Supersports 600

The SuperSports 600cc was off to a good start this weekend with riders raging ambitiously on the circuit towards victory. Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team bagged the winning spot in Round 4 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at the Sepang International Circuit. As the pole-man, Andi began with an advantage however his experience and expertise kept him grounded at P1 as he steadily maneuvered his wheels around the circuit. Close behind him were Malaysian teammates Azroy and Helmi who were at P2 and P3 respectively. For the first four laps, the top-three trio paced to the same rhythm before Helmi made his move to overtake Azroy. Andi kept suave to his position way ahead of the duo trailing him. By the fifth lap, Azroy managed to slide back ahead of Helmi. As Andi went on swiftly ahead of the troop, Azroy picked up speed and Helmi battled to stay put in P3. With Nakarin pressuring Helmi from the back,the latter had to find ways to keep up to the momentum. However, in the sixth lap, Nakarin succeeded in taking over Helmi’s position and for two laps, Helmi pushed himself further to get back into the earlier rhythm. By the last lap, Azroy inched closer to Andi and began closing up the gap. At the last turn, the heat turned up as Azroy sled ahead into P1 but Andi was not about to give up. He quickly grabbed P1. Towards the chequered flag, Andi and Azroy were in a nip and tuck before Andi clocked in first at 21’52:823s. Commenting on the race, Andi said, “I was confident during the race especially in the beginning. I was able to create the huge gap between myself and the troop behind me. I tried to keep up to the pace to manage the race better but towards the last three laps, my rear tire began to give way and the grip was slipping away. I am happy that despite the circumstances, I was still able to hold on to P1. Of course, the situation will have to be analysed but I am certainly looking forward to tomorrow’s race.” Second and third spot on the podium belonged to teammates Azroy Hakeem Anuar and Md Helmi Azman of Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team who logged in at 21’52:824s and 21’54:349s respectively. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The SuperSports 600cc today was brought into an elaborate schedule with their final practice session in the morning and the qualifying session in the noon. Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team made the fastest cut today at the Qualifying Session. The task has never been easy for any rider of the SS600 category who have to constantly build up their portfolio considering the robust rivalry between them. After the final practice session for the round, Andi emerged as the fastest in the combined practice result sheet, with his fastest at 2’10:191s. Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA Racing Thailand made the second fastest at 2’11:002sfollowed by Md Helmi Azman of Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team at 2’11:435s. At the fourth fastest spot, it was Azroy Hakeem Anuar of Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team at 2’11:490s and at the fifth fastest, it was Galang Hendra Pratama of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia at 2’11:559s. In the qualifying session, Andi once again flexed his muscles to obtain the best spot on the grid. Although the competition was stiff with his contenders just seconds away, he managed to complete the session ahead at 2’23:770s. Commenting on the session, Andi said, “I am truly happy with the pole position but our main concern would be to understand the rain condition in this circuit. This would be the first time we are riding in a rainy situation so I want to analyse everything that happens and review the possibilities that could happen.” “In the beginning, it was quite good but towards the end, I found myself struggling with the grip. But I am happy to have managed it well in the last lap. Tomorrow, rain or shine, I would be more prepared for the races. Of course, the target is always to win the race and we have worked really hard for it.” Coming it at the second fastest spot would be Nakarin at 2’23:868s. In the third was Kritchaporn Kaewsonthi of HONDA RACING Thailand, logging in at 2’25:173s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The SuperSports 600cc is an affair not to be missed at the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. The character of the race category is further defined by the highly rivalrous riders who seek to break the barriers of limitations and surpass the norms. It is not an easy feat but Irfan Ardiansyah of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team is charged up for his next mission at the Sepang International Circuit this weekend. Irfan is no stranger to the grounds of ARRC. In year 2019, he bagged the third spot overall in the AP250 race category with a total of 187 points before embarking on a more prestigious domain within motorsport. With prestige comes a price tag that requires not just physical and mental preparedness but the ability to call the right shots at a fraction of milliseconds. Being a newbie in the SS600 brings with it ideally a learning curve more than the ability to perform on par