Supersports 600

HELMI EDGED FELLOW MALAYSIANS IN SS600

2025, 2025 Round 2, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

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

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CAN KASMA DEFEAT ADENANTA?

2025, 2025 Round 2, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

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.”

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KASMA SHINES WITH COMMANDING WIN

2025, 2025 Round1, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The opening round of the 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship witnessed Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING securing a remarkable victory in Race 2 for the SS600 class at the Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand, today. As the race began, McKinley Kyle Paz of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING got off to a strong start, but it was Muhammad Syarifuddin Azman of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA who led the pack.However, within seconds, the race was taken over by three Honda riders: Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND, Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, and Muhammad Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA. On Lap 2, while Thai rider Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM showed impressive form on his home circuit, Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin, starting from P4, reached a top speed of 260.9 km/h and made his move, overtaking Anupab. Kasma then settled into the lead, with Anupab closely trailing 2.113s behind. The battle for third place heated up as four riders—Adenanta, Helmi, Wahyu, and Thanat—fought fiercely for the position. In a dramatic sequence, Helmi moved up from P4 to P3, but Adenanta managed to reclaim the position. Kasma held his ground and crossed the finish line smoothly with a time of 20’04:345s, taking the victory. Anupab secured second place with a time of 20’05:555s, while Adenanta finished third at 20’08:805s. Kasma said, “This victory is the power of prayers from my mother and wife. This win is for them and my team. It’s been a long time since I last stood on the podium in ARRC. Even though it’s in SS600, I am still incredibly grateful. In the race, I focused on maintaining a consistent rhythm with my lap times. However, by the time I reached the last five laps, my tires were worn, and I had to manage and take care of them. I didn’t realize that Anupab was closing in behind me, but I’m thankful to have won the first round of 2025. It’s a good start, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming rounds.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2

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SLIPPERY TRACK, SMOOTH VICTORY FOR ADENANTA

2025, 2025 Round1, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

Race 1 of the opening round of the 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in the SS600 category saw Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM claim victory at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand. In the qualifying session, Muhammad Syarifuddin Azman of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA secured pole position with the fastest lap time of 1’38:821s. McKinley Kyle Paz of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING took second with a time of 1’38:880s, while Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin, also of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING, qualified third with a lap time of 1’38:999s. At the start of the race, Syarifuddin launched into the lead with a strong start. Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND followed closely, with Adenanta settling into third. However, Adenanta didn’t wait long. He overtook to take the lead before entering lap 2. While Md Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA climbed to P3, closely tracking the top two riders. On lap 3, McKinley clocked an incredible lap time of 1’53:427s to move into P3. But, the intensity of the race only grew from there, as riders fiercely battled through the corners, frequently trading positions. The final lap saw a four-way fight between Adenanta, McKinley, Wahyu Nugroho of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA, and Thanat. In the end, Adenanta held firm and crossed the finish line first with a time of 15’00:012s. McKinley finished second at 15’00:433s, while Wahyu secured the final podium spot at 15’00:736s. Adenanta said, “I want to thank everyone who supported me. Honestly, I don’t even know what to say. I’m just really, really happy. The track was actually quite slippery, but I stayed calm and tried to maintain my rhythm every lap. On the last lap, I could hear bikes closing in behind me, but I just focused on keeping my pace all the way to the finish line. For Race 2 tomorrow, we’ll push even harder!” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1

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THANAT OUTPACES COMPETITION IN CHANG

2025, 2025 Round1, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship officially began today at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, with Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND posting the fastest time in the combined SS600 practice sessions. In Practice 1, Thanat showed impressive pace, setting the fastest lap time of 1’39:618s. Just 0:035s behind him, Wahyu Nugroho of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA clocked 1’39:653s, while Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING rounded out the top three with a time of 1’39:653s. In Practice 2, Thanat maintained his position at the top with a best lap of 1’39:743s. Muhammad Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU HONDA RACING MALAYSIA placed second with 1’39:756s, followed by Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, who recorded a lap time of 1’39:844s. Practice 3 saw Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM take the top spot with a lap time of 1’39:677s. McKinley Kyle Paz of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING followed closely with 1’39:712s, and Wahyu placed third at 1’39:845s. With the combined results from the three practice sessions, Thanat emerged as the fastest overall, while Wahyu and Kasma secured second and third positions, respectively. Thanat said, “Today I tried my best, and the track conditions were really hot. I focused solely on my performance. I gave it everything I had. I did lose a bit of control at corner 5, however in Practice 1 and Practice 2, I was able to ride alone and set the fastest times, so I’m very happy with that. For tomorrow, my focus is entirely on the podium. I’m not thinking about other riders because everyone is facing the same challenges with the hot track conditions.” TOP 5 FASTEST – COMBINED PRACTICE

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SWELLING PRESSURE!

2025, Latest News, 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.

