Supersports 600

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

Md Helmi Azman of Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team bagged the fastest spot for the Supersports 600cc category in the final practice of Round 2. Helmi who walked away with the most points in Round 1 after taking the spot at the podium twice beat his teammate to the clock when he logged in at 2:10:629s. According to Helmi, “I have been constantly reminded of the competitiveness within this category, racing among some of the best names. Nevertheless, I always go beyond 100% to ensure that my performances are better than the one before.” “My teammates who are equally good have been a push to maintain my momentum. I am quite pleased with my timing today and I certainly am looking forward to taking it one step above, tomorrow.” Khairul Idham Pawi took the second fastest spot at 2:10:696s. Coming in at third fastest was Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team who clocked in at 2:10:714s. Round 2 Practice Session – Top 5 Riders of SS600 Md Helmi Azman, Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team, 2:10:629s Khairul Idham Pawi, Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team, 2:10:696s Andi Farid Izdihar, ASTRA HONDA Racing Team, 2:10:714s Md Ibrahim Md Norrodin, SIC Racing, 2:11:012s Azroy Hakeem Anuar, Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team, 2:11:019s Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

It was aces for Md Helmi Azman of Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team at the Round 1 of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. The SS600 category rider who strides on the Honda CBR600 RR bagged the spot at the podium, twice that weekend placing him on the top of the scoreboard. Helmi reigned as the Underbone 150cc champion in year 2018 and took his first chance at the Supersports 600cc in 2019. His success at the Chang International Circuit is a statement made to an enhanced performance even with the two-year hiatus. Commenting on the race, “The race at Buriram was not an easy feat as I was competing with some of the best riders. As for Round 2, Sepang Circuit comes with a technical challenge which would require finer manoeuvring skills.” “While I am comfortable with my machine, Round 2 would see riders pushing through at their best speed. I hope that I would be able to make the best out of the machine and like the previous race, it would be beyond 100% focus and effort.” As for the team, Boon Siew HONDA Motorsport Manager, En Zulhelmi Ahmed said, “We are lucky to have a little advantage from our participation in MSBK last year. That has given us valuable input that is needed for our machine in its base settings.” “I am anticipating a much exciting race in Round 2 as we have highly competitive riders and teams who have excelled at the circuit. Our team is motivated and driven to grab a spot at the podium.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Galang Hendra Pratama is going full-on as Round 2 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship draws in. The world championship rider was not very pleased with his performances in Round 1 nevertheless he is going the extra mile to stay ahead of the game. Commenting on the race, “It was my first time back in ARRC after a couple of years and Round 1 was definitely a valuable lesson. From what I gather, I have to maintain my physical and mental health with regular practices. To buck up on my performances, I do constant race simulations using the virtual reality device at home.” Galang made his debut in the ARRC in year 2015 for the AP250 category. Being a first timer in the SS600 category among some of the best names, the Indonesian rider of Yamaha Racing Indonesia has to find his strength and upgrade his performances quick enough to stay on par with the troop. In Round 1, Galang was caught in a stiff battle, grappling to find his momentum. He landed on the 6th and 8th spot for race 1 and 2 respectively. Galang said, “The biggest challenge for me is to adapt to change. I have raced in Sepang circuit with a 250cc machine for half-track. This time around, I will be doing a full track on a 600cc machine for the first time. It will be tough nevertheless I will do my best – “Untuk Merah Putih Semakin di Depan.