Real Life

In 2017, a 20-year old woman made it to worldwide history when she became the first female motorcyclist to win a world championship in Portimao, Portugal. Her name is Ana Carrasco.  In 2017, a 20-year old woman made it to the worldwide history when she became the first female motorcyclist to win a world championship in Portimao, Portugal. Her name is Ana Carrasco. Meanwhile, within the Asian region, Muklada Sarapuech reigned as the first female rider to win a title in the history of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, ARRC when she took the win in the Asia Dream Cup, 2015. After her win, she was then offered the opportunity to take a step into the international domain, making her debut in the FIM CEV Repsol Moto3 Junior World Championship in Jerez and Valencia. Muklada is also the first Thai woman to win a race at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram. The Bangkok born lass, raced under the number 44 represented A.P Honda Racing Thailand back then made an impactful finish at 19’11:671s, beating 24 male rivals in the making of a historical move. It was just the beginning of women taking home, trophies and titles where the goals were to gracefully turn over the stereotypes of societal norms. In recent years, an increasing number of women were motivated further to embark on a mission in the motorsports scene – some for personal reasons and the others, professionally. However, it comes with a cost – one that included hardship, challenges and criticism. Since motorsports have historically been a hetero-masculine sport, women paid the price to revolutionise thoughts and perceptions in the domain. What was it like for Muklada in her endeavours to challenge the male-dominated sport? It was not an easy attempt for the 29-year-old woman. “When it comes to motorsports, especially two-wheels, it has been traditionally perceived as a masculine sport. First things first, many would make physical comparisons between a male and a female. They tend to compare the body size, strength and endurance level. People’s perspectives and assumptions alone is good enough to defeat a woman’s actual abilities. That is good enough to hinder women from entering the motorsport scene.” “If you ask me though, it is pretty much a myth to me. Biologically, we could be different however a woman is capable to compete and excel just like men. Men and women are built with a mental ability to achieve the same things. That’s probably the most important element when it comes to racing. To plan and execute at the right time,” said Muklada. Muklada was 11 years old when she begun her journey on a two-wheeler with a Nano Bike. Little did the child in Muklada realise that 4 years down the road, she would be competing in the FMSCT Thailand Championship in Honda Click 125cc class. Her excellence in the first round, grabbed the attention and the rest is history. “The other challenge for women was the lack of knowledge with minimal number of females participating in motorsports – persuasion was tough when it comes to parents. But as time goes by, and as the reputation of motorsports increased tremendously in Thailand, they started viewing motorsports from a different light. Thereafter, my family have been there for me throughout my riding journey till this very day. I am grateful for having them.” “Every challenge that I have faced in my career thus far, I don’t see them as a limitation. I would say that they are the stepping stone towards my victory. All these have pushed me further and I have never given up, not even for once. Sort of a motivation for me to keep moving forward. That is my strength I would say.” “Now I am back in the AP250 race category. I have enough experience to take up the challenge but this time is not only to win some races but to bring home the title.” “Definitely won’t be an easy task though. I have been exercising regularly and consulting a trainer, preparing myself physically. Most importantly, I have to keep studying the circuit tricks and tips through the championship videos. I have been devoted to all of my races. Every race is a new beginning. Especially the season opener. It would be truly a meaningful one to win and also fuel me further for the next rounds. I hope to do my best and collect as much points as I can.” Women for some years now have been carving successful careers in multiple walks of the two-wheels and four-wheels racing world! While the proportion of women to men is still far from balanced, things have been changing.  To every women out there, what else you girls waiting for?

