Supersports 600

A much-anticipated race category, the SuperSports 600cc was a show-stopper today at the Chang International Circuit as the Japanese and Malaysian rider went all out to make it or break it. But the one who walked away with the bragging rights was Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN when he won Race 2, Round 6 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. In Race 1 that happened yesterday, pole-man, Soichiro was dominant on the circuit, taking lead from flag off to chequered flag. While his teammate, Apiwath trailed closely behind, it seemed rather conspicuous that it was to keep Khairul Idham at bay. Nevertheless, Khairul went on a solo-mission, keeping himself positioned firmly on the racing line throughout the 12-lap race. Soichiro who has improved significantly over the last few rounds proved his calibre when he crossed the finish line first with Apiwath taking second and Khairul succumbing to third. As soon as the race flagged off, once again, Soichiro took lead with teammate Apiwath right behind him. At P3, Khairul struggled to keep up. By the end of lap 1, Azroy took P3. Into the third lap, Khairul who was in contention of the championship title crashed. His teammate, Azroy however found his way ahead of Apiwath as he went on to chase Soichiro. The Japanese rider was already ahead by 0.9s. Apiwath tried to close the gap with Azroy and he made it but Azroy was fiery as he went on to pressure the Thai rider. With 7 more lap to go, Nakarin made close contact with Azroy, took a shot ahead of him before Azroy slide back ahead of him. By mid-lap, it was almost evident that Soichiro would be the man of the hour as he went on to draw a gap of 2.016s with the Honda rider trailing behind. Apiwath remained protective at P2. The battle continued between Azroy and Nakarin who kept looking for possible ways to strike but Azroy was careful. Nakarin didn’t give up and finally he swiped past Azroy. But of course, the battle did not end just yet. The duo went on to challenge each other. Ahead of them, Apiwath, knowing that it’s a safe bet, finally made his move ahead of Soichiro before both teammates of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN raced towards victory with Apiwath, winner of Race 2 at 19’57:324s and Soichiro, Champion of SS600 race category, Season 2023 at 19’58:553s. Commenting on the race, Apiwath said, “It was a wonderful and amazing race, today. It was a little difficult for me in the beginning of the race. The engine was not really heated up but lap-by lap, I manged to overtake Azroy and finally made my way up to the top spot. It has been amazing day for us as a team.” Soichiro Minamimoto said, “It is a perfect weekend for me. This season it has been difficult especially in the beginning of the season up until Japan. From Mandalika onwards, there have been many improvements in my performances. I never expected this but I am so happy to have made it. Thanks to Apiwath for being supportive of me. Thank you, Yamaha and all the sponsors who made this a success! Third place went to Azroy Hakeem Anuar of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team at 20’00:216s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The SuperSports 600cc was a striking show as riders braced through the mounting pressure and rivalry in Race 1, Round 6 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship today. Coming out stronger than ever was Soichiro Minamimoto of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAM who claimed victory at the Chang International Circuit. During the qualifying session that was held earlier today, Yamaha riders Soichiro and Apiwath of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN were strong on the circuit and made it first and second on the grid with their best lap time at 1’38:447s and 1’38:894s. Honda rider, Khairul Idham of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team took third spot with his best lap time at 1’39:209s. It was an awesome start for Soichiro in the 12-lap race when he immediately took lead with his teammate, Apiwath right behind him. At turn 2 however, Apiwath took a slide from the inside and took lead for a moment before Soichiro grabbed it back. Khairul was at P3 before Azroy went ahead of him. Khairul regained his momentum quickly and made it back P3 at the last turn of lap 1. The Yamaha riders remained sturdy on the grounds of Chang as Honda rider, Khairul tried to close the gap. Nakarin who began on the 6th spot made his way into P4 by the end of lap 3. The three riders in contention for the championship title, Khairul, Nakarin and Soichiro went on to make the cut. By mid-race, the positions of the trio in the front troop remained unchanged. Nakarin at P4 kept pushing to close the gap of 3.5s as Azroy chased him furiously. With 3 more laps to go, Soichiro and Apiwath glided confidently ahead as Khairul tried to catch up. By then, it was almost impossible for Khairul to close the gaps. On the last lap, Soichiro