Supersports 600

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

The 2022 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship will see one of the most competitive SuperSports 600cc grid assembled in recent years. The sophomore class will flag off without its defending champion, Peerapong Boonlert, who has dropped out of the racing scene. But even without Peerapong, competition is expected to be fierce with 15 of the most talented 600cc riders from Asia. The weight of expectations will fall on the three returning proteges – GP riders Khairul Idham Pawi, Nakarin Atiratpuvapat, and WSSP rider Galang Hendra Pratama. All three made a name for themselves when they successfully transitioned from the Asian stage to the international arena. However, winning the 2022 SuperSports 600cc title will not be a walk in the park. Strong competition is expected from the likes of Indonesian duo Irfan Ardiansyah and Andi Farid Izdihar of the ASTRA Honda Racing Team. The Malaysian contingent for the SuperSports 600cc class is also impressive. Honda riders Azroy Hakeem Anuar and Helmi Azman will be lining up alongside Mohd Izam Ikmal and Ibrahim Norrodin. Riders from the host country, 2018 SuperSports 600cc champion Ratthapong Wilairot in particular, will be feeling the pressure to perform on home ground. The presence of these high-performing riders is promising to serve up a perfect storm in the SuperSports 600cc category. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com