Md Izzat Zaidi, probably, won’t need reminding of what happened in the last season of Asia Road Racing Championship, ARRC, in UnderBone 150cc class with Pits JRT OneWay. While most riders would want to move on from past, the defeat with merely one point difference injects morale boost for The Malaysian rider to again eye for the championship title this season. “I would be lying if I say there is no pain in the loss, my victory was diminished with a single point. But that’s the beauty of race. Everyone has a chance to win therefore each round matters and I have to admit that I have messed up in certain rounds due to some unavoidable technical issue.” “I have gone through the similar situation in 2018 when I was with YYPANG Racing Team where I finished my season at the 2nd overall in UB150cc class. However, the result wasn’t really disappointing because I was aware as the gap points between my contender, Helmi Azman and myself were huge. So the expectations were lower. “Thereafter, I have struggled to be consistent. The following year, I only managed to finish at 17th overall and after three years I was back in the same class with a new team. Regardless, there were a number of successful moments last season, personally which I was happy and satisfied that I am back in form.” Izzat Zaidi begun his racing career in the year 2010 when he was 15 years old through the Malaysian Cub Prix. Even though it was quite late to begin professionally, Izzat has bagged some victories through nerve-wrecking performances. “Joy and sorrows of winning and losing in race is normal. That’s how my 13 years journey was like in motorsport world. Winning and losing are part and parcle of the race. That’s what learning is, after all; not whether we lose the game, but how we lose and how we’ve changed because of it, and what we take away from it that we never had before, to apply to the next one. “And my father always says winning is not always punctual but eventually it comes. I stand by this words and I will never give up on my dream. Opportunity only comes but once. Make use of it.” About to rewrite his script with Cardinal Racing Team, could this season be his to celebrate after 13 years of hardwork? “This season seems tough. Those UnderBone champions from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, everyone is there this season. Everyone has their own abilities and specialities. I have mine too. So, I have to adapt with the new team quickly. Plan and execute accordingly. we will be able to fine tune the machine and find the right setup needed for the machine for the first round in Chang International Circuit this weekend. “Usually, the hype would be higher for elite classes. But then the competitiveness in UB150cc is tremendous. I love how everytime the race accelerates my adrenaline whenever I am on track. Im hoping for a better season and grab the title this year. “I want to claim, This is my Year!”

“If you asked me 10 years ago, if I could grab the title, the enthusiastic me would have said, Oh yes, In a couple of years! However, if you have asked me the same question like five years ago, I would have laughed away! Yet, I have never surrendered even once.” “If you have asked me 10 years ago, if I could grab the title, the enthusiastic me would have said, yes, in a couple of years! However, if you have asked me the same question like five years ago, I would have laughed away! Yet, I never surrendered!” Twelve years and 155 days after making his debut in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, Vorapong Malahuan finally did it. Vorapong can be classified as one of the popular and unfaltering winners in the history of ARRC. No wonder there was a raw mix of emotions when tears and cheers filled the air at the end of the TVS One Make Championship last season. It would have never crossed his mind, just how long it would take to stand on the top step of the podium when he first took part in ARRC, in the Underbone 155cc race category. Back then, he represented Thailand Idemitsu Honda Racing Team. It was the season opener and he was 19 years old. It took another eleven seasons and 62 rounds in three different categories coupled with pain and frustrations before he experienced that feeling of being a winner, being crowned the Asian Champion for the very first time, in the newly established race category, TVS Asia One Make Championship. A 12-year-old boy who fell in love with speed and acceleration two decades ago, he began his racing journey with motorbike drag racing and it took him a solid 7 years before he made it to the real deal – Road Racing! “I’m a person who is very fond of speed and competitions ever since I was a young kid. I love bikes more than anything else in my life – my First Ever Love. I would say that I have devoted my life to this two-wheels, ha ha… I was 12 years old when I started my two wheels journey. My dad enrolled me in the motorbike drag racing, obviously after I bugged him for some time and finally he relented.” “Then, it took me another seven years before I started pursuing motorcycle racing professionally. Definitely, I would thank my previous and very first team who trusted my ability and gave me the chance to explore the real track all over Asia. Who would have imagined right… born in Chiang Mai, a city of mountainous northern Thailand, well-known for its culture and tribe of two villages. Currently, flying around, living my dreams and finally, I made history. I am definitely proud that I did not throw in the towel just yet.” “12 years was a rough patch. Well, motorsport itself is a tough business and every rider, even World Champions would have struggled to reach their goal. In a career that sees us typically travelling eight months in a year, despite down times, disappointments and frustrations or even injuries, there is a great need to bounce back up for the next race. We have to continuously move on, each and every time!” “I think as a sports person, we have the ability to switch on and off, it is what makes us unique. And I think that’s how I have also survived all these years. If I have given up after a few years of trying, I would not have gotten the chance to taste the sweet flavours of success.” Last season, the 35-year-old Thai rider displayed extraordinary skills with podium in each round. Vorapong’s journey in motorsport is quite an inspiration not only as a rider but also with his leadership skills through his academy, named AVRP Racing which provides professional training and courses to all ages and with no gender discrimination. “I am happy to say that my journey will never end with racing on track but it continues through my academy. If one day, I decide to retire from racing, I would continue serving through knowledge sharing. In our academy, we have professional tutors who help motorsport maniacs or enthusiasts enhance their skills with safety being the priority.” “As of now, I have no plans of retiring. I am still fit and I think I am able to push my contenders further. The victory last season creates an even greater appetite towards success. So, yea… let’s welcome another year of “Bikegasm. I am all set for the race this weekend.

