Real Life

The thrill of motorsports transcends speed and dexterity. It encompasses the unpredictable twists that can either make or break a rider’s luck. At the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, Cao Viet Nam of the Honda Racing Vietnam Team experienced a range of emotions in Round 1 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in AP250 category. It was a weekend of highs and lows for Viet Nam who in his display of brilliance was overshadowed by the ruthless hand of fate. The stage was set with promising performances in practice sessions, where he showcased his prowess by claiming top positions. However, as the saying goes, it’s not about how you start but how you finish, and Viet Nam’s story took a dramatic turn in the final laps of both races. It was a fantastic start to race 1 for Viet Nam. He took lead and fought a good battle all the way to the final lap. In a bitter twist of fate, he crashed at the final turn, instantly relegating him to an unexpected 11th place finish. Despite that unfortunate incident, he approached Race 2 with determination and went on to dominate the field once again but alas! Once again, when all laps were almost completed, he once again fell into the hands of misfortunate when he crashed at the final turn. Viet Nam said “Round 1 holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of the many good moments I’ve had there, especially when I rode in the Thailand Talent Cup. Additionally, since my bike and all my equipment are kept in Thailand and cannot be brought back to Vietnam due to the lack of a home circuit, which makes it feels more like a home race to me, almost like my second home.” “During the last turn in Race 1, I anticipated Herjun blocking me from the inside, like in the last race in 2023, so I chose to go outside. However, he unexpectedly also went outside, which allowed Yamaha to clinch P1 and P2. It’s all part of the mind games in racing, so I’ll take it as a learning experience.” “As for Race 2, I tried a different strategy by staying behind and attacking in the last turn. I was confident in my ability to brake deeply, but unfortunately, I fell again.” “I was really sad after Race 2, and I kept questioning myself, “Why?” I’ll review the data again to better understand what went wrong in the last turn. I’m committed to learning from this experience for future races at this circuit.” “I also felt disappointed, especially to my team, my fans in Vietnam, and everyone who supported me. We’ve waited a long time for this moment. However, the championship is still a long way ahead, and this is just the beginning. I know my time will come, especially since I have good speed. I’ll patiently wait for my moment to shine. Though I still feel a bit sad now, I’ll soon move on and start focusing on the next round at the Zhuhai International Circuit in China.” “To me, everyone is equal in the coming races in Zhuhai. This will be our second time racing at the Zhuhai International Circuit. Last year in Zhuhai, I was quite strong and fought for a podium position before encountering a bike problem on the last lap. I’ve faced unlucky situations several times, but I’ll continue to believe and wait for my time to come.” said Viet Nam. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Mckinley Kyle Paz of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASIA achieved a historic feat by clinching third in Race 2 of the SuperSports 600cc category in Round 1, IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand. Stunning game. Robust moves. Despite the red flag, Kyle’s determination was not deterred by the slash in the number of laps as he went on to cast the net for a podium finish. The Filipino rider showcased excellent sportsmanship when he battled the final two laps with his closest contender before going on full throttle at the last turn towards a blistering end to the game. Kyle rejoiced in the celebration of being the first ever Philippines rider to make it to the podium in the SS600 race category. This achievement was not only a personal triumph for him but also a significant milestone for Philippines motorcycle racing in the Asian domain. Bold in his moves, Kyle is known for his charisma on track. Aside to this significant achievement, he has also gained numerous accolades in the racing scene. In 2019, Kyle hailed as the Champion of the Underbone 150cc race category in ARRC before embarking on his journey in the highly competitive CEV Moto2 series. Undoubtedly, Kyle is one-of-a-kind, capable of not just adapting but producing remarkable results. Kyle shared his overwhelming emotions, stating, “I couldn’t believe I would make it to the podium considering other riders of great calibre. When I realized that I did it, I felt a burst of joy and tears of happiness knowing that finally, I’m back in the winning circle.” “Before, I’ve only dreamt of representing Philippines in SS600. Being a racer in this category was already a dream come true, but finishing podium, to me it was like an envoy telling everyone that the Filipinos are here. We can fight with the best, not only me but with my co-Filipino racers competing for our flag,” he passionately expressed. Kyle added, “The lessons I’ve learned that really helped me to reach this milestone: First, to have discipline in everything. Second is to stay focused on my goal or what I want to accomplish third is to be dedicated in whatever I do and the lastly, the power of prayers, just like how my fellow Filipinos prayed for me.” “We felt very happy to bring trophies back home, as this battle is for our country. A very big thanks to the people who have taken their time to welcome us with a celebration; they are our fuel to take us to the next battle. They inspire us to win and this is our way of rewarding them in the way we can. They are our pillar of strength and without these people and their endless supports, we couldn’t have made it,” “This achievement is just the beginning. I will push further to achieve greater successes, while at the same time learn from mistakes and minimize it as much as possible. My aim is to bring pride and honor to our country; To show the world that Filipino racers are competitive too,” he affirmed. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

