Supersports 600

TEAM PROFILE: RAMA HONDA by NTS T.Pro Ten10

2017, 2017 Round2, Asia Production 250, Supersports 600 /

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Team NTS T.Pro has introduced dramatic changes to their team setup for the 2017 season of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. With former partner Yuzy Racing now focusing on working with Honda Vietnam, the Japanese NTS T.Pro team has deepened their relationship with Indian racing outlet Ten10 Racing. With that comes a brand new bright red look, a drastic change to the team lineup, and more significant changes in the engineering department. Late 2016 saw NTS T.Pro manager Yusuke Teshima and lead rider Tomoyoshi Koyama spending weeks in India conducting rider clinics and training sessions. In 2017, the RAMA Honda by NTS T.Pro Ten10 team features a team that gels Japanese and Indian engineers together into a cohesive form to support their 5-rider line-up. In the SuperSports 600cc class, the team had opted to field three young riders – 18-year-old Taiga Hada, 23-year-old Sena Yamada and 24-year-old Shankar Sarath Kumar. In the Asia Production 250cc class, the team’s senior rider Tomoyoshi Koyama is partnered with Indian rider Sethu Rajiv. Any doubts about Taiga Hada’s ability to lead the team’s charge in the SuperSports 600cc class was dispelled during the opening leg of the 2017 season when the young rider finished second in Race 1 and won Race 2 in convincing manner. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”3″ gap=”2″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1491815317303-a8d63e12-c93b-2″ include=”3747,3749,3751,3752,3753,3754,3755,3756,3757,3758,3759,3760,3761,3762,3382,3765″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

TEAM PROFILE: RAMA HONDA by NTS T.Pro Ten10 Read More »

NEW TALENT SHINES IN RACE 2

2017, 2017 Round1, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

Exciting new talent came to the fore as the season opening round of the 2017 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship came to a close at the Johor Circuit last weekend. A pair of teenagers, 18-year-olds Taiga Hada of Japan and Irfan Ardiansyah from Indonesia, stole the limelight when they dominated Race 2 of the SuperSports 600cc category amidst a field of seasoned campaigners Despite high expectations that Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi would repeat his Race 1 victory, the polesitter’s race got off to a bad start when he lost the holeshot to Hada. On Lap 2, Zaqhwan’s dream of a double win was smashed when he crashed out at Turn 2. Two laps later, another strong contender, Thailand’s Decha Kraisart also ended his race on the gravel. While the high profile riders stumbled, Taiga Hada of team RAMA Honda by NTS T.Pro Ten10, put in a stunning masterclass of inch-perfect racing throughout the 16-lap race. He kept his cool and his lead to clinch the first 600cc win of his career with a time of 24’51.787s. “My rear tyre was a bit slippy throughout the race, but apart from that, I have no other complaints. It was a thoroughly enjoyable race,” said a delighted Hada. Meanwhile, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman who suffered from engine woes in Race 1, fared better when he wheelied to the finish line in second place with 24’56.876s. Finally, Indonesian rider Irfan Ardiansyah from Astra Honda Racing stole the spotlight when he rode like a raging bull to go from 12th on the grid to third in the race with a time of 25’04.928s. Further down the field, Ahmad Yudhistira took fourth place with a time of 25’08.480s. Thai rider Ratthapong Wilairot stormed home in fifth place. Noriyuki Haga, Tatsuya Yamaguchi, Teppei Nagoe, Sena Yamada and Chalermpol Polamai completed the top 10. Hada now leads the SuperSports 600cc class with 45 points followed by Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, second with 33 points and Zaqhwan third with 25 points. Thanks to the young rider, team RAMA Honda by NTS T.Pro Ten10 holds the provisional lead in the team awards with 45 points. Team Manual Tech Kawasaki Racing and MUSASHi Boon Siew Honda Racing are tied in second with 33 points apiece. Round 2 of the 2017 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship will take place at the Chang International Circuit on April 14 and 5, 2017.

