Supersports 600

Round 3 of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship got underway today at the Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, where Malaysia’s Muhammad Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA asserted his dominance as the fastest rider in the SS600 combined practice sessions. Helmi made an early impact in Practice 1, setting the pace with a 1’54.825s lap. Wahyu Nugroho of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA was close behind at 1’54.844s, while Helmi’s teammate, Khairul Idham Pawi, clocked 1’54.931s for third. In Practice 2, Helmi remained untouchable, again leading the field with a 1’54.938s. Mckinley Kyle Paz of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING was second at 1’55.070s, followed by Mohammad Adenanta Putra with 1’55.082s. Helmi sealed the day with an electrifying lap of 1’54.236s in Practice 3—his fastest yet. Kasma Daniel took second with a 1’54.416s, while Mckinley stayed consistent with 1’54.574s for third. With unmatched consistency and pace across all sessions, Helmi ended the day atop the combined standings. Kasma and Mckinley rounded out the top three, as the field gears up for a high-stakes qualifying round. Helmi said, “Overall, I’m very happy with my performance today. I had a good rhythm on the bike and felt strong especially in cornering. Unfortunately, I crashed twice in the last practice session. I understand the issues—the first crash was my mistake, and the second was due to the cold track temperature. But everything is fine, and I’m okay too. I want to maintain this momentum and performance. Hopefully, tomorrow and Race 2 on Sunday will be even better.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE

The pressure was pumped and the fight was furious but the duo of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA, Md Helmi Azman and Khairul Idham Pawi danced the rhythm of power before taking the troop down with a 1-2 in Race 2 of the SuperSports 600cc on their home-ground. Despite their calibre and prowess, the road to stardom is long and windy especially with the likes of Indonesian, Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM and Thai, Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM in the picture, marking their territories from the top two spots. What’s it going to be like in Round 3 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Mobility Resort Motegi? While records have it that Adenanta has a better hand at the game on Japanese soil, it is superficial to say that Helmi is not on par especially with his ability to stir up the battlefield and tackle the opponents. More so with the fact that he has been doing that for a long time in the SS600 race category. As motorcycle racing has it – one may be brilliant and robust in their manoeuvring but it all ends as planned only with a little luck on their side. Helmi definitely had his fair share of luck turning its back on him but that doesn’t add up to his capacities to compete competitively and while Motegi circuit may be an overwhelmingly challenging ground, Helmi is probably covering all bases to ensure a better outcome than before. Commenting on the upcoming race, Helmi said, “Adenanta is undoubtedly strong however, I would say that last year’s challenge for me was not so much from the opponent but predominantly due to the machine setting. I am quite positive that this time around will be better since we are better aware of certain aspects. We need to improvise further on the corners especially with the opponents having a better hand on the long-straights. We also need better speed especially on the exits to catch up with the competitors. But of course, it would be ideal if we have better speed on the long-straights too. Compared to last season, the competition is stronger now so we have to remain consistent to achieve our target every round. The championship title is still open for now therefore, it’s all about maximising the points and keeping up with the momentum in the coming races. Luck is one but more importantly, having the right mindset is crucial to stay focused. The racing scene is a cruel one – there are times when we smile and then the days when we are sad but the only thing left to do is stay focused and move along to the next game.” As for Khairul, Motegi circuit is not new and for Anupab, it’s quite the opposite. One thing that is common for both riders though is their ride on the circuit ground in ARRC which will be the first. It’s not a major issue for them though considering their exposure and experience on the world front that gives them the upper hand in understanding the nitty-gritty of racing. Although there may be a slight difference for Yamaha rider, Anupab who has been racing aboard a 1000cc prior to his entry this season in the SS600 race category, it could nevertheless serve as an added plus for him to accelerate further in his game. Since the season opener, the rider has checked out each race on the podium except for one when his machine failed. Anupab said, “I am 4-points away from the leader but the goal is to fine-tune my performance and work on areas where I am weak to keep up with the competitor. The goal is to be ahead of the leader in the coming two races. I have never raced in Motegi grounds but I have been working hard to learn from those who have raced there. Surely, there is nothing less than the best that I would do. For me, the current chart-topper is a young kid who rides very well and is equally strong in terms of competence which makes it a motivating factor for me to supersede the current expectations and outcome. The ARRC is a unique championship that provides a pedestal for the best of Asia and having said that, the competitive stride is inevitable. In the other classes as well, we can see that the riders are improving as they go. I have been riding aboard the 600cc machine on the world front for two years now and I think I have settled into racing well for now. I like the 600cc race category and for me, it doesn’t justify if I don’t make it champion this season! So, that’s the ultimate goal.”