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APIWATH CHAMPION ON HOME SOIL

2024, 2024 Round6, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The Supersports 600cc category came to an exhilarating conclusion at Race 2 of the season finale of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. On his home turf, Apiwath Wongthananon of the YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASIA sealed the championship title in dramatic fashion with a fierce victory at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand. The race got off to an intense start, with Apiwath quickly asserting himself at the front. Following closely behind were his fierce competitors, Thanat Laoongplio and Kiattisak Singhapong of Honda Racing Thailand, both of whom were determined to challenge his lead. Having a deep understanding of Apiwath’s strength at the Chang International Circuit, the Honda riders, including Muhammad Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team, Thanat, Kiattisak, Azroy Hakeem Anuar of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team, and Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, surrounded Apiwath, attempting to prevent him from fulfilling his championship aspirations. Meanwhile, Apiwath’s teammate, McKinley Kyle Paz, was trying to make his way into the front group to join the battle. However, the race took a devastating turn on Lap 11, when one of the main championship contenders, Adenanta, crashed out. His unfortunate exit not only pushed him out of the top 3 in the race podium, but also ended his bid for the title, leaving Apiwath with a clearer path to the crown. Throughout the race, the battle for the lead was dynamic, with Yamaha and Honda riders exchanging positions multiple times. Despite the relentless pressure from the Honda riders, Apiwath proved his dominance, pulling away in the final laps and speeding past the finish line with a time of 20’00:313s. This victory marked his second double win at Chang International Circuit and officially confirmed him as the 2024 Supersports 600cc Champion. Completing the podium were his fellow Thai riders, Honda Racing Thailand’s Thanat and Kiattisak, who finished in second and third place at 20’00:431s and 20’00:569s, respectively. A visibly emotional Apiwath reflected on his journey: “There are no words to express how I feel. This victory is not just for me but for everyone who has been by my side throughout this journey. From my team, my family, to all the supporters who have been with me every step of the way. They’ve motivated me to push harder in every race. Finally, I get to claim the championship, it’s unbelievable! I’m beyond grateful to my team, my family, and to all the fans who believed in me.” TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2 TOP 5 OVERALL STANDING TOP 5 TEAM OVERALL STANDINGS

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STUNNING VICTORY AT HOME GROUND FOR APIWATH

2024, 2024 Round6, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

Race 1 of Round 6 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in the SS600 category saw Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASEAN claim victory at his home ground, the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand. In the qualifying session, Thanat Laoongplio of Honda Racing Thailand secured pole position with a fastest lap time of 1’38:434s. Ratthapong Wilairot of YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team took second position with a time of 1’38:542s, while Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASEAN qualified in third with a lap time of 1’38:628s. As the race began, Apiwath made an excellent start and quickly took the lead. Thanat followed closely behind, with Rheza Danica Ahrens of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM in third position. Apiwath, the winner of both Race 1 and Race 2 at Round 1, found himself under pressure throughout the race. The only Yamaha rider in the front group, he was surrounded by five Honda riders: Mohammad Adenanta Putra and Rheza of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, Muhammad Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team, Thanat, and Azroy Hakeem Anuar of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team. Despite the fierce pressure, Apiwath defended his position well, denying multiple overtaking attempts. On lap 10, Rheza crashed out of the race, leaving a smaller group battling for the podium positions. After several attempts, Helmi successfully overtook Apiwath for the lead on lap 9, with Adenanta also making his move to place Apiwath in third. However, on lap 10, Thai rider Thanat crashed, dropping him further down the order. The top three riders engaged in fierce battles, frequently exchanging positions through the corners. However, Apiwath, known for his strong performance at the Chang International Circuit, demonstrated his experience and reclaimed the race lead in the final lap. He proudly crossed the finish line to take the victory with a time of 20’02:211s. Apiwath commented, “Incredible! What a race! In the beginning, I tried to push as hard as I could, but after five laps, I saw the board and realized that there was a big group of riders behind me. I stayed calm and kept telling myself to focus. In the final lap, there were two Honda riders ahead of me, so I aimed to overtake them in the last sector, and thankfully, I made it. I feel exhausted now, but this is such a special moment for me.” Second place went to Adenanta, who finished the race with a time of 20’02:575s, while Helmi secured third place with a time of 20’02:629s. TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1SS600

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APIWATH FASTEST IN HOME CIRCUIT

2024, 2024 Round6, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

The SS600 category at the Round 6 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, held at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand with Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASEAN topped the practice session that ended on Friday. In Practice 1, Ratthapong Wilairot of YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team took the top spot with the fastest lap time of 1’39:937s. Two riders of Honda Racing Thailand, Thanat Laoongplio and Kiattisak Singhapong who clocked 1’39:969s and 1’40:013s placed second and third respectively. In Practice 2, Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASEAN led the pack with the fastest lap time of 1’39:184s. At second place was Kiattisak at 1’39:518s. Azroy Hakeem Anuar of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team took third place at 1’40:046s. In Practice 3, Apiwath topped the session at the fastest lap time of 1’39:028s. Ratthapong placed second at 1’39:444s. Azroy took third spot at 1’39:504s. The combined practice results, Apiwath appeared as the fastest overall, while Ratthapong and Azroy followed suit, taking the second and third spots respectively. Apiwath said, “Today has been a really great day for me. Starting from FP1, I felt good, but FP3 truly boosted my motivation and has become my new good luck charm. We’ve got a different setup to try tomorrow, and I’m excited to see how it works. I’m hopeful that tomorrow will bring even more success and be another productive day for me.” Fastest Lap Time:Practice Session (Combined)

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THE TEMPS’ UP!

2024, Latest News, Supersports 600 /

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.

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