Supersports 600

The season opener of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing is just around the corner and once again, taking the grounds of Chang International Circuit with an interesting twist to the entry list will be the SuperSports 600cc. he swelling pressure is all that is needed to stir up the game this season. Apiwath Wongthananon took Season 2024 by a storm, charming the circuit grounds with his wits and an outstanding craftmanship aboard the Yamaha YZF-R6. While Season 2025 may not witness yet another spellbinding performance from the Thai lad in the race category, Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM who hailed 1st runner up will be back to mark his territories and make up for his lost cause. Standing by his side are teammates Rheza Danica and Herjun Atna who graduated from the AP250 race category after a victorious lap in the season finale. Will Adenanta prove his worth and make a name for himself this season? It’s hard to say considering the strong opponents in the entry list. Among them is IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA boy, Helmi Azman who made bold moves, sparking pressure and friction among the contenders. With Khairul Idham Pawi making a comeback after losing out a year in ARRC to enrich his experiences on the world front and Syarifuddin Azman taking a notch up in his game from the AP250 race category, the trio may just be the right mix in balancing out the brewing rivalry. Helmi said, “I am happy that KIP is back to the ARRC scene once again. We had a great time last season that resulted in outstanding performance. Yes, rivalry among us will continue as usual but this is where we test each other’s limit and be better. Damok and I have also worked together last season so it’s not going to be a problem. I believe that this season will be highly competitive considering the interesting entry list that we have. We as a team nevertheless are prepared to face the hurdles ahead of us.” As for HONDA RACING THAILAND, Thanat Laoongplio will be teaming up with Jakhreephat Puettisan and Kitsada Tanachot who will take a full season after a wildcard entry last season in the AP250 race category are yet another team to beware of. Yamaha lad, McKinley Kyle Paz of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING, on the other hand will take up a different kind of experience as he teams up with Kasma Daniel in the race category to fight against the compounding rivalry. He said, “Last year was my first full season in the SS600 race category after my European Moto2 stint. It was tough but with the help of my teammate, I adapted to the machine and track lines quickly. This season, I will take on my best lessons and move forward with grace. The machine itself is not a problem because the speed is amazing. I just have to get adjusted to the handling and ensure that the setup is up to mark.” Anupab Sarmoon, Thai rider who made his last appearance in 2022 will be back once again this season with YAMAHA RACING THAILAND to stir excitement and inject pressure on his rivals. Additionally, Rocco Sessler, former TVS Asia One-Make Championship rider who will JOIN ONE FOR ALL on a new adventure in the SS600 race category.

The final dance is on for the SuperSports 600cc race category of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship and will take place at Chang International Circuit this weekend. Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASEAN is getting closer towards victory but will Md Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM bow defeat? Six podium-finish including three wins is where Apiwath currently stands with his next drive to dominate all at the season finale. The Thai rider definitely holds the trump card considering his flying colours in Round 1 that awarded him with a double win, more so, with the added advantage on his home-ground circuit that he has grown accustomed to. From then on, Apiwath did not budge from the limelight and flaunted through the adversities to keep himself comfortable throughout the season at the top spot. The seasoned rider definitely had his down-time when he succumbed to a “DNF” and when he failed a chance on the podium, twice but the odds seem to be in his favour for now especially for someone who is known for his flair aboard his machine. Looks like it might be double aces for him this weekend?s Apiwath said, “Of course, this is our home-ground and we are more than familiar with it. It would definitely be the much-needed added advantage. My goal is one and only one – to be the Asia Champion of SS600 for this season. There are no two ways about it and I am all about carving out the racing lines and hitting it right. From the FP sessions to the race sessions, the only key to unlock victory is by acing it all the way. For the current gap, there is the likes of Adenanta whom I am pretty sure is not going to be an easy one to defeat. But again, I can’t underestimate the others as well who have been banking their points well. So, let’s see where this leads us to.” Adenanta is not far off in his chase to defeat the Thai rider and the coming round may just be the right call in unveiling the tricks up his sleeves. The Indonesian rider may have taken time last season to adopt and adapt but this season is all about zapping towards stardom. From round 1 to round 5, Adenanta made it to the podium five times including one win. For a rider who just graduated into the SS600 race category two years ago, it’s a hats-off moment. Having said that, he has not hit the easy streets just yet especially with the fiery Malaysian duo trailing right behind him. Neither is it a bed of roses with the likes of the ultimate home-ground rider. Commenting on the race, Adenanta said, “It’s finally here, a chance to be the SS600 Asia Champion and I am confident that my team will support my every move towards our shared goals. Every circuit comes with its own unique disposition and obstacles but I think this time around, I will be able to overcome it. I am all hyped up for the win and I love competition more so at Chang. Of course, the local riders have better advantage at it but again, racing is not just about the rider but the whole works including the machine, the crew and ultimately performance. I trust that the CBR600 RR can make the cut. Beyond that, it’s all about enjoying the race itself and I am sure my mechanics are working hard to ensure that I have the best of the moment. In the meantime, I will upkeep myself, work on my physique and make sure that if it’s not this weekend, it will be the next.” Meanwhile, Azroy Hakeem Anuar and Md Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team are both in contention and awaiting the right moment to strike. Azroy who currently takes the third spot overall followed by Helmi at fourth are not going to pave a smooth pathway for their contenders ahead of them. The riders known for their prowess made the headlines a number of times but unfortunately the two “DNF” in their records marked their shortcomings for the season. For the teammates, it is all about strategizing and planning out the moves for a successful team effort.