NEW TALENT SHINES IN RACE 2 Read More »

ZAQHWAN PICKS UP FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON

2017, 2017 Round1, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

SuperSports 600cc defending champion Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi picked up the first win of the season as the 2017 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship kicked off at the Johor Circuit on April 1, 2017. The 22-year-old Malaysian rider had gone from strength to strength as the first round progressed at the 3.86km circuit. Zaqhwan earned the right to start the first race from the coveted pole position when he delivered on his promise of a new lap record with a time of 1’30.612s. Subsequently, a good start in Race 1 gave the MUSASHi Boon Siew Honda rider the holeshot. However, Decha Kraisart of Yamaha Thailand Racing quickly made his presence felt when he successfully challenged Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman and then took the lead from Zaqhwan on Lap 3. The Malaysian rider was contented to shadow his Thai rival for the majority of the race. Zaqhwan only made his move on Lap 10, and succeeded in taking the lead from Decha. Behind the duelling leaders, 18-year-old Taiga Hada gave a remarkably solid performance as he picked his way up the field to arrive within the leading group. On Lap 12, Decha tried to get on the outside of Yamaha Racing’s Yuki Ito, only to run out of tarmac and dropped to fourth position. With Decha gone, Hada quickly caught up with Zaqhwan but could not find a way past his more experienced rival. Zaqhwan led the pack to the finish line with a time of 24’48.515s while a grinning Hada skipped up to the second podium spot with a total time of 24’49.254s. In third place, Yuki Ito signalled the possibility of a strong Yamaha comeback with a time of 24’52.067s. “Decha was very strong at the start of the race. When he got into the lead, I found it very difficult to retaliate. So I decided to hang back, manage my tyres, and bide my time for the perfect opportunity. Once I overtook Decha on Lap 10, I switched mental gears in order to remain constant and focused on my riding. I was really shocked when I suddenly realized that Hada was right behind me. Luckily, that was during the closing laps of the race and I was able to keep my win,” said Zaqhwan.

ZAQHWAN PICKS UP FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON Read More »

POSITIVE START FOR ZAQHWAN DESPITE TRICKY CONDITIONS

2017, 2017 Round1, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi’s title defense campaign had gotten off to a positive start. At the Johor Circuit for the first day of free practices for the season opener of the 2017 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, the MUSASHi Boon Siew Honda rider was fastest in two of the three free practice sessions and ended the day as the fastest rider with a time of 1’31.063s. In the hunt for his third SuperSports 600cc Asian title, Zaqhwan looked comfortable as he shouldered the role of lead rider for the Malaysian racing team. However, the 2-times SuperSports 600cc champion expressed surprise that the rest of the field were not as fast as their pre-season laptimes. “The weather condition made things a little tricky for us. Due to the rain on the previous day, there were patches of mud on the track. I think the uncertainty about grip slowed everyone down. The weather condition will play a big role in the qualifying and race outcome tomorrow (Saturday),” he said. Meanwhile, teenage hotshot Taiga Hada served up a surprise when he posted the second fastest time in class with 1’31.519s. The 18-year-old RAMA Honda NTS T.Pro Ten10 rider outpaced early favourites Decha Kraisart and Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman. The two senior riders were third and fourth fastest respectively with 1’31.812s and 1’32.074s. Azlan’s new team mate Ahmad Yudhistira rounded up the top five with 1’32.079s.

POSITIVE START FOR ZAQHWAN DESPITE TRICKY CONDITIONS Read More »

EXTRA TYRES FOR A TOUGH SEASON OPENER

2017 Round1, Asia Production 250, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The SuperSports 600cc and Asia Production 250cc riders competing in Round 1 of the 2017 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Johor Circuit this weekend, will be receiving extra tyres for the race weekend. The SuperSports 600cc riders will receive an extra full set each while the Asia Production 250cc riders will be allocated an extra rear tyre. This decision was made to maintain the competitive level of the races, while taking into consideration, the track surface conditions and its wear and tear on the tyres.

EXTRA TYRES FOR A TOUGH SEASON OPENER Read More »

RATTHAPONG RARING TO GO AFTER CORRECTIVE WRIST SURGERY

2017 Round1, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

AP Honda rider Ratthapong Wilairot is pumped up for the first leg of the 2017 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, especially now that the persistent pain in his wrist had finally been resolved. Ratthapong, who only managed to cobble together a 14th overall ranking in 2016, revealed that he had not been able to ride to his full potential. “I was suffering from a persistent pain in my wrist that severely impacted my hand movements and subsequently, my riding performance. But because of our packed racing schedule, I didn’t have the chance to get a proper diagnostics until the year-end season break. The X-Ray showed that the screw that was implanted to fix my broken wrist, had shifted its position and causing the pain. My doctors have since removed the screw, and already I’m feeling much more positive about this season,” explained Ratthapong.