avoided mistakes as Apiwath looked for ways to overtake but to no avail. Soichiro went on to take one last turn before heading towards victory at 19’55:372s. Commenting on the race, Soichiro said, “Today’s race was great really great. My planning was to get to the top. The tire was a little worn out towards the end of the race but Apiwath who stayed close behind me was a great help and support to me. I am at the top of the championship now but tomorrow is another day to fight and that is all that matters. So, we shall see!” His teammate, Apiwath Wongthananon made it second at 19’55:522s. Khairul Idham made it third at 19’58:301s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The riders of the SuperSports 600cc were pumped up today in their bid to make the most at the season finale of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship help at Chang International Circuit. Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAH GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN emerged fastest today at the practice sessions, combined. In FP1 earlier today, Thai lad Nakarin of Honda Racing Thailand went on enthusiastically on his home- ground to score the fastest at 1’39:709 followed by fellow country-men and wildcard rider, Apiwath of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN with his best lap time at 1’39:949s. Malaysian rider, Azroy Hakeem made it third fastest with his best lap time at 1’40:232s. In FP2, Apiwath worked on his performance and made it fastest at 1’39:243s followed by his teammate, Soichiro with his best lap time at 1’39:579s. At third fastest was Nakarin with his best lap time at 1’39:965s. In FP3 that was held in the evening, Apiwath emerged fastest with his best lap time at 1’39:393s and once again followed by his teammate Soichiro with his best lap time at 1’39:483s making them the fastest and second fastest for the day. The duo of the same team seemed to have worked out a plan to keep themselves well ahead of the others in the lap chart. With Soichiro in contention for the championship, Apiwath’s participation may be the boost that he needs to make the weekend a success. Apiwath completed his full season in the World SuperSport and his experiences has definitely given him the added value needed to make the most of the season finale. Taking third fastest in FP3 was Ratthapong of YAMAHA Thailand Racing Team with his best lap time at 1’39:854s. Commenting on the session earlier, Apiwath said, “I am happy to be back at ARRC and I would say that the level of competitiveness is equally amazing. Chang circuit has become quite an easy ground for me right now with all the other experiences that I have gained over the course of one year. Having said that, of course, there are the likes of contenders such as Nakarin who is a home-grown rider, KIP and Helmi who are extremely strong in the race category which does not make it an easy feat after all. But I do look forward to winning tomorrow.” Nakarin Atiratphuvapat made it third fastest in FP, combined with his best at 1’39:709s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

It was a fast and fury ride among the SuperSports 600cc race category’s rising stars in the recent race which left an unsettled ambiguity in its rivalry. Who will become the next champion? Could it be the long-standing leader Khairul Idham Pawi of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team, the equally competitive Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of Honda Racing Thailand or Soichiro Minamimoto of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN who has been raking up the chart very quickly? Round 6 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which will be held at Chang International Circuit will say it all. Season 2023 has blurred the lines of the best especially with the likes of extraordinary riders who have successfully pulled a stunner throughout five rounds. But, among them, the intensity spiked among KIP, Chip Nakarin and Soichiro who blazed the trails for newfound benchmarks in the SS600 race category. The trio made it onto the podium six times and has presented a unique disposition in the art of manoeuvring the high-powered machine – all of which sums up to their advantages and disadvantages on the circuit ground. What would Chang circuit hold for them? Both KIP and Chip’s performances on the circuit speak a volume of their mastery but with Soichiro’s formidable progress over the last few rounds, the duo has to belt and brace at all cost. Commenting on the race, KIP said, “The coming round is definitely going to be a tough one. The championship points are very close to each other therefore the pressure is going to be mounting. But again, we are all in the game together hence I believe the anxiety is pretty much the same for everyone. We will do our best for sure. In Zhuhai, I made a mistake during qualifying and that impacted my overall result for the weekend. It is undoubtedly tough to start a race from the back. But