The final round of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is set to deliver fireworks in the SS600 category, with Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASEAN holding the advantage on his home turf. However, Muhammad Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team has no intention of making it an easy race for the Thai rider. Determined to leave his mark, Helmi is ready to challenge the odds and fight for glory at Chang International Circuit Buriram, Thailand. Currently placed fourth in the standings with 113 points, Helmi trails Apiwath, who leads with 155 points. With Mohammad Adenanta Putra and teammate Azroy Hakeem Anuar also in the hunt, the final showdown promises to be an all-out battle among the top four riders. Helmi’s history at Chang International Circuit Buriram offers a glimpse of his potential. In Round 1, he pushed Apiwath hard in Race 1, finishing second before an unfortunate setback ended his Race 2 with a DNF (Did Not Finish). This season, Helmi has claimed one win, two second-place finishes, and a third-place podium, showcasing his consistency and resilience. “My focus is on improving myself and my bike. I know what it takes to compete here, and I’m ready to fight,” said Helmi. “Apiwath is strong on this track, but I’m not backing down. This weekend, I’ll give it everything I’ve got.” With four riders battling for the title and unpredictable weather conditions potentially coming into play, Helmi remains prepared for the challenges ahead. “The wet conditions here can be tricky,” he admitted. “I’ll need to adapt quickly if it rains, but I’m confident in my preparation and mindset.” “This is my moment to shine. I’ve learned from my experiences this season, and I’ll stay focused and ride smart, no matter what comes my way,” he affirmed.

The battle for national pride takes center stage as three Thai riders-Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASEAN, Kiattisak Singhapong and Thanat Laoongplio of Honda Racing Thailand, gear up for the final round of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Chang International Circuit Buriram. While Apiwath chases his SS600 championship title, Thanat is determined to make his mark. Currently 10th in the overall standings, the Honda Racing Thailand rider has his sights set on his first podium and aims to outshine his compatriots on home soil. “I will show everyone that I can do it and perform better than those two,” Thanat declared confidently. Thanat’s familiarity with Chang International Circuit Buriram and his history here bolster his resolve. In Round 1, he showcased his potential by finishing P5 in Race 1 and P4 in Race 2. Coming into the final round, he has learned from past experiences and is ready to deliver a stronger performance. “There is homework from the first round that I’ve worked on to make myself stronger. The rest, let the results prove it.” he said. Adding to the anticipation is Thanat’s love for rain conditions. Should the weather take a turn, it could play into his hands and amplify his chances for a breakthrough result. “Rain doesn’t worry me. I like rainy weather and I am comfortable in wet track conditions. It could give me the edge I need,” he shared. As the final showdown draws near, Thanat remains focused on his goals. “This is one of the tracks where I feel confident, and I’ve prepared myself fully to ensure the results come without any regrets,” he said. For Thanat, the battle isn’t just about points; it’s about pride, proving his capabilities against his fellow countrymen, and leaving his mark on the finale.

At Chang International Circuit Buriram, Thailand, Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASEAN stands on the brink of glory. Leading the SS600 championship standings, the Thai rider returns to the track where his journey began this season, ready to conclude the 2024 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship as a champion. Currently, Apiwath leads the SS600 standings with 155 points, holding a 14-point advantage over Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM. The competition remains fierce, with Azroy Hakeem Anuar and Muhammad Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team still in contention for the title. However, Apiwath holds a significant edge as this is his home circuit, and his record here speaks for itself. During Round 1 earlier this season, he dominated both races, solidifying Chang International Circuit Buriram as his fortress. This season, Apiwath’s consistency has been unmatched. Securing three wins and three P2 finishes, he has firmly established himself as the championship favorite, combining calculated risks with undeniable skill. Now, heading into the final round, Apiwath is prepared to deliver his best, fully aware of the expectations resting on his shoulders. “My preparation for this final race has been thorough and focused. I’m ready to give my best,” Apiwath said. “This is my home race, and the fans will make the atmosphere electric. I’ll focus on the championship points, but I’ll aim to deliver a performance worthy of their support.” Apiwath also acknowledged the intensity of the final round, with championship battles unfolding across multiple categories. “The atmosphere will be intense, no doubt. But I thrive in moments like these. And as always, I will stay focused and execute with precision,” he stated. Having conquered challenges throughout the season, Apiwath remains calm and composed as he approaches the finale. “There’s no pressure. I trust my team, my bike, and my preparation. We will do our best, as we’ve done all year. We are ready for the final round!”