Supersports 600

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!”

The final curtain rises this weekend at Chang International Circuit Buriram, Thailand, as the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2024 reaches its climax. Among the contenders for glory, Mohammad Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM stands poised for battle. The Indonesian rider entered the SS600 finale just 14 points shy of championship leader Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASEAN. Adenanta embodies the spirit of a determined challenger. While Apiwath enjoys the home advantage at a track he has mastered, Adenanta remains unshaken, treating the final round as an opportunity to prove his resilience, skill, and determination to the very end. With consistent performances throughout the season and a deep desire to push his limits, the stage is set for a captivating showdown between these two exceptional riders. Will Adenanta’s calm resolve overturn the odds, or will Apiwath’s dominance at Chang International Circuit seal the title? The answer awaits as the final battle commences. Adenanta shared, “My preparation has been consistent and focused. I’ve been training hard every day, both physically and mentally, to be ready for this final round. I’ll give my best performance and enjoy every step of the journey.” Adenanta’s journey to the final round has been one of resilience. Despite facing setbacks, including a crash in Race 1 of Round 5 that widened the points gap to Apiwath, he has maintained his composure and continued collecting valuable points. He remarked, “From Round 1 to Round 5, I’ve had strong results in most races. While I didn’t always win, I managed to stay consistent. The crash in Round 5 was indeed tough. But it has made me more determined to fight harder for the final round.” With only a 14-point gap separating him from Apiwath, Adenanta remains optimistic about his chances to claim the title. “I know 14 points might seem like a lot, especially since Apiwath is strong at Buriram. But for me, nothing is impossible. I have confidence in my abilities and will give my best until the very last race,” Adenanta stated firmly. During Round 1 at Chang International Circuit Buriram, Adenanta demonstrated his capability with a P3 finish in Race 1 and P2 in Race 2. Heading into the same venue for the finale, his goal is straightforward. “My focus is to finish ahead of Apiwath in both races. It’s as simple as that,” he asserted. When asked about his personal targets, Adenanta said, “Of course, I want to be the champion. But more than that, I want to give my absolute best, improve step by step, and enjoy every session. My priority is to find more speed, set a strong race pace, and stay focused on each lap.” Unbothered by external pressures, Adenanta’s calm mindset is his greatest asset. “I don’t have any major concerns. I just focus on staying positive and enjoying the process because it helps me perform better. A positive mindset is the key to success for me.” As the battle for championship intensifies, with contenders like Apiwath, Adenanta, Azroy Hakeem Anuar and Muhammad Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team all vying for the title, Adenanta’s measured approach and steady focus measure him as a formidable challenger. Ready to give his all, Adenanta is poised to shine in the decisive SS600 finale!

A “DNF” (Did Not Finish) in racing is always a letdown for riders, and IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team rider, Muhammad Helmi Azman’s recent experience at Round 4 IDMTSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship in Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia was no exception. After a promising second-place finish in Race 1, the disappointment of a race-ending technical issue in Race 2 was a tough blow. However, Helmi remains focusing on leveraging his upcoming home circuit advantage. With a clear plan and renewed determination, he aims to turn the setbacks into a strong performance in the next round. Helmi shared his experience during Round 4, “Race 1 was a challenging yet satisfying race,” he reflects. “Coming from the back to secure a P2 was a significant achievement, but the engine trouble in Race 2 was a major setback. These setbacks are part of racing, and I’m focusing on bouncing back stronger.” Currently sitting in the top 4 of the overall standings, Helmi is optimistic about his prospects. “I’m feeling positive about my position. There’s always room for improvement, and I’m committed to pushing myself further,” he said. His focus is now on intense training and optimizing performance to secure better results in future races. With the coming round being at his home circuit in PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, Helmi sees a significant opportunity. “The home race gives me a great advantage. I know the track well and I’m confident I can use that familiarity to my benefit,” he explained. His goal is clear. It is to break into the top 3 and maximize his points. “I’m aiming for a double win. It’s crucial to capitalize on this opportunity.” Having raced at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit multiple times, Helmi is well-acquainted with the track. “I know the circuit’s nuances, including the key overtaking points and challenging corners,” he said. Despite the preparations, Helmi acknowledges the challenges ahead. “The biggest challenge is maintaining the right feel and confidence on the bike. Ensuring the bike setup is optimal and feel comfortable is key to my performance. If I can manage that, I believe it will greatly enhance my performance.” he admitted.

The roaring sound of machines will once again fill the spaces of the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit this weekend as it welcomes Round 5 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Azroy Hakeem Anuar of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing and Kiattisak Singhapong of HONDA Racing Thailand are all geared up for the next challenge that awaits them in the SuperSports 600cc race category. Will they make it top three? It is definitely a much better season for Malaysian rider Azroy in the ARRC after battling the misfortunates of last season. Although he began the season with a double DNF, the rider was not shaken up but instead went full on to recalibrate his fate. In Round 2, Azroy pulled a stunner when he barged towards the chequered flag, taking his first victory for the season and again in Race 1 of Round 4. He currently takes the third spot overall with a total of 84 points and while Sepang could be an added advantage, will luck be on his side this coming round? Commenting on the race, “When racing, incidents are quite normal. What matters most if how quickly we bounce back up. Each year, although I have gained various experience, is still a learning curve for me. I learn new things and I try to keep improving as much as possible. I keep an open mind and this way; I am able to grow faster. This category comes with many young and fast riders. I have to constantly be on par with them. The coming round on my home-ground, while it is an added advantage, it also depends on how quickly we optimise our experience. The goal is to collect as many points and catch up with the little time left. Personally, I think we are very competitive but again, the entire troop is equally good. My training sessions including fitness so that I am physically and mentally prepared each time I am on the machine. My aim is all the way to the top!” Kiattisak on the other hand may be just a rookie in SS600, but the rider has over the last four rounds showcased potential to compete competitively in what is considered a fiery feat. The rider certainly holds the right experiences to blend-in accordingly and while the competition has been tight, Kiattisak diligently delivered consistency before pulling through to make his first podium-finish in Race 2 of Round 4. He currently sits at the fifth spot overall with a total of 74 points, no far off from the top three positions. Would Sepang open a pathway for him to climb up the ladder? Commenting on the race, Kiattisak said, “To me, it has been a very challenging time stepping up from the 250cc race category to the 600cc race category that comes with a big difference. I struggled a lot but I learnt to a great extent the mechanics of controlling the machine and also its character. I recently rode the NFS250 in Asia Talent Cup in Sepang. Continuous corners with high-speed in the circuit is definitely challenging. With the 600cc machine and the race category being more aggressive and faster, there is an advantage in the smoothness when positioning the machine. However, my body is still small and there is a slight imbalance compared to the size of the machine. Part of my routine includes exercising, training on the machine and eating proper meals. Throughout the season, I have learnt a lot from my mistakes and flaws. I tried to adjust as much as possible and adapt as quickly as possible. My goal is to try for the podium and finish in Top Three positions.”