In the world of motorsports, where the stakes are high and ironically the notion of “speed is king” is ambiguous considering its detrimental effect at the slightest error, it is a must for every rider to be reminded of the risks each time they take a step onto the race track. For Passawit Thitivararak, Thai rider of Astemo SI Racing with Thai Honda the dangers became all too real when he crashed at the Sugo International Racing Course last year during the ASB1000 race. But what sets Passawit apart is not the crash itself, instead his journey of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. In Practice 1 of Round 3, IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2023, Passawit’s life changed in an instant when he broke his neck bone and his index finger, He suffered a spinal cord injury which left him numb. The injuries were so severe and with bleeding in his brain vessel, the road to recovery seemed almost impossible. Passawit recalled the struggles vividly, “I spent mornings chatting with my family and by noon, I have forgotten everything.” It took three long months just to begin feeling better, and the journey was far from over.” Despite the physical and emotional toll, Passawit driven by passion refused to wave the white flag in defeat. . He began his racing journey from the age of four and ever since then, racing had been his lifeblood, and even the near-tragic accident couldn’t extinguish the burning desire within him. With the unwavering support of his family, especially his father who cultivated the love for motorsport in him, Passawit embarked on a journey of comeback, beating the odds with each step forward. Four months after the crash, Passawit returned to the track, slowly rebuilding his strength and confidence. But one reminder of the accident lingered – the ability to smell again. Doctors offered a glimmer of hope, a 50/50 chance of recovery within a year, but Passawit remained undeterred. “It’s okay if I cannot smell,” he said, “as long as I can see, taste, and most importantly, can still feel the exhilaration of racing, I am content.” The road to redemption was not without its challenges. The 2024 season opening round brought its own set of obstacles, with front tyre issues causing a few minor crashes that slowed down his comeback. But with steely determination and an unyielding spirit, he pressed on, refusing to let setbacks define him. “I’ll still go for it,” he declared, “Because motorsport is my life.” For Passawit, the podium may seem like a distant dream, but his sights are set on a more achievable goal which is finishing top five for this season. In a field of world-class riders, each race is a testament to his courage and resilience, a reminder that true victory lies not in the accolades, but in the unwavering pursuit of passion and purpose. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Remembering The 22-Year-Old, Rising Star, A true Champion on and off track “Imagine watching a boy who fought hard on the circuit to live his dreams and then, in a twist of fate, fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit for 3 days straight and not being able to come out of it. It has never been the same since,” teared Rodney, the Team Manager. Haruki, 22 years old, was competing in Race 2 of Round 4, FIM Asia Road Championship at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. Like any other riders, he was all out, in full form for the title chase when he lost control of his SDG Honda Racing bike at Turn 10 before crashing. He was immediately taken to the circuit’s medical center, where he received emergency treatment for his critical injuries. He was then transferred to a hospital in Nusa Tenggara, where he remained in intensive care for three days. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, Haruki succumbed to his injuries on Monday, August 16, leaving behind his devastated parents, friends and fans. His tragic passing cut the motorcycle racing world deep… The pressure of professional sports is intense, the personal sacrifices that must be made to become an elite in their game is immense. That fact is heightened in motorsport. But very occasionally, there comes one, who totally bucks the trend. Haruki Noguchi was an extraordinaire. “Not only was he a brilliant rider and one of the most determined, but he was a amazing human being”, says Rodney. “He was a very cheeky guy off-track and he meant business each time he goes into the circuit. When I first met him during a race, I was impressed by the glimmer in his eyes, the determination to strive and never give up. That caught my attention and I knew then that I have found the best rider for the team. He was young boy with a goal and I never had second thoughts of hiring him in representing the team.” “He proved my selection right. Throughout his journey with the team, he played an important role. He made sure it wasn’t only about him instead he valued the goals, objectives and principles and shouldered the commitment and responsibilities without fail. Communication is crucial when it comes to teamwork, right? He aced it! There were no stumbling blocks. He and his teammates worked very closely during race weekends.” “Personally, he is like a son to me. He calls me Papa San. That’s how close we were. Watching a son battling for his life and three days later, the ventilation machine being turned off… it was truly a nightmare. I would never wish that for anyone.  