In front of his home crowd at the Sepang International Circuit, Muhammad Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA delivered a spectacular performance to secure a hard-fought and emotional victory in Race 2 of the SS600 category at Round 2 of the 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. It was more than just a race. It was a powerful comeback story for Helmi, who had missed the podium in Race 1 due to a long lap penalty. Today, he proved exactly why he’s still called one of the “Princes of Sepang.” As the race got underway, it was Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING who shot into the early lead, chased closely by Khairul Idham Pawi of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA and Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM. Unfortunately, the race claimed its first victim early, as Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND crashed out on the opening lap. By Lap 2, five riders broke away from the pack, Khairul, Kasma, Adenanta, Wahyu Nugroho of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA, and Helmi, creating a two second gap from the second group. The lead continued to shuffle as Adenanta surged to the front on Lap 3, Helmi who had been quietly observing, launched his charge on Lap 4, moving from P5 to take the lead in stunning fashion. Lap 5 saw Khairul clock the fastest time at 2’10.607s to briefly overtake his teammate, but Helmi fought back, refusing to let go of the top spot. Then, heartbreak struck on Lap 6 when championship leader Adenanta was forced to retire due to a technical issue, visibly devastated as his race came to an abrupt end. With his eyes firmly on redemption, Helmi pushed even harder. On Lap 8, he recorded the fastest lap of the race, a blistering 2’10.211s, extended his lead to 2.300s over Khairul. Kasma tried to close the gap but crashed out, leaving Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM, Wahyu, and Syarifuddin scrambling for the final podium spot. Helmi crossed the finish line in dominant style, completing a personal comeback story and reaffirming his place among Sepang’s elite at 21:54.507s. Khairul secured second place with a time of 21’56.835s, while Anupab claimed third at 21’57.045s. Helmi said, “For this race, my main goal was to finish on top because yesterday’s long lap penalty ruined my chances. I gave more than 100% of what I had out there. So yeah, Alhamdulillah, this win gives me full motivation for the upcoming races.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2

Race 1 of Round 2 in the 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship’s SS600 category delivered a heart-stopping finish, with Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM clinching a stunning victory at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. Earlier in qualifying, Malaysian ace Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING stormed to pole position with a blistering lap of 2’08.709s. Close behind was IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA’s Muhammad Helmi Azman, just 0.011s adrift with 2’08.720s, followed by teammate Khairul Idham Pawi in third with 2’08.918s. At lights out, Kasma made a perfect start to lead the pack, followed closely by Khairul, Helmi, and Adenanta. However, a mistake at the final turn of the opening lap saw Kasma lose momentum, allowing Helmi and Khairul to surge ahead. Despite the setback, Kasma regrouped and clocked the fastest lap of the race on Lap 4 with a 2’09.882s, quickly rejoining the battle for the lead. But drama unfolded on Lap 5 when Helmi, who was leading by 0.287s, served a long lap penalty he had received during Qualifying session. Kasma swiftly retook the lead, while Adenanta, Khairul, Wahyu Nugroho of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA, and Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND capitalised on the reshuffle to move up the order. Helmi rejoined deep in the pack and found himself in a tight battle with Thailand’s Anupab Sarmoon. Anupab eventually got past Helmi and began a brilliant charge through the field, picking off rivals one by one to climb into podium contention. The final lap set the stage for a breathtaking showdown between Kasma and Adenanta. At the critical last corner,Adenanta launched a daring move around the outside to overtake Kasma and power across the line, sealing a hard-earned victory with a time of 21’52.467s. Kasma finished a close second at 21’52.639s, while Anupab’s remarkable recovery was rewarded with third place at 21’52.811s. Adenanta said, “Race 1 was quite tough for me. Kasma and Helmi had really good pace, but I focused on improving step by step, lap by lap. I tried to stay calm and conserve my energy until I got closer to Kasma. In the last two or three laps, he was still very strong, and it was hard to find a way through. I just waited for the right chance. On the final lap at the final turn, I used the slipstream and went around the outside and it worked. I’m very happy and will give my best again tomorrow.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1