with the riders but Irfan’s decision to move upstream has definitely showcased his ability to learn and perform quickly. In Round 1, he made it at the fourth spot in both races. In the subsequent rounds, as the seasoned riders warmed up and regained confidence, Irfan seemed to have struggled with his pace. Nevertheless, he kept himself afloat among the top ten riders. Commenting on the race, Irfan said, “Round 3 has come to an end and Round 4 is just around the corner. Not having been able to take the podium even once this season definitely bothers me. It has not been an easy time this season but I never stopped trying and I hope to do better for the remaining rounds.” Irfan who rode aboard the CBR600RR said, “I am very convinced with the competitive performance of the machine. It has been a crucial part of my riding experience that gives me the confidence that I need to perform better in ARRC this year.” Irfan is fond of the Sepang circuit. He said, “I feel excited to race in Sepang. It is one of the circuits outside of Indonesia that has most racing activities. In fact, when I raced in the AP250 category prior to this, I managed to bag the number one spot on the podium in the very same circuit. As such, I am determined to do better for the upcoming round and showcase my potential with more satisfactory results.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The SuperSports 600cc showcased an extraordinary talent when Kota Arakawa of MOTO BUM HONDA bagged the winning title in Race 2, Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which was held at Sugo International Racing Course. It was Andi Farid Izdihar who broke into the lead position in the first lap. He then led on for three laps before Kota Arakawa took the speed of his machine one notch up, banking in P1 which he seemed to have accustomed to for the weekend. With Kota steadily charging up lap after lap, Andi was left in P2, waiting to strike. But Kota was relentless as he kept on his fight to maintain his position. Andi did not have a choice but to keep tailing Kota for the next seven laps before he re-strategized and overtook his number one contender in lap 10. But the battle was not over just yet. As there were another five more laps to go, it was then Andi’s turn to keep his speed up with Kota raging up behind him. Andi held on to P1 for the next three laps before being once again over-ridden by Kota. Towards the last lap, the neck-to-neck battle between Kota and Andi came to an end when the latter slipped while trying to switch positions with Kota. With that, the winning title fell into the hands of Kota once again when he clocked in at 22’52:361s. Commenting on the race, Kota said, “I guessed as much that the race would be a highly competitive one. My goal was to simply keep the top position throughout the race. I regret that I couldn’t but winning through tough bidding gave me a chance to progress.” “I’d like to thank my team, sponsors and fans who have given me so much to look forward to with their support.” Azroy Hakeem Anuar of Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team who has been maintaining his composure at P3 for nine laps grabbed the opportunity from Andi’s fall and took the second spot, logging in at 23’02:969s. Azroy’s teammate, Md Helmi Azman took the third place when he crossed the finish line at 23’03:927s Top 5 Winner – Race 2 Kota Arakawa, MOTO BUM HONDA, 22’52:361s Azroy Hakeem Anuar, Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team, 23’02:969s Md Helmi Azman, Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team, 23’03:927s Nakarin Atiratphuvapat, HONDA Racing Team, 23’06:351s Muklada Sarapuech, Astemo SI Racing with Thai HONDA, 23’10:634s Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Kota Arakawa of MOTO BUM HONDA swept the number one spot on the podium in Race 1, Round 3 of the SuperSports 600cc category at the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which was held at Sugo International Racing Course. Kota has been on a roll since the start of Round 3 when he marked fastest in all sessions beginning with the practice sessions, followed by the qualifying. His blistering speed did not take a notch down even for a second. He took the pole position at the start of Race 1 and made fiery laps around the circuit. Although he fell to P4 in the first lap when Andi Farid Izdihar grabbed the P1, he boosted his speed up and by lap two, he positioned himself second in line. By lap three, Kota was already gearing up to take back the lead position and in lap 4, he slammed Andi down to P2 and took P1. From then on, Kota was fearlessly circling the circuit with Andi on a wild chase to defeat him. However, being defeated was not in the game for Kota. He went on for the remaining 11 laps, maintaining his speed and composure before taking a grand finish. Kota clocked in victory at 23’02:948s. Commenting on the race, Kota said, “I haven’t raced in ARRC since 2019 which was my last race. Being able to come back is an honour to me. I have been pushing myself through national and road race events.” “For the race tomorrow, we will polish our machine further and work on my psychological wellbeing to ensure that we make the best out of the race.” Right behind him at the second spot was