Sometimes I do wake up in the middle of the night and reminisce the good old days on track. I think it has been some time since I had a proper sleep after the incident. He was a special combination, competitive, yet never a problem with the rivals, press or whatever.” “It’s a huge loss to the team and definitely it is gonna take some time for us get in back there and perform. We are all still mourning.” Shared Rodney. Born into the Noguchi family, in Nara, Japan on 20 June 2001, racing flowed through Haruki’s veins.  He was a rising star in the motorcycling scene, having made his debut in the All Japan Road Racing Championships in 2017. He quickly proved his talent and skill, winning the Superstock 600 category in 2021. He also impressed fans on the international stage, finishing third at the prestigious Suzuka-8 Hour endurance race earlier this year, alongside his teammates Takumi Takahashi and Ryo Mizuno. He was one of the favorites to win the Asia Road Championship title this year, having won two races and secured two pole positions in the previous rounds. He was known for his fearless riding style, as well as his cheerful and friendly personality off-track. “He was the strongest competitor,” Andi Farid of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA recalled fondly. “When you fight, when you got to compete for the fastest lap time, for the position, he never gives up. He was feisty, driven to be the best. There was nothing personal in his fight to be competitive. It is given, for all riders. Off-track, he is an amazing persona who shares many things in common. We always had stories to speak about or to share.” “He will be missed dearly.” Meanwhile, Andi’s teammate, Zahwan Zaidi, left a poignant tribute to his great rival cum friend. “It is a huge loss to the motorsports’ scene. He was the talent in need that makes every racing scene competitive. He was a rising star, someone for the younger generation to look up to and be inspired. He was not only his fan’s person but the riders in the ASB1000 race category too. Apart from being a rival on track, he has been a great friend off-track. I’ll miss you dearly, my friend!” said Zaqhwan. Haruki’s dedication to competition was as strong as ever in his sophomore year, where he was proving his incredible work ethic, passion, and dedication to two-wheeled motorsport. Haruki will be deeply missed by the paddocks he has graced throughout an incredible career, by his fans around the world, and by all those closest to him. We wish to pass on our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, team, and colleagues as we sadly bid farewell to the “Haruki Noguchi” far too soon. In the midst of sorrow, we stand united in honoring his memory and cherishing the impact he made. Till we meet again! Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

“I enjoy the process of riding and analysing what I can do better and even when things are going terribly, I like being able to always tell myself that I can make this situation different and I’m better than the problems we have at the moment,” says Adenanta Putra of Astra Racing Team, who believes maturity comes with experience. After an impressive performance jn AP250cc category last season,  the East Java born racer successfully made his way into SS600cc, but, somehow the 19-year-old finding it hard to get into his best position in his debut year in that category. “It is more like a challenging cum know the real deal kind of a season. Racing is a tough business and every racer aware of that. Yet, after having a quite a well season and now struggling to even to step on tbe podium in the last four rounds, it is definitely a wake up call. I believe it’s normal tripping a lil in a journey of becoming a better racer. “Honestly, I would crash quite a lot, I’d panic in certain situations and make a mess of things. I was my own worst enemy because I wanted to win every single race from the beginning doesn’t matter which platform I am competing at. But luckily there’s one man, who was a instrumental part of my growth, besides my team. He taught me how to control things, how to work on different situations, always try and stay calm regardless and get on with my job. “He was the reason and pillar of my career. I was six years old when he got me a motorcross bike and introduced me the world of two wheels. When I participated in my very first race, I instantly fell in love with the sport. Day by day, watching our local riders and world champions on TV, I knew exactly what I wanted to do,” says Adenanta. Adenanta believes his lack of success at the moment woukd be a motivation for him to dig in and get on with the job, so that he will be able to embrace the pressures today of being a factory rider fighting for the number one spot in the sport. “The pressure is higher compare to last season, I had to admit that. The competitiveness in SS600cc is quite tough for me, because all my opponents are senior riders and they have so much experiences in racing. Some of them have raced in international platforms. Regardless, by adaptation, I am improving step by step and day by day, and I think I have improved to be able atleast compete in the top group. “The desire to win the overall championship will always be there for every rider and definitely I prefer the same. So that, I can move to elit categories or even comoete in international platform one day. I think everybody would have that dream to compete in higher level, I’m not an exception. “ So, at the moment I am eorking on myself, my fitness and trying to gain knowledge as much as I can. I’m also hoping to participate in National Championships, as at the moment I haven’t been raced in one yet. It would help to improve my skills besides being my extra training ground. I would love to grab tbe opportunity if I were to given one. The Asia Talent Cup title holder, is currently at the 7th position with 60 points on hand and 3 points behind Malaysian rider Azroy Hakeem Anuar of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team. “ My target in the next round is still to be able to maintain the performance in the previous round, and to be better or improve, of course the target is to win. Hopefully, I will be able to step on the podium in Zhuhai, this weekend.