Round 2 of the 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship got underway today at the Sepang International Circuit, where Malaysia’s Muhammad Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA emerged as the fastest rider in the SS600 combined practice sessions. In Practice 1, Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING topped the timesheets with a strong lap of 2’10.502s. Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM followed closely behind with a 2’10.719s, while Helmi clocked a 2’10.965s to secure third. Practice 2 saw Helmi respond with authority, setting the fastest lap of the session at 2’11.035s. His teammate, Khairul Idham Pawi, finished second with a 2’11.070s, while Wahyu Nugroho of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA placed third with a 2’11.219s.Helmi’s momentum continued in Practice 3, where he shaved off even more time to post a session best of 2’10.204s. Kasma stayed competitive with a 2’10.435s to take second, while Khairul improved to third with a lap of 2’10.574s. With consistent pace across all sessions, Helmi topped the combined practice results, sending a clear message of intent ahead of qualifying. Kasma secured second overall, while Khairul rounded out the top three, making it a strong showing for the Malaysian contingent. Helmi said, “Practice sessions are done for today, and I’m happy to have finished P1 overall. I always aim to maintain my momentum at the top, but I did struggle a bit in FP1 and FP2. I made a few setup changes, knowing I have good mileage on this track, and focused on improving my comfort on the bike at higher speeds. Thankfully, everything worked out well, and I hope to carry this momentum through the rest of the weekend. Wish me luck!” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE

Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM may be excellent with his manoeuvring techniques on a wet circuit ground and Kasma Daniel of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING may have the wit and grit on a dry surface. What would the odds be for Round 2 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that will be held at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, known for its deceiving weather forecast? It was unfortunate for many riders during Race 1 when the storm took the grounds by surprise. The wet tires may have been an advantage to many, coupled with the robust moves as displayed by risk-taker Adenanta which earned him the top spot on the podium but for the others, it was a test of patience and a wasted opportunity that clipped their wings including the likes of Kasma who rather play it safe. It’s the balance of the bright and dark side that makes up for an interesting twist in motorsport and for Adenanta, it was a brilliant moment to strike. He flaunted his capacities and defeated the slacking troop to take one for the Honda team. In Race 2, the sun was up and burnt the grounds with no mercy, adding on strain to the already tough and highly competitive stride. But for Yamaha rider, Kasma, it was a matter of breaking or making. While a handful of riders battled the agony of speed versus tire management, Kasma made a bold stance as he circled the circuit ground with full force, leaving a gap of 4.4s from the chart-topper. He definitely earned the spot especially with the training and experience gained from his time in the ASB1000. The question arises: Will Adenanta be able to ward off the pressure from Kasma, more so on the Malaysian’s home-ground? Adenanta said, “It is no doubt that Kasma would be really good at Sepang. Not only will he be fast but the fact that he has more experience on the circuit ground reflects his added advantage. I will try to do my best to keep trailing him and maybe take the opportunity when it arises. I like the Sepang circuit because it has a slope that goes up and down. That is challenging yet interesting. Most importantly though is consistency and making sure that I stand a chance to collect as many points as possible. The championship standing is crucial so I have to play my cards well. I will definitely have to adapt quickly and find the best setting for my machine. I am pretty comfortable with the handling which I think would help me score some points there. So, let’s see how it goes. The goal is to make it to the podium in each race and eventually be the champion, fingers crossed!” Kasma on the other hand said, “Round 1 was a challenge but the outcome was a sweet success especially after loosing out on the momentum for a long time in a different race category. The win in Race 2 is definitely the much-needed boost for me and I am fully amped at the moment for the coming round. Of course, the setbacks persist especially with the inclusion of highly competitive riders who have set their foots firm on the grounds of SS600 race category but Sepang circuit is my home-ground which I would like to consider a plus point for me that I aim at optimising. Another challenge is the unpredictable weather which doesn’t come as a surprise but what remains important is being fully prepared for the situation regardless. I want to win at my home circuit. Will it be tough? Yes, it will surely be but that’s the beauty of racing because within the struggles, there is a sense of accomplishment.”