Buriram may be home to ancient temples, food that feeds the appetite, a tropical climate, distinctive local culture, stunning view of the countryside, Thailand’s largest volcano that has marched towards extinction, forest park for good measure and many more but unless you’re set on venturing far from the country’s well-worn tourist route, it is highly unlikely that you may discover a town which has a population of approximately 27,000,000 on your itinerary.Unless of course, you are a Motorsport aficionado! Since 1996, Thailand has been the proud host of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) –the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing in Asia to date and this year, the championship celebrates its 27 th year. Thailand Circuit which is situated in Nakhon Pathom was the official venue until Chang International Circuit took over the role for greater exposure and excellence. Built in 2014, Buriram has since become home to motorsports! Competing on the home-ground, in front of thousands of supporters is always a memory to be cherished for riders. It becomes even more monumental when they clinch the podiums at their home circuits. At Buriram, the turnout of spectators each time a two-wheel race takes place is larger than life.How has Buriram pulled off what many couldn’t, enticing punters into the stick to watch blokes hustle speed machines around an asphalt loop and 70% of them are Thai attendees? Explaining the motorsports culture in Thailand, the YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team rider, Anupab Sarmoon who competes in the ASB1000 race category expressed, “The best thing about racing at home-ground is the amazing people and the unending support rendered to us. 50% of the population in our country love motorsports and the rest support for the flag that we carry each time we hit the ground – in the name of our country.” “How could I disappoint my people when they have come all the way to support us? That has always been the motivational push that I needed each time I race in Buriram. To be honest, many loves Thailand. Not only the local people but also the foreigners who have extended their visit to our towns and cities. So, I would say that it’s two in one. They not only watch the race but also enjoy the days inour country.” Adding essence to the flavour, Buriram is also added into the calendar of the most prestigious two-wheel race, MotoGP World Championship since 2018. Situated about 400km (a five-hour-drive) to the northeast of Bangkok, fans can expect to enjoy a warm welcome from enthusiastic and friendly citizens, with an ever-increasing passion for motorcycle racing. “I am pretty excited for the next race. The season begun here in Buriram and will also see through the final race. I had a good start this season with an added advantage at my home-ground and now I am confident that I could do better to finish the race among the top. With Haruki out of the equation due to unforeseen injury, it also gives me the opportunity to make it to the top three.” Meanwhile, the fellow team rider, Apiwat Wongthananon, who is at the 5 th spot in the overall standing in the ASB1000 race category hopes to have a fun and fulfilling ride at the circuit. “Thailand is a nice country for people to visit. Who doesn’t love Thai food, right? They get not just the satisfaction of watching a race but also the exchange of cultural diversity and an acquisition of local tastebuds. One thing for sure, Thailand and in particular, Buriram is a treasure cove of culture and beauty. Apart from that, I would say that there is an increase of interest among many Thaistowards motorsport these days which means, we get undivided support and attention. As much as I am excited, I can assure you that the locals are too.” “I would say that I had a good start in the first round here at Buriram. Yet, my performances weren’t consistent throughout the season. But this time around, we are working on a better strategy and set up for the race which I believe would help us achieve our team target. My team has been working tirelessly to make the best of the machine. So, I hope to do my best and be among the front troop. Iwant to finish the race without any issues. Definitely, I am eyeing for a spot on the podium as it would ultimately boost the points and the overall results. Let’s hope for a better weekend. I am welcomingall fans to the Land of Smiles.”