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Mohd Helmi Azman of Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team made a triumphant win when he emerged fastest in SS600 category, ahead by a blistering 4.9 seconds. The race flagged off to a highly competitive battle among riders of great calibre and while Helmi struggled to keep his pace up for the first five laps, Andi Farid Izdihar did not budge from the lead position. But luck was not on Andi’s side when he took a fall consequently opening the pathway for Helmi to take on the lead in full speed. The Honda CBR600RR R rider then fastened his pace while he peeled further ahead from the trail of riders. By the final lap, it was a confirmed win for Helmi. Clocking in at 19:59:528s the Malaysian rider fondly known as an Underbone rider claimed his first victory in the SS600 category. “I found the race very challenging, trailing Andi and keeping my pace up. However, when the opportunity came for me to take the lead, I maintained my speed to stay ahead. I am very happy and proud to have achieved a good lap time.” “This is my first win in the SS600 category and I am definitely looking forward to more wins this season.” Logging in at 20:04:429s was Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of HONDA Racing Thailand, taking the second spot at the podium. At the third place, Mohd Ibrahim Mohd Norrodin of SIC Racing who made it at 20:04:686s. Top 5 Riders of SuperSports 600cc, Race 2: Mohd Helmi Azman (MAS), Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team, 19:59:528s Nakarin Atiratphuvapat (INA), HONDA Racing Thailand, 20:04:429s Mohd Ibrahim Mohd Norrodin (MAS), SIC Racing, 20:04:686s Irfan Ardiansyah (INA), ASTRA HONDA Racing Team, 20:04:831s Khairul Idham Pawi (MAS), Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team, 20:05:172s Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team smashed the Race 1 of SuperSports 600cc at the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship when he emerged first in what was a battle among Asia’s best. Getting off to a flying start from a pole position, Andi laboured through the first few laps at top speed, maintaining his rank at the top two spots. Working up their speed close behind Andi were duo, Nakarin Atiratphuvapat and Mohd Helmi Azman. By midpoint, it was a neck-to-neck battle between the trio. Towards the last few laps, Nakarin pulled through ahead of Andi and took the lead while Andi dropped to the second-best spot. But for Andi, the game was still on and when Nakarin took a fall at theinfamous corner of the last turn, Andi went all out to take the first spot, clocking in at 20:02:754s. “The weather was scorching hot which made it difficult to manage the tires and the pace. To add on to that, I had to keep up to my speed to compete with my biggest contenders.” “It was a high-level for me however I am happy to have made it through with flying colours. I am much confident and more prepared for Race 2 tomorrow.” Making it to the second place was Helmi of Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team who logged in at 20:03:234s while at the third place, Mohd Ibrahim Mohd Norrodin of SIC Racing checked in at 20:03:742s. Top 5 Riders of SuperSports 600cc: Andi Farid Izdihar (INA), ASTRA HONDA Racing Team, 20:02.754 Md Helmi Azman (MAS), Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team, 20:03:234s Mohd Ibrahim Mohd Norrodin (MAS), SIC Racing, 20:03:742s Irfan Ardiansyah (INA), ASTRA HONDA Racing Team, 20:06:412s Khairul Idham Pawi (MAS), Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team, 20:06:532s Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Mohd Ibrahim Mohd Norrodin of SIC Racing took the lead in the SuperSport 600cc third practice when he finished his laps fastest at 1:39:428s. Ibrahim who ranked third in the first practice went into full form during the subsequent practices of the day to take down his counterpart by a gap of 0.122s at the final practice. “Today’s success is attributed to the change that we have made on the machine. Based on all our lap time, we have made the necessary changes to the setup to ensure that our ride is comfortable.” “My motorcycle is all geared up for the qualifying session and Race 1 tomorrow and I will definitely give my best shot to take the podium.” Andi Farid Izdihar of ASTRA HONDA Racing Team was not entirely defeated for the day when he clocked in second fastest at 1:39:550s. It was a competitive ride for Ibrahim and Andi throughout the practice session as they switched in between gears to hit their fastest.  For ASTRA HONDA Racing Team however, the third practice was a boost to their confidence when Irfan Ardiansyah came in third fastest at 1:39:927s. Top 5 Fastest in Third Practice: Md Ibrahim Md Norrodin (MAS), SIC Racing, 1:39.428 Andi Farid Izdihar (INA), ASTRA HONDA Racing Team, 1:39:550s Irfan Ardiansyah (INA), ASTRA HONDA Racing Team, 1:39:927s Md Helmi Azman (MAS), Boon Siew HONDA Racing Team, 1:40:009s Nakarin Atiratphuvapat (THA), HONDA Racing Thailand, 1:40:127s Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com