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The fact is that there aren’t many Vietnamese who are aware of the motor racing scene and the lack of awareness can be attributed to the limited coverage and promotion of motor racing events or even the number of racing events in Vietnam itself. Besides, the popularity of other sports such as football and martial arts may overshadow the interest in motor racing among the people of the Land of Ascending Dragon.  Whether it’s the excitement of a football match, the discipline of martial arts, or the adrenaline rush of motor racing, sports have a way of captivating audiences worldwide. While motor racing may not currently enjoy widespread popularity in Vietnam, its unique appeal and thrilling nature have the potential to attract more viewers if given proper platform and exposure. There aren’t a lot of professional motorsport races may it be two wheels or four wheels,  currently taking place in the nation. The city was set to make its F1 debut in 2020 but the inaugural Vietnamese Grand Prix was canceled because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and Hanoi has not appeared on the race calendar since. With that said Hanoi’s motor race circuit lies largely abandoned while hopes fade that Vietnam’s capital will ever host a world championship anytime soon. However, there are a number of passionate motorsports enthusiasts involved and working tirelessly to mold talents with the facilities they have, one of it, The My Dinh stadium in Hanoi which acts as the circuit for the local riders. There are a number of riders who have been raised with the fewer facilities they had. One of them, Cao Viet Nam currently competes at The Asian Road Racing Championship in the AP250 category! “It wasn’t an easy ride for me in the world of motorsports. I was so passionate about this sport, the speed, the world-class riders but I didn’t even have the bike to begin in the first place and secondly, the circuit! Together with all my friends whom I am forever grateful for, we built a bike. Yes, you heard it right! We built the bike and went to race at the stadium which is not a circuit. It is more like starting the engine, turn left and go around the stadium. Ha ha ha… “It can be funny to hear that’s the reality we are facing in Vietnam which I really hope the whole scene will be enhanced one day with us proving there is a future in this sport. I know this is an expensive sport but I believe with the absolute amount of help and guidance we can bring it further. “When first started to race, with no proper guidance I failed a few times but eventually I managed to win with the experience I gained. Unfortunately, there was a barrier when I crashed and broke my wrist. I went through surgery the medical doctor advised me not to race for another six months. It was not only my wrist was broken but my heart too.. “But, it is not what happened. 45 days later I came to know that there is a rider selection by Honda for an international race and it all began there. Now, I am competing in two different Asia-level competitions.” Cao has been struggling to get his pace in the ARRC scene but that doesn’t mean he is not progressing. He has been gradually improving throughout the years since 2016. He has also has grabbed the Thailand Talent Cup title in 2019. “Competing in Asia tournaments is not as easy as back in Vietnam. There are too many talented and amazing riders to compete with, but, it is to learn at the same time. I have gained so much knowledge through my participation in ARRC. Thanks to em! If I never got a chance to be here, I wouldn’t have known how it would be to race in a real circuit. Trying out different categories from UB130 to UB150 and now AP250, there are humongous differences among these classes and also the riders. “For example, currently I am competing in ARRC and MSBK at the same time, in the same category, but I could perform better in MSBK. ARRC is highly competitive, so I am still struggling to get the pace. With fewer training slots or local races, it is quite hard for us Vietnamese to get prepared. If you see the motorsport scene in Malaysia or Thailand or Indonesia, there are a number of platforms for the younger generations grow. It is not the same for us. A sad truth! But I hope it changes” The Honda Racing Vietnam Team’s rider currently clinching the 8th spot with 55 points on hand and hoping to place him in the top 5 with two rounds left. “I know it’s quite hard to chase with just two rounds left. Yet, if I made it to Top 5 that would be the best result for me throughout my career in ARRC. No harm in aiming higher, so let’s see what’s in store for me in Zhuhai, this weekend,” says Cao who carries his country’s name in his. Good luck, Cao VIET NAM! Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