With an absolutely crazed fanbase quite unlike anywhere else, there is no question at all that Indonesia deserves the well-known FIM Asia Road Racing Championship’s return in its home-ground. It has been almost 4 years including the hiatus brought along by the Covid-19 pandemic since the championship made its grand presence in the land of thousand islands. With Sentul Circuit located just outside the capital city of Jakarta, it is not hard to imagine that a well promoted and managed race at the country could easily have challenged the record made by Indianapolis Motor Speed which witnessed a spectatorship of over 400,000 people – such is the love for Motorsport in Indonesia. Keeping the hopes high for ARRC to return to Indonesia, ASTRA HONDA Racing Team promising rider, Andi Farid Izdihar applauds the support of his people throughout the years. “I think Indonesia has one of the craziest motorsport fans. I competed in the World Championship last year here in Indonesia. There were many people who attended the championship from all around the world. But one thing that I can assure you is that 50% of them were Indonesians. They have huge enthusiasm for motorsport. Even Dorna acknowledges it,” said Andi, giggling. Andi is no stranger to the world of motorsports. He emerged into the two wheels racing professionally at the age of 15 and made his debut in the Asia Dream Cup at FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in 2014. The young ambitious lad went on to the Asia Talent Cup in 2015 which paved a pathway into the European racing scenes. Since then, the 24-year-old made appearances in several international races including a spot in CEV Moto3, World Championship. He went on to say, “Unlike the current generation, they start as early as six or seven years old but I was a little late when I began. I was 11. The interest caught me when I was 8 years old, during those times when I would watch adults racing near my place. I don’t stay at home because I was eager to watch them which made my mum upset. Nevertheless, it didn’t stop me.” “Fortunately, when my father noticed that I have such huge interest in two wheels, he wasn’t against it. In fact, he offered great support and paid for everything that I needed to be part of my dreams. I then started engaging in junior level tournaments in 2019. My first debut in ARRC was in 2014. Though I started a little late compared to the other riders, I was able to step into the Asia Talent Cup when they noticed my talent and passion,” explained Andi. Undoubtedly, Andi has showcased a phenomenal performance since the first round of ARRC this season. Commenting on the current standings, Andi denied the statements that he should be comfortable with his position at the second spot which presents him with 108 points. “It is impossible for me to secure the championship as my main contender, Helmi Azman is ahead of me by 32 points. Even if I make it to the podium in the next race, I still won’t be able to chase him. At the same time, I can’t be reckless as Nakarin is just 4 points away from me. I have to avoid making any mistakes and finish the race as best as I could. I would want to end the season with a podium in hand.” “I will try my best to finish the race and collect the maximum points for my team and for myself. Chang International Circuit has always been my favourite. I have carved good memories and have made great results. So, I hope for a positive outcome in Buriram,” said Andi.