RATTHAPONG RARING TO GO AFTER CORRECTIVE WRIST SURGERY Read More »

SUPERSPORTS 600cc: WHAT’S NEW IN 2017

2017, 2017 Round1, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

Getting up to speed with the changes in the paddock as Round 1 flags off at the Johor Circuit on April 1 and 2, 2017.   1.MUSASHi Boon Siew Honda Racing The Malaysian outfit will be going for its 6th consecutive SuperSports 600cc Team Title this season. Yuki Takahashi has exited the team as he will be more focused on the MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship this year. Defending champion Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi will be the senior rider of the team, and will partner with 2014 Asia Dream Cup runner-up Teppei Nagoe.   2. Manual Tech Kawasaki Racing The Manual Tech Kawasaki Racing will put Indonesian rider Ahmad Yudhistira with Malaysian rider Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman.   3. Yamaha Racing Team The Yamaha Racing Team’s 2017 line-up will comprise of Japanese rider Yuki Ito and Thai newcomer Keminth Kubo.   4. RAMA Honda Racing by NTS T.Pro Ten10 Team NTS T.Pro racing undergoes a rebranding. The RAMA Honda Racing by NTS T.Pro Ten10 team will feature Japanese riders TaigaHada, Sena Yamada and India’s Sarath Kumar.   5. AP Honda Racing Thailand Ratthapong Wilairot will continue his SuperSports 600cc campaign in team AP Honda Racing Thailand livery. Ratthapong will be joined by seasoned Japanese campaigner Tatsuya Yamaguchi. Former MotoGP and WSBK rider Makoto Tamada had been appointed as head coach for the AP Honda team. He will be assisted by former Moto2 rider Ratthapark Wilairot.   6. Yamaha Thailand Racing Yamaha Thailand Racing has confirmed that both Decha Kraisart (2007 and 2010 SuperSports 600cc Champion) and Chalermpol Polamai (2009 SuperSports 600cc Champion) will be racing full season in the SuperSports 600cc category. This is one of the most senior rider combinations in the 2017 grid.

SUPERSPORTS 600cc: WHAT’S NEW IN 2017 Read More »

PRE-SEASON: DECHA INCHES CLOSE TO TRACK RECORD

2017, 2017 Test, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

While Malaysian rider Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi dominated the proceedings in the first day of pre-season tests for the 2017 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, it was Thai rider Decha Kraisart who came close to setting a new benchmark for the SuperSports 600cc class at the Johor Circuit. The Yamaha Thailand Racing rider found his rhythm in the closing sessions of the two-day practice and clocked the fastest time of the class, 01’31.051s. 36-year-old Decha, who was the SuperSports 600cc champion in 2007 and 2010, has shown no sign of slowing down. Having just won second place in the recent World SuperSports Championship race in Thailand as a wildcard last weekend, Decha is in the hunt for his third Asian trophy. Decha’s 2016 campaign got off to a slow start. At the Johor Circuit in Pasir Gudang last year, Decha suffered a DNF in Race 1 and only finished 12th in Race 2. But team Yamaha Thailand Racing had been able to overcome their problems in the second half of 2016. The Thai rider is hoping to score major points when the season kicks off on March 31. However, Decha’s best time only came close to the existing track record set by Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi (01’31.016s). As the pre-season test wrapped up, defending champion Zaqhwan posted the second fastest combined time of 01’31.381s followed by Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman with 01’31.441s. Decha’s team mate Chalermpol Polamai was fourth fastest with 01’31.871s while 18-year-old Japanese ace Taiga Hada rounded up the top five with 01’32.045s. Further down the field, Yamaha Racing’s Yuki Ito was sixth on the timesheets. Ito’s team mate, newcomer Keminth Kubo from Thailand, was eighth fastest with 01’32.515s. The best performing Indonesian contender, Ahmad Yudhistira, posted seventh fastest with 01’32.417s.