After showcasing a phenomenal performance since the first round of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, ARRC season 2022, Andi Farid Idzhar was promoted to the elite class in the FIM Asia Racing Championship with Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA (HADR), ASB1000cc racing alongside another talented rider from Malaysia, Zaqhwan Zaidi. Since then, the Indonesian never failed to prove it was the right move made by one of the senior teams in Asia’s prestigious two-wheel race, Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA. Andi is no stranger to the world of motorsports. He emerged into two-wheel racing professionally at the age of 15 and made his debut in the Asia Dream Cup at the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in 2014. The young lad paved the way into European racing scenes when he entered Asia Talent Cup in 2015. Since then, the 25-year-old made appearances in several international races including a spot in CEV Moto3, and World Championships.  Four rounds later in the season of 2023, Andi booked a spot in the top three of class ASB1000cc, with two podium wins on hand and only 2.5 points behind his teammate. “What I have done so far, it is not the best yet, I think still not enough. I mean, there is still a lot more learning to do. I am aware of my contenders’ strength and they are very strong. Hence, I need to find my compatibility with the 1000cc so that I can be more competitive in handling my machine on circuit. Nevertheless, although I am happy with my progress so far but there is still room for learning and improvement.” “I was so excited to start the 2023 season in a new class, knowing that the path was not gonna be an easy run. I have been preparing myself physically and mentally to face this new challenge. So that the debut season never ends as a platform where I only gained experience instead as a pedestal where I am able to prove my abilities.” “Besides, racing along with a teammate like Zaqhwan is a boost for me. He is a very talented and humble teammate. So, I believe we have brought some impactful results to the team for this season. The mission hasn’t ended yet, two more rounds to go. I believe we, as a team can pull it off. Apart from this, I would really want to thank the team who have put immense effort into giving us the best machines and being our pillar each time we are on track.” “Not only during the race, also off tracks, they have been amazing. A diversified team, the team consists of riders and staff from different countries. Yet, they are amazing although there are differences and it is nice to be a part of them. I never felt strange. They are family! Teamwork is something crucial when it comes to motorsport. It’s never a one-man show, though it’s just one person handling the machine on the circuit and chasing the podium slot, but there is a huge number of brains working together to pull it off. I’m grateful to them!” “The return of German lad, Markus Reiterberger, to Asia with a mission to bag his first Asian title, definitely has raised the bar of competitiveness in class ASB1000cc. He has been unbeatable in the last few rounds and the experience he gained throughout his career indeed speaks for itself.” Commenting on Markus’s waves in ARRC, Andi admitted he has been a strong rival since round one. “Markus, he has a lot of experience, especially in Europe. Apart from looking at him as a fellow competitor, I look up to him and learn a lot from him. Even in the last four rounds, I gained so much knowledge from him. Of course, it was not only him but also my teammate Zaqhwan. They are in their own league. However, it will never stop me from fighting for the championship title.” “So, the last two rounds are very important. I’ve never raced in Zuhai circuit with a 1000cc machine. Hence, first I need to get enough data and learn the track layout and my target is to give my best as possible to make it a good race.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Motorsport is a big business but what you see on TV is only the very tip of an iceberg. The hype and the glamour, the status may all be an inspiration to take up motorsport or simply the idea of being part of the MotoGP or even the four-wheeled race, F1, widely recognised as the pinnacle of the sport. But where do I begin? How do I make it there? What does it take? These are the usual queries in a person’s mind.   Whether you want to be part of the ladder or simply indulge in something fast and furious, there is always something out there for you. Compared to the days before, motorsports have become much accessible to the various layers within the community. However, are they well informed?  Singaporean rider, Arsyad Rushdi, struggled to find the right platform to chase his dreams back in his home but managed to begin his racing journey in his neighbouring country, Malaysia. “To find the proper path to pursue my dream, it was the real deal. The struggle was and still is the lack of opportunities to have more riding time, sponsors and exposure to make racing a career. There isn’t much support for the racing industry in Singapore, leaving aside the F1 scene. As am emphasising on two wheels, the opportunities are still low. We only have a small go-kart circuit to race on which is just short of a kilometre long. Despite all this, I always try to work hard and get as many opportunities to race whenever I can. “I started riding bikes at the age of 11. My dad bought me a pocket bike, which is a mini-motorcycle for my siblings and me to practice our riding. I wouldn’t say I chose motorsports because my dad was the one that started it all. I fell in love with racing really quickly and it has been a part of my life ever since. Of course, there are other sports that I like to play such as football, but nothing beats the adrenaline rush when riding a bike and taking the corners. “From there, we ventured into Malaysia to race the pocket bikes, where I raced with