Two Malaysian riders, Azroy Hakeem Anuar and Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin received a confidence boost ahead of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship Finale which will be held at the Chang International Circuit. A dream to many but a blessing to the two lucky riders who found an opportunity to perform on the World stage. Being handpicked comes with a challenge that may not be very pleasing. The short preparation time was a setback however the riders showcased astounding performance during the race. Their ability to adapt to the Moto2 machinery and team crew was a crucial element in being a performer in the international front and both riders proved their worth with it. Ask any rider and they would say that,it is no easy task getting accustomed to the Moto2 machine. Nevertheless, the duo was bold in their stance and with the experience in hand, they nailed it in their capacities. Admitting that the feat was quite a challenge, they are undoubtedly happy to have finished the race safely in their very own homeland. Kasma who had a full season in the Moto2 race class in 2020 was seen trying to maintain consistency with his pace throughout the race. One can’t deny the fact that he was competitive enough to have represented the country on a platform recognised as world class. “It was a challenging race but I did my best to remain consistent throughout. I made mistakes, yes but Alhamdullilah, I was able to complete the race. That felt good. It was also a thrill to have been back among the highly competitive riders. Let’s not talk about winning. For me, what was even more thrilling was riding with riders of high calibre and great showmanship. I believe that I have put on a good fight.” “Next would be the ARRC final round. Currently, I am at the 3 rd spot overall in the ASB1000 race category with a total of 115 points. At first, I just wanted to focus on collecting as much points as possible but now, looking at where I stand and wit Haruki out of the scene, I am confident and am looking forward to a battle for title. It will be a tough one still with Zaqhwan there. He is no easy contender for sure.” “With the boost I received from MotoGP Malaysia, I know that I can put on a good fight. Most of all, I truly want to enjoy the race and touch the finish line safe and sound,” said Kasma. Meanwhile, Boon Siew Honda Racing Team rider, Azroy who made a debut in Moto2 race class for the first time said that he was “less happy” with his performance but was still very grateful for the opportunity given and to have completed the race safely. “It is quite a challenging race. I managed to make a good start but after half a lap, a rider tried to overtake me in a dangerous manner which caused us to overshoot. I then tired to maintain my lap time and thankfully, I was able to complete the race. Not very happy though with the result. But it was a great experience which gave me a little insight to the world of MotoGP and I will strive again to do better.” “All these years, I have dreamt of performing in the eyes of the world but I never once thought that it would happen at my home-ground. I’m glad! It’s done for now and my next focus would be the finale of ARRC in Buriram!” “It is impossible for me to chase the championship title but I will put on a good fight to be among the top three. I am all geared up to go on full throttle and collect as much points as I can for my team. They have put up so much effort and I hope that the result in the final round pays off!” explained Azroy.

Have you ever wondered how professional motorsport riders made it to the sport and how much it would have cost families to get their children to the top of the game? Does being rich really make a difference in the world of motorsport and are all riders from wealthy families? Most of them come from well-off households while some from merely average backgrounds. The wealth of the families varies significantly. Some begin from humbler settings and needed greater external support and sponsorship in the hope that their hard work pays off. Some parents take up loans to have their kids making a presence in the scene of motorsports and some came from families who worked extremely hard to make their children’s dream a reality – MotoGP riders like Jorge Martin or the more recent name like Pedro Acosta (whose father was a fisherman). It wasn’t an easy path for 21-year-old Senthil Kumar either who was born in Coimbatore, a city situated in the Southern India to parents who owned a grocery shop. As a teen, Senthil made his way into the National Championship, one of the main feeder series for a professional motorcycle career in India. “I started racing at the age of 14. I would say it is a little late to enter the two wheels arena but it was worth the risk and try. I fell in love with this sport because of my brother. He was the first in the family to have ventured into this scene, professionally and proved that there is a future with it. So, my first race was in some of the local races and then to the National Championship, competing inthe junior category.” “My brother is not just an inspiration to me but he is also my biggest support system with my career. If he has not invested in my dreams, I wouldn’t be racing in the Asian level right now instead I would have ended on the streets of Coimbatore. I am forever grateful to this wonderful man who made it a possible for me to take a deeper look into the career of motorsports.” “Basically, I’m from an impoverished family. My dad owns a tiny grocery shop in India and my mother is a home maker. Initially, we could not afford the expenses that entails a rider’s entry into the racing world. Nevertheless, my brother kept pushing me to work on my dreams. He also looked into the financial aspects of the industry and paid for me with his hard-earned money until I was selected by Honda,” expressed Senthil. As a result of his success in several local races, Senthil earned a place in the Thailand Talent Cup and Honda Idemitsu Talent Cup with Honda. He was only 18 then. Despite being a debutante, he made it to the podium with a phenomenal expression of passion throughout the race. Boom! In 2019, the Coimbatore rider made his entrance into the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship! “My ARRC debut was in 2019 where I competed in the AP250 race category. It is my favourite category and my first hence a great learning curve. Not to mention the thrill that comes with riding among some of the best in the category – highly experienced and competitive riders. Some of them have even been to the World Championship before. It was tough in the beginning, getting used to different circuit layouts with its challenging turns but what matters most is learning something valuable and pertinent in each round.” “Then came the two-year hiatus due to the global pandemic and a very unexpected twist to it which took away the chances of further improving. This year has been tough and rough. We struggled a little with the machine but managed to overcome it. It does seem like we are becoming better. My team is putting in all their efforts to bring out the best in terms of the machine’s capacities.” Commenting about his season thus far, Senthil said, “If you told me at the beginning of the season that there is a certain kind of expectation in terms of riders’ ability and the results that I would obtain, I would not have believed it. But as the going gets tough and as riders get better, you will always want more and be on par with the better troop. At the end of the day, you just want to achieve the feel of being at the top, right? So, I am never happy with my race. I never will!” “I mean, there has been races that I have been really happy with like the first round in Buriram. So, every race that I finish, there is something more to do and a better result to achieve.” Senthil is not one to be easily shaken down. He believes in hard work – both from his team and himself has put in this season. Hard work always pays off. Like every other rider, Senthil does have his long-term dreams that he hopes to achieve some day. “My dream is to embark on the footsteps of my hero, Marc Marquez and to be the champion in MotoGP. I love his attitude and charisma on/off circuit.”