Andi of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team at 23’07:365s. At the third spot on the podium, it was Keito Abe of ONEXOX TKKR TEAM, marking his finish at 23’08:986s. Top 5 Winners – Race 1 Kota Arakawa, MOTO BUM HONDA, 23’02:948s Andi Farid Izdihar, ASTRA HONDA Racing Team, 23’07:365s Keito Abe, ONEXOX TKKR TEAM, 23’08:986s Nakarin Atiratphuvapat, HONDA Racing Thailand, 23’17:848s Azroy Hakeem Anuar, Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team, 23’17:982 Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Kota Arakawa of MOTO BUM HONDA made the fastest in the SuperSports 600cc category practice session, Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which was held at the Sugo International Racing Course. The Japanese rider showcased an outstanding performance throughout the practice sessions when he topped all three sessions, fastest. In the third practice session, he made his best time at 1’30:975s. Commenting on the race, Kota who is also a wildcard rider said, “I am very proud to have made the fastest time for FP1 to 3. Moreover, being in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship for the very first time. I will do my best to win both the races.” Coming in at the second fastest was Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team with his best time at 1’31:393s. Andi currently sits at the third spot overall with a total of 60 points. At the third fastest spot, it was Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA Racing Thailand, clocking in his fastest at 1’31:799s. Top 5 Fastest – Combined Result Kota Arakawa, MOTO BUM HONDA, 1’30:975s Andi Farid Izdihar, ASTRA HONDA Racing Team, 1’31:393s Nakarin Atiratphuvapat, HONDA Racing Thailand, 1’31:799s Keito Abe, ONEXOX TKKR TEAM, 1’31:832s Azroy Hakeem Anuar, Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team, 1’32:012s Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The fiery representation of the Supersports 600cc in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is everything about riders, armoured with agility and the mind that manifests victory. Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA Racing team is geared up for Round 3 at Sportsland Sugo International Sugo where he anticipates yet another win. Andi is no stranger to the scene of the SS600 category with years of riding experience and progressive growth in his professional endeavours. This season, he took the circuit by the storm when he marked fastest during Race 1 of the season opener. While he fell short in Race 2 due to an incident, he pulled himself back up in Round 2 with a win in Race 2. Commenting on his ride, Andi said, “I always aspire for a win in each race. However, we are at times defeated due to unforeseen circumstances. The most important thing is to not be disappointed instead take it as a motivational tool to do learn and do better.” “The category itself while it is highly competitive, we also have extraordinary riders who contribute to the overall challenge. To me, all riders are an inspiration for me to constantly look into my riding techniques and make the necessary changes required to stay on par or to be one step ahead.” Like all riders, Andi is work in progress for Round 3. He said, “As usual, preparations surround fitness routines and trainings with my team. Apart from that, I would also have to learn the layout of the circuit so that I am able to identify the right strategies for the race. Like many of the riders, I too have never raced on the circuit prior to this. Adapting quickly is crucial so that I am able to ride competitively.” “I definitely want to take a win at Sugo for my team as well as for our 77th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

JAPANESE youngster Keito Abe will provide a timely boost to the OneXOX TKKR Racing Team in the Supersports 600 class after being signed in time for what will be a fitting debut on homeground in Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Sugo International Racing Course in Japan on Aug 12-14. The 19-year old is already in his third year of racing the Yamaha YZF-R6, having competed in the MFJ All- Japan Road Race Championship ST600 the past two years, finishing eighth in the standings in 2020 and fifth last year and is looking forward to breaking into the Asian scene. “I am excited to be able to race in ARRC at SUGO with a great team. A new team in a new Championship for me, is a challenge I like,” said Abe, the Tokyo-born who concurrently is also competing in this season’s MFJ All-Japan Road Race Championship ST600 class where he is ranked fifth. His local knowledge and familiarity with the SUGO Circuit will also be of benefit to 20-year old Malaysian teammate Muhammad Izam Ikmal, who has yet to really get his season off the ground, currently ranked 13th in the Supersports 600 class, no thanks to two non-finishes, a seventh and a sixth place in the first two rounds of the season at the Chang International Circuit and Sepang. “SUGO is obviously not new to me. If I can also be of help to the team in this aspect, I would be more than happy to. I thank the team for welcoming me, and to all of my supporters that made it possible for this to happen,” said Abe. OneXOX TKKR Racing Team principal Bobie Farid Shamsudin