I made a good finish in Race 1. I learnt my mistakes which is good so that I don’t repeat that in the coming round. My main contender would be Chip because it is his home-ground and he is strong there. This season, overall, has been really good for me. I have managed to maintain my consistency throughout. Although there were I did not finish the race or didn’t finish podium but I have improved a lot this season compared to the last. It takes time and I think I can do more. The machine is similar to the other teams but of course, there are some advantages and disadvantages in each machine that makes up for an equal fight. The goal is to fight for the championship title. It is definitely also the goal of the team. But I will not stress myself too much instead just focus on doing my best and give my 100% to the race.” Hearing it from Chip, he said, “The coming round would probably be the most exciting one throughout the season because I stand a chance to take the champion title on my home-ground. I have prepared myself both physically and mentally and I think I am much stronger now. No matter what happens, I will make sure that I try my best to make the most of it. The race at Zhuhai was quite unpredictable. For example, the red flag in Race 1 saved the day as it gave me an opportunity to finish fourth. In Race 2, I made a mistake but I was able to recover and win. I was very lucky that weekend. My greatest rival is definitely the leader, Super KIP. He rode very well in Round 1 and not the mention his preciseness in each corner. The most valuable lesson for me was in Round 3 when I made a mistake that resulted in a DSQ. I lost my points there. In terms of the machine, there is barely any disadvantage. Equally important would be the rider’s adaptation towards the machine and so far, it has been good. I aim to the champion in the SS600 race category this season and if I do, I would like to step up in my game and move to a higher cc race category. My goal is to continuously strive and become better wherever I am.” Soichiro said, “In my opinion, the final round is going to be superbly interesting for sure as the championship is close. Frankly, the Chang circuit may be a little tough for us, Yamaha riders. The braking of our rivals is very strong on that circuit ground. We do have our strategies in place though and it is a matter of applying right. The goal for every top rider would be to take the championship title. I will first have to win he race as usual. Looking back at the recent race in Zhuhai, I thought that it would be tougher there but I was really happy to have gotten myself onto the podium in both races. For me, my ultimate rivals are KIP and Nakarin. They have definitely showcased their strengths in Round 1 at the circuit. I did not really expect to compete this well throughout the season considering their abilities to defend the positions. I tried to pick up during each round and I know that my team has been working hard to make sure stay on par with the best in the game. Winning the championship would be a gift to my team for their endless support. So, key in this would be focusing on win and nothing less!” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Highly competitive and meticulous in their moves, the riders of the SuperSports 600cc have been raising their benchmark of excellence in each other round. This time around, it was Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of Honda Racing Thailand who took the win in Race 2 of Round 5, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that was held at Zhuhai International Circuit. Yesterday’s battle witnessed the Boon Siew duo and Gen Blu lad pitting themselves against each other for a taste of victory. Helmi took lead with Azroy and Soichiro putting intense pressure. Khairul who took the start at P10 made his way up to P4 minutes before the red flag was raised. Disrupted by the incident and 2 laps short, the foursome began their moves shortly after. On the last lap, Azroy and Helmi engaged in one final fight before Azroy took Helmi down for the winning spot. During the race earlier, Adenanta very quickly took his position at P1 momentarily before Azroy swiped places with him. Nakarin took P3 before sliding from the inside ahead of Adenanta at turn 1 of lap 2. Meanwhile Soichiro and Helmi lined up at P4 and P5 before Helmi switched places with him. By the end of lap 2, Adenanta lost his pace and dropped to P6 with Ratthapong ahead of him. Before the lap ended, Ratthapong’s machine gave way and Khairul moved into P5 all the way from P10. Into lap 4, Azroy who was leading confidently lost control and crashed into the gravel. With Nakarin leading and four laps down, Helmi went for Nakarin while Soichiro remained close. Khairul was catching up. Into the sixth lap, Helmi cleverly took a slide from the inside ahead of Nakarin but Nakarin was quick to retrieve. The Thai rider was adamant. In each of Helmi’s attempt, Nakarin was fast to swing right back ahead until