PRE-SEASON: DECHA INCHES CLOSE TO TRACK RECORD Read More »

TEAM MUSASHI BOON SIEW HONDA SAYS ‘GIVE ME FIVE’

2016, 2016 Round6, Supersports 600 /

Zaqhwan Zaidi’s victory at the Chang International Circuit handed a fifth consecutive FIM Asian title into the hands of team MUSASHi Boon Siew Honda Racing. The 21-year-old rider continued a five-year trend of the Malaysian racing outfit’s reign at the top of the Asian motorcycle racing arena. Team MUSASHi Boon Siew Honda’s rising star began with Ryuichi Kiyonari in 2012, followed by Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman in 2013, Zaqhwan Zaidi in 2014, and Yuki Takahashi in 2015. Zaqhwan became the first rider from the Honda marquee to win the title twice. “Out of the five championship titles that we had won, this year’s battle reminded us of 2014. Coming into the final race, we knew that the odds were very slim. When the first practice started and we saw how well prepared the Yamaha Thailand team was, we had to face the reality that not only the podium was out of reach, but Zaqhwan had to finish three spots ahead of Koyama,” said Zulhelmi Ahmad, team manager of team MUSASHi Boon Siew Honda. “While the team did the best we could to prepare the bikes for Zaqhwan and Yuki Takahashi, we did not apply undue pressure on either riders. At this level of competition, the riders themselves want the win as badly as we do. Any extra pressure could lead to disastrous results. A good example was how Takahashi’s fighting spirit led him into crashing out of Lap 1, all because he was too eager to catch up to the front and opened up on the gas too early at the exit of Turn 2.” “This year’s title was one of the most difficult. There was simply no room for mistake. On paper, it looked like our team had an easy time dominating the championship for five whole years. But in reality, each title was hard won as the level of competition kept increasing from year to year. This time, we learnt a very valuable lesson – not to take the wildcards for granted. Decha Kraisart and Chalermpol Polamai’s dominating performance at the Chang International Circuit almost changed the course of the title chase.”

TEAM MUSASHI BOON SIEW HONDA SAYS ‘GIVE ME FIVE’ Read More »

ZAQHWAN ZAIDI CROWNED AS ASIAN CHAMPION FOR THE SECOND TIME

2016, 2016 Round6, Supersports 600 /

MUSASHi Boon Siew Honda rider Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi became the FIM Asian SuperSports 600cc champion for the second time in his career when he did just enough to lift the 2016 trophy at the final leg of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in Buriram, Thailand. When the race weekend began, the 21-year-old Malaysian was one of four riders within shot of the title. The unexpected results from Race 1 on Saturday whittled the field down to only two when defending champion Yuki Takahashi and Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman were eliminated from the title chase. As the 19 SuperSports 600cc riders lined up on the grid for Race 2, there were only six points separating championship leader Tomoyoshi Koyama to Zaqhwan. In order for Koyama to win the title, all he had to do was shadow Zaqhwan for the entirety of the 18-lap race. On the other hand, Zaqhwan would need to hunt down a 6-point advantage over his Japanese rival. The final race of the season flagged off with Zaqhwan starting from seventh on the grid. Ahead of him, team Yamaha Thailand Racing stamped their authority on the Chang International Circuit when long-time collaborators Decha Kraisart and Chalermpol Polamai effortlessly swept into the lead. As the two Thai riders created a gap at the front of the field, Azlan Shah lost third position to Australian Anthony West. While the leading group sped away at the front, Zaqhwan and Koyama were initially stranded within the third group, fighting against Indonesians Ahmad Yudhistira and Dimas Ekky Pratama. Koyama stuck close to Zaqhwan’s bike for the first eight laps. At that point, the Japanese rider would have won the title. Unfortunately for Koyama, disaster struck at the midway point of the race. The Japanese rider was forced to the side of the track when his engine malfunctioned at the start of Lap 9. This automatically handed the title to Zaqhwan, on the condition that the MUSASHi Boon Siew Honda rider must finish the race within the top 10. Zaqhwan was well within target, pacing consistently in ninth position. A second windfall at the last corner, when Zaqhwan’s own team mate Yuki Takahashi ran wide, boosted the Malaysian rider’s position and allowed him to better his finishing position in sixth place. The results from Race 2 brought Zaqhwan’s points haul to a total of 162 points. Koyama is second overall with 158 points while Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman ended the season in third overall with 142 points. “I honestly did not know that I had won the title. There was no information on my pit board and I was unaware that Koyama had retired halfway through the race. I was just focusing on pacing myself and making sure that I finished as high as I could. I was surprised to be greeted by the pitlane marshalls and instructed to ride to the podium. That was when I saw my team celebrating our fifth Asian win,” said Zaqhwan. The final race was won by Decha Kraisart with a time of 29’56.605s, Chalermpol in second place with 29’57.533s and Anthony West in third with 29’59.565s.

ZAQHWAN ZAIDI CROWNED AS ASIAN CHAMPION FOR THE SECOND TIME Read More »