Racers balancing their engines for optimum performance, that’s an easy task for them. But how many of them could balance their personal relationships with their significant others for even mediocre performance? Sounds easy but it ain’t easy mate! Racing, no doubt is an amazing thing one can do, apart from being costly and dangerous. It may drain your account, take up one’s time and may even result in an unhealthy relationship. Finding the right balance between racing and relationship then becomes questionable and, in a generation, where relationship requires equal distribution of partnership, juggling between a racing career and a relationship may even seem like a difficult task to accomplish. So, what gives? Yamaha GEN BLU Racing Team rider, Kasma Daniel Kasmayuddin said “YES” earlier this August and about to seal a deal this month. This time around, it is not the deal to bag a spot on the podium for to peruse the marriage vows. Yes, that is true. The young lad who had successful garnered numerous victories will be tying the knot this month. In an interesting twist of fate, the future Mrs Kasma grew up rooting for her father, who is also highly involved in the motorsport scene as the humble owner of PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha – CKJ Racing Team. The team currently competes in the Malaysia’s prestigious motorsport championship, The PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix. John Paul Young sung Love is in the Air in 1977 but their “Love is in the Circuit” rhythm is about to transition into a beautiful yet challenging new phase. How did the 22-year old steal the heart of this lass between a busy schedule? But the real question is, how would she do it? “The ideal situation would be to find someone who is supportive but even more than that, it would be someone who shares the same interest in racing. That’s a huge deal. She grew up watching her father managing a team and follows him to circuit for races. In fact, that was how we met! Haha…She has been exposed to this environment and she is very well aware of a racer’s lifestyle. We have very less time for each other as I race most of the weekends and I travel quite a bit too. She has been very understanding since day one that I met her and hasbeen there for me through my ups and downs. It doesn’t matter if I won or lost, she was always there by my side.” Kasma went on to say, “I believe that a healthy balance between marriage and a career that requires a lot of time away is communication. Apart from that, there is also a lot of scheduling, financial planning and so on. One more thing is spending the quality time with your partner. When there is time, taking that time to be present for the partner is truly important. The relationship then becomes better as you bond with your partner. That also helps take your mind off racing for a moment and it’s not a bad thing. Even the most passionate of riders know how important rest is.” Kasma has definitely struck a balance between racing and the love of his life. For Kasma, racing is very much a family affair here onwards. He believes in marrying someone who understands not only his needs and expectations of a husband and a person but also the bulk of what makes him, him – his career. Marrying into a family who runs the same business is definitely a plus and a boost to his overall identity. “We are about the make the most important decision in our lives. We are going to seal our love through marriage and commitment towards each other. This new phase I believe will bring with it lots of positive changes into my life especially in my career. Apart from strategy, speed and techniques, a rider’s mental health plays the utmost important role in me performing at my best. Hence, marrying someone who truly understands me gives me the strength that I need to compete through circumstances.” “Well, Happy Wife, Happy Life!” giggled Kasma, It wasn’t a good start for Kasma at the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship but he geared up in the 2 nd and 3 rd round to be at the top three spot for the Asian Superbike 1000cc category. He currently holds 84 points overall and is all set for the upcoming race in his home-ground at Sepang International Circuit. Commenting on the upcoming race, Kasma said, “Yamaha machines have a little lacking in terms of speed but when it comes to the setup, it is among the best. So, it is not going to be an easy race. Nevertheless, I will give my best to be on the podium at my home-ground. The feeling of riding in my home-ground, is indescribable. It has a totally different feel to it. Racing in front of my fans, family and friends has always been my greatest pleasure. Commenting on upcoming