said the team was happy to finally welcome a talented rider to fill their second slot in the Supersport 600 class and Abe’s reputation as the fastest Yamaha rider in the All Japan Road Race Championship meant that it was an ideal fit. “Since 2020, we have been looking for suitable riders to fill our seats in the SS600 class. In 2021, we persuaded Khairul Idham Pawi to come out of retirement to ride with us in the Malaysian Superbike Championship, with a view of running him in the ARRC this year. However, Khairul Idham decided that the grass in Honda’s camp was greener and thus he went there. We managed to get Izam to replace him,” said Bobie. “I have been following the progress of riders around Asia including the All-Japan Series. Keito is one of those riders I have been monitoring. And being the fastest Yamaha guy, he certainly ticks all the boxes. I hope that both Keito and Izam would work together to achieve good results for the team.” RIDER PROFILE Keito Abe Birth date: September 13, 2003 Birth place: Tokyo, Japan Height: 168cm Career Highlights2007 Starts racing at the age of 4, on a pocket bike (Daijiro74) 2011 Step up to Mini-bikes2015 Tsukuba Roadrace S80 category 2017  Tsukuba Roadrace J-JP3 Ranked 2nd; 2018  MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship J-GP2 Ranked 14th 2019  MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship J-GP2 Ranked 8th 2020  MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship ST600 Ranked 8th 2021  MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship ST600 Ranked 5th Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The finale of Supersports 600cc came was a celebration to Malaysians when Md Helmi Azman of Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team bagged the winning spot on the podium for Race 2. The Honda CBR600 RR rider who took the fourth spot in Race 1 bucked up for the final race of Round 2 and fought a good fight throughout the race. Helmi started 5th on the grid but pulled off impressively when positioned himself second in line of the troop. He took a competitive stride alongside his team mate Khairul Idham Pawi and Andi Farid Izdihar who was taking the lead for five laps before Helmi dominated the circuit. Helmi maintained his pace for the next three laps before slipping one position down in lap 9. The last lap kept the spectators at the edge of their seats as the trio competed aggressively to steal the winning spot. Helmi gave his final push at the last turn, slid into the top spot before making a dash to the finish line. He clocked in at 21:53:364s. Commenting on the race, “The team has worked tirelessly to ensure that our machines are at its best. I am glad that our strategy worked out well for both myself and Khairul.” “The weather at Sepang is scorching hot nevertheless the machine picked up a good speed and I am thankful that everything went well.” Andi of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team emerged second with 21:53:444s. Khairul of Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team marked third with 21:53:861s. Race 2 Provisional Result:Supersports 600cc – Top 5 Riders: Md Helmi Azman, Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team, 21:53:364s Andi Farid Izdihar, ASTRA HONDA Racing Team, 21:53:444s Khairul Idham Pawi, Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team, 21:53:861s Nakarin Atiratphuvapat, HONDA Racing Team, 21:58:323s Galang Hendra Pratama, YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA, 22:12:316s Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Md Ibrahim Md Norrodin of SIC Racing made a blistering pace towards the end to grab the top spot at the podium in Race 1 of the Supersports 600cc. The Malaysian rider aboard the YAMAHA YZF-R6 who was in a nip and tuck battle with Khairul Idham Pawi managed to break into the latter’s pace in the final lap when he clocked in at 21:52:255s. Throughout the race, Khairul displayed dexterity when he leapt to the front and took lead for seven consecutive laps. It was at lap 8 that Ibrahim sped up to take charge but fell short when Khairul emerged ahead of him once again. Nevertheless, Ibrahim did not intend to end the race in the second spot. He mustered his strength and made a bold move at the last lap, taking Khairul down. Commenting on the race, “It was a hard and good one this time around. While I faced some mechanical issues with my machine earlier this morning during qualifying, I cannot be happier to have defeated Khairul.” “My strategy was to close the gap with the HONDA riders and towards the end of the race, I am glad to be able to do so.” Khairul of Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team took the second spot at 21:52:789s while his teammate, Azroy Hakeem Anuar took the third spot at 21:52:987s. Race 1 Provisional Result:Super Sports 600cc – Top 5 Riders: Md Ibrahim Md Norrodin, SIC Racing, 21:52:255s Khairul Idham Pawi, Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team, 21:52:789s Azroy Hakeem Anuar, Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team, 21:52:987s Md Helmi Azman, Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team, 21:53:877s Andi Farid Izdihar, ASTRA HONDA Racing Team, 21:54:810s Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com