riders like Kasma Daniel. I would say I was quite successful, winning a lot of races. When I turned 17, I had the opportunity to race in the Honda Asia Dream Cup in the year 2014 and 2015. It was my first international competition and also my first time racing sports bikes. This was where I learned and gained a lot of experience with regards to racing. And the rest is history!” In 2016, Arsyad participated in the Suzuki Asian Challenge, and then in 2017 the KTM RC Cup Asia Championship. There are a number of amusing achievements that the 26-year-old paved in the motorsports scene. “After racing in international competitions for 4 years, I took a short break to focus on my studies. I wish I could balance both my racing career and studies, unfortunately, I had to drop one as racing requires extensive traveling and that blatant fact that there are fewer opportunities at the national level.” “Last year, I was given another opportunity to race in the ARRC in TVS Asia OMC. It took some time for me to get used to traveling and racing as I took a break from racing in 2017 until the inaugural TVS race last year. Currently, I am in my second year participating in the TVS Asia OMC and I am thankful for being invited again by TVS to race for the series’ second season. “Compared to last year, the line-up this season includes riders who have competed at the highest level, like Hiroki in the Moto3 championship, Ramdan in ARRC and Spanish Championship, and many more. They are all talented riders and it really has been a challenging season. I feel my performance has not been what I expected at the start of the year. However, it motivates me to keep working and hopefully, I will be able to improve my performance in the final 2 round which is in Zhuhai and Buriram,” said Arsyad. The inaugural season of TVS seems quite tough on the Singaporean lad, as he finished the season at 7th overall with no podium wins on hand. However, the never-give-up character in him brought him again into the second season with a higher vision. “One of the main challenges would be my body size. In all the one-make series I have competed in, I was always one of the heaviest and taller riders, and in racing the smaller CC bikes, weight plays a big role as it affects the straight-line speed. Regardless, I’m trying best to be in front and be competitive as much as I can. “ My target will always be aiming for the podium no matter what. This will be my first time racing at the Zhuhai Circuit, and I am really looking forward to learning a new circuit. Some of the guys have done races at the circuit, so I need to quickly get up to speed to be able to have a chance at the podium,” Arsyad all geared for the upcoming race, this weekend. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The return of Markus Reiterberger of the ONEXOX BMW TKKR TEAM to the Asia, in the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) and this time, with the aim to fight for the championship title that he missed out on 3 years ago. Half way into the season, Markus has showcased a sensational performance in the last three rounds, adding in his exceptional performance in Sportsland International Sugo Racing course into the list. The circuit not only gifted the 29-year-old with the experience but also rewarded him with a victory. “I’m really happy with  the race in Sugo because that was my first tie  there, by only watching the videos, I made it to the podium in both Race 1 and 2. At first, it wasn’t easy but I managed to learn fast during qualifying. Right now, I love that circuit. It’s a technical circuit yet interesting. The team has put a lot effort and hardwork to make sure my machine was in perfect shape.” “Initially I was excpecting just one win during the last round, as I was not familiar with the circuit and also it was my main contender, Haruki’s home ground. He had all the advatanges there. So, I studied the lap time from Noguchi as he was the strongest rider in the last season. I noticed that I could do few laps very quickly and then I stabilised my lap time. So, I followed through with my plan and it happened.” “Not only Haruki, Kasma, Azlan and Zaqhwan are tough competitors as well. It wasn’t an easy race but I’m really happy and satisfied with my lap times especially and taking over the lead position in the ASB1000cc.” Commenting further on the performance in Sugo, Markus admitted that the experience gained throughout these years has helped him to learn fast about the circuit.” “If you ask me if it’s merely luck or my experience that gave me the victory, I would say it’s the maturity and the ability to decide or plan fast that made me touch the finish line with a win in my hand. It never came easy to me. It took years of bumpy roads, failures and my efforts to be here. I’m still learning and progressing through each rounds. In every race, there’s something new to learn from the race itself and also the other riders.” While Markus leads the standing with a total of 118 points to date, Haruki is 26 points behind meanwhile Zaqhwan is at the third place with 84 points. Though the cards look brighter on Markus side, the German lad wouldn’t want to have high hopes but still sticking to the goal to bag the Asia title. “It seems good so far, Next in Mandalika, another circuit to explore and devour! Ha ha ha… It would be definitely amazing if I am able to make it to the podium in Indonesia. And I must say this, the Indonesian motorsport fans are crazy. They are so amazing, the crowd will be great.” “As usual I am gonna give my 100% to this race while enjoying it at the same time. I don’t wanna pressure myself by looking at the title now, but the vision is there and I am taking one step at one time. I believe I will reach where I need to be.”