race, Kasma said “Yamaha motorcycles has a little lacking in terms of speed, but in the terms of set-ups, they are among the best. So it is not going to be an easy race. But whatever, I will give my best to be on podium at my home-ground. If I am able to get a place at the podium, that would be even more meaningful.” “To me, the chances of winning the overall title is still there I believe despite the point gaps. Zaqhwan and Haruki are strong rivals. As much as it is a home-ground for me, it is also the home-ground for Zaqhwan and I can assure that it is going to be a tough feat this time around. I will do my best though in the best way possible to strike upon the maximum points.” Looks like a spot on the podium may just be the best wedding gift for Kasma! Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Words are just words until it is repeatedly said over a course of time that it eventually starts hitting a person. Good words leave a positive impact and bad words could lead to quite an opposite reaction. Being criticised and negative words can be a tricky thing to handle. While some may churn it into a positive criticism, some may end up feeling small and rejected. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticised anyway. You’ll be damned if you do and damned if you don’t.” Standing strong by this very quote is Zaqhwan Zaidi, Malaysian rider who was once upon a time criticised by his very own school teacher on his love for motorsports. “There is no future in it,” he remembered the teacher saying. But he proved it otherwise. Today, his passion has brought him to places and he has carved a name for himself all around the globe. “When a student is asked about what he or she would want to be when they grew up, may would say that they want to become a doctor or a lawyer, police or a scientist. But I told my teacher that I want to be a motorcycle racer. He laughed at my face and told me that there is no future in it and that I will go nowhere in life if this continues to be my goal.” “I was a kid then. Definitely, it left an impact in my life. It was hurtful even more so when I was laughed at for my dreams and passion. But I never gave up. I believed in myself and I took that snide comment as a way to move forward. I wanted to prove that I would be successful in this field. And I’m glad that I did! Recently, I also met the teacher who made that comment and I made peace with it when he acknowledged my achievements,” said Zaqhwan. Zaqhwan is no stranger to the world of motorsports. He emerged into the two wheels racing professionally at the age of 12 and made his debut in the SuperSports 600cc at the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in 2014. He was only 19 then. Despite being a debutante, he was crowned Champion after performing phenomenally in the race. In 2018 he was crowned for the second time in his career. Zaqhwan who rides for Honda Asia-Dream Racing with SHOWA is currently sitting at the second spot overall in the Asia Superbike 1000cc category. He sped to a positive start in the first three rounds. He fell short in Race 1 of Round 2 in his home-ground and Race 2 of Round 3 held at Sugo International Racing Course. Nevertheless, the highly experienced rider is not about to give up and believes that he still has what it takes to overtake the Japanese rider, Haruki Noguchi who is currently taking lead in the overall standings with a gap of 13points between them. The smiling persona who is embracing his 27 th year has come up with a strategy to “capture” Round 4 which is scheduled to take place from 6 th to 9 th October at the Sepang International Circuit before the 2022 campaign concludes at the Chang International Circuit, Thailand from 18 th to 20 th November. “I will for sure put on a good tough fight with Noguchi. For this race (in Sepang), I don’t to be defeated by him. I have to win and be at a better position than he is now so that I can add on the points that is needed. I cannot afford to make mistakes. Noguchi is definitely my biggest contender. He understands his machine very well and has a mastery that is not easy to supersede. It will be a challenging one for me but I will go all out,” said Zaqhwan. Haruki Noguchi of SDG Motor Sports HARC-PRO Ph. team has taken three consecutive wins since Race 2 of Round 2 in Sepang before continuing his momentum of excellence in his homeland for Round 3. Noguchi currently leads the overall chart of the ASB1000cc category with a total of 124 points while Zaqhwan trails closely. Meanwhile, Yamaha GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN rider, Kasma Daniel Kasmayuddin takes third with a total of 84 points. “We will try out level best. Sometimes it really is about the Lady Luck too. Regardless, I have set the target to finish the race ahead of him. I must take the win in both races and we seem to have a bright chance to clinch the podium in the following round at Thailand too,” said Zaqhwan who aims to defend the Malaysia’s Asian Champion title. In year 2019, the championship title fell into the hands of Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman before the two-year lockdown took place. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

