despite the challenges of a blown engine during Practice 1, that caused him to crash. Hiroki shared, “I had a big crash at Turn 4 due to engine trouble (engine blow) in the middle of the session. It happened so quickly that I had a hard time understanding what had happened. My body was in pain. I was in pain from then until Sunday, but thankfully I did not break any bones, so I kept my determination and fought through.” Even in pain, Hiroki pushed through and continued racing. With each passing session, from Practice 2 to Race 2, Hiroki’s resolve only grew stronger, culminating in excellent performance as he clinched pole position and secured victory in both races. Hiroki affirmed, “This season I am participating fully, so of course, my aim is only, which is to take the championship title. However, Hiroki remains grounded in his appreciation for the competition that surrounds him. “It’s challenging for me. The riders who ranked highly last year are still competing, especially the Asia Talent’s Cup riders who are strong and robust. The new riders are very fast too, so it will be a high-level battle this season.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com