Malaysian rider, Khairul Idham Pawi, or fondly known as SuperKIP, made it into the top 20 positions in the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race in Japan, last weekend and will now move forward with his riding goals in Round 4 of Asian Road Racing Championship 2023 before heading back to his home-ground for another battle in the season opener of the Malaysia Superbike Championship, MSBK, 2023 which will commence on 18th August 2023. Riding under Honda Sofukai Suzuka Racing Team, KIP teamed up with Japan’s Yuki Sugiyama and Hane Takumi on his first appearance in the 8 hour race at the Land of Sunrise and finished at the 18th place out of 50 participants. The 25-year-old who was no stranger to the world of motorsports while he was a Moto3 rider back in 2017 had quite a dramatic journey till he announced his retirement at the age of 22 back in 2020 and decided to make a comeback in 2021. KIP explained his decision to quit motorsports for good. This move was explained in a cool and calm manner where he declared the need to be done for his own happiness as well as his loved ones around him. Truth be told, it has been a difficult couple of seasons for the young Malaysian rider. He created history back in 2016 as the first Malaysian rider to win a race in the MotoGP 250cc class not once, but twice in a season. Things moved a little too quickly for the motorsports superstar with a promotion into Moto2 before being signed with the Petronas Sprinta Racing team. His downfall led him to a long-term injury that resulted in the amputation of one of his fingers early of 2020, but the opportunity to prove himself worthy of competing with the best Moto3 riders once he recovered was not granted. The announcement of retirement was a bit of a frustration, yet, The Champ came out of it real quick! Kudos! Last season can be described as a warm up for the break he had as he was still struggling to get his pace back and this season, he has been all out in proving his worthiness since the season opener in March. Coming back to the current racing scene, across the weekend’s three races, with two more to go KIP keeping it super cool claiming that back-to-back races kept his momentum on track though it can be exhausting in the coming weekends. “ As a professional rider, this is how our life is or should be. Yes, the races are back-to-back and adding on to the strain, the travelling. So, it’s not only about the race, it’s a package. Three different countries with three different vehicles in three weeks. It will be exhausting and I’m not gonna deny or sugarcoat it. Regardless, I am all geared up for these racers.” “And also it’s about the experience I gained. For example, I have raced in Moto3 and Moto2, World Championship, but the Suzuka 8H, never been. My very first experience there in Suzuka, but I felt I got my momentum back which I never had in last few years. Now it feels like I am back to my old self when I was competing in World Championship.” “I could have done better in Suzuka but I am happy with the performances and next I’ll be heading to Mandalika, my neighbour country. Every circuit is a playground that we riders explore continuously, no matter the times we have raced there. I always give my full commitment to every races. Same goes to this one.” In the last round at Sugo, KIP of BOON SIEW HONDA RACING TEAM definitely made an impression with steady and strong finish aboard the Honda CBR600RR as he strode swiftly ahead to bag number 1. Currently dominating the SuperSport 600cc class with 118 points which is comfortably 27 points ahead of Japanese, Keito Abe.” Would KIP be able to grab the title for this season? Possibilities are high! “As for now I do not want to pressure myself by thinking of title, but somehow we are half way there. It seems possible but this is race. Anything can happen and anybody can win. So, for now I am going to enjoy the race and collect as much points as I can. Podium in every other rounds and let’s see. Que Sera Sera!”