“Of course, my dream is to embark on the same footsteps of my hero, Marc Marquez and to be the champion in MotoGP.” He has carved successes in the world of motorsports but the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is by far his first. Yet, he never failed to make waves each time he takes a stride. Haruki Noguchi of SDG Motor Sports HARC-PRO Ph. is the man of the hour in the Asia Superbike 1000cc category. Undoubtedly, Haruki has flaunted upon a strong mastery in his riding techniques which not only gave him total control of his machine in every circuit but also a strong positioning in the game. Rewinding to the beginning of the season, Haruki was seen consistently fleeting ahead in a bolt with confidence.   The Nara, Japan born racer was romanticizing the idea of being on top of two-wheel machine since he was 5 years old. “My father raced minibikes and I usually followed him to the circuits to watch him race. Also, each time I watched the MotoGP on TV, it spiked my interest even more. Then, I decided to give it a go on the Terminator Kids when I was five.” “To be honest, motorsport is not my only favourite sport as a child. I used to be tuned to the rhythm of tennis, baseball, table-tennis and basketball. Somehow, after trying some of these sports, my heart took a leap forward with speed and bikes. When I started my motorbike life, all I ever wanted was to do the “Knee Down” just like Marquez who inspired me with his graceful act. At that time, it seemed like he was crashing all the time yet he wasn’t. He locks the rear into every corner at nearly full lean and you might think, “How did he even get away with that?” That curiosity to learn more tickled my nerves and here I am today and I am confident that I will be there one day,” said Haruki, armed with confidence. Haruki stormed into the world of motorsports professionally when he completed the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup in 2016 and the All Japan Road Race Championship in 2018. The 21-year-old lad made his first podium in 2017 at his home-ground, Suzuka. He said, “There was a lot of pressure in that race. I am good at the slow corners like in the Suzuka’s chicane. I passed my contender who was leading the Race 1 at Suzuka in 2017. At that time, I made the most perfect braking in my entire race career. So, I will always remember that time.” He went on reminiscing, “Throughout my journey and to this very day, my family has been my biggest pillar of strength. My parents gifted me a motorbike and they supported with wholeheartedly. My father is a mechanic so he helps me on the maintenance of the machine while my mother takes care of my food intake and training routines. They have also managed all expenses for each race.” The homester made Japan proud when he bagged victory in the both races of the ASB1000 category, Round 3 which was held at Sugo International Racing Course. Putting aside the advantage of home-ground, Haruki showcased control over machine and techniques of dominating the scene with fiery moves that left fans and spectators awed. Commenting on his spectacular performances in Round 3, Haruki said, “Before Round 3 took place, I was four points behind Zaqhwan but after the race, I was overjoyed to have swapped places with him. I definitely would like to thank my team for working on the machine and finding the best setup for my machine. The machine was in extremely good condition and that was a major push towards my achievements.” “For the next round, I am not very sure if I will be able to maintain my standing as it is the home-ground of my main contender and also Kasma Daniel who is up and coming. So, it is not going to be an easy race for sure. However, I have some pertinent data from Round 2 at Sepang. We hope that that would help us with the right setup for the machine. I intend to collect maximum points in every race from here onwards and if I can win the championship, it would be a big bonus,” said Haruki. Haruki currently leads the standing with a total of 124 points while Zaqhwan takes second with a total of 111 points. In third place, another Malaysian rider, Kasma Daniel Kasmayuddin with a total of 84 points. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com