Helmi made a mistake, giving Khairul the opportunity to move ahead. Khairul kept his enemy close as he went on to pressure Soichiro but the Japanese was strong. Soichiro went for Nakarin and took a shot from the inside but Nakarin pulled back up ahead. On the final lap, Helmi took a slide from the inside into P3 shortly before Khairul crashed. Soichiro made one last attempt but Nakarin flew ahead to bag victory at 19’33:407s. Commenting on the race, Nakarin said, “Amazing race today. I was totally pumped up. I lost yesterday so today, I made sure that I was in full form, ready to be on top of my game. I kept up with my pace and maintained my position so that I don’t lose the momentum. It worked very well for me. I thank everyone who has supported me especially my Thai fans and team. More importantly, I wanted to make sure that my points were maximised. It is an awesome day for me. Thank you, all!” Soichiro Minamimoto of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN made it second at 19’33:475s. Md Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team took third at 19’34:470s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

There is nothing more exhilarating than a good battle among contenders in a bid to be the best. It was exactly that among the SuperSports 600cc riders as they went for the jugular in their attempt to make the right cut in Race 1 of Round 5, FIM Asia Road Racing Championship held at Zhuhai International Circuit. Azroy Hakeem Anuar of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team made a fiery finish to claim victory. During the qualifying sessions earlier today, the riders took a notch up to fight for the front row. But the trio who made it were teammates Helmi Azman and Azroy Hakeem of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team at the pole position and second spot on the grid with their fastest lap time at 1’36:751s and 1’36:858s as well as Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM who made it at the third spot on the grid when he scored 1’36:893s. Helmi was off to a fantastic start, immediately taking lead at turn one followed by Soichiro at P2 and Azroy at P3. Adenanta who started off at P3 dropped one position down into P4 whereas, Khairul who started at P10 worked his way into P5. While the trio ahead kept their distance from the troop behind, Khairul charmed his way into P4. Adenanta was not about to give up as he furiously chased Khairul. Meanwhile, Yamaha rider, Soichiro moved ahead of the Helmi into P1 but lost his pace to Helmi at the end of lap 3. Into lap 4, Azroy went on to take charge. By mid-race, Khairul was close to the trio ahead of him. Azroy took lead and his teammate, Helmi exchanged positions with Soichiro. Khairul was waiting to strike. Just as the battle heated up, the red flag was raised. As soon as the red flag was lifted, the riders went on to continue from where it was left. This time around, Soichiro from P3 moved into P1 with Azroy behind him. Khairul moved into P3 from P4 as Helmi trailed closely. With three laps to go, Helmi took a slide from the inside at turn 1 and moved ahead of Khairul. Within minutes, Helmi worked his way once again from the inside into P2. At the final lap, Azroy and Helmi exchanged positions at the few last turns. Khairul tried to close the gap with Soichiro but failed. Azroy and Helmi went on a neck and neck battle on the straight before the former clocked in first at 9’47:222s. Commenting on the race, Azroy said, “I thank everyone for the hard work. It has been a long time since I made it to the podium. It has been quite unlucky for me this season with tire and machine issues. It is a mixed emotion for me. There is joy and sadness. But this victory is dedicated to my beloved mother who recently passed away. This time around, I had nothing to lose and I pushed beyond the limits. The championship is far-fetched but I hope to complete the season with more wins.” Teammate, Md Helmi Azman took second spot at 9’47:487s. Soichiro Minamimoto of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN clocked in third at 9’47:686s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Moving swiftly to the tune of their machines while finding the perfect rhythm for a score, the riders of the SuperSports 600cc are back once again in the game for Round 5 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which was held at the Zhuhai International Circuit. Clocking in fastest in the practice sessions combined was Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of Honda Racing Thailand. FP1 session for the SS600 race category took place this morning with Azroy Hakeem of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team clocking in fastest at 1’37:732s followed by his teammate Khairul with his best lap time at 1’37:981s. Third was Nakarin of Honda Racing Thailand with his best lap time at 1’38:109s. In FP2 session, Khairul made it fastest at 1’38:156s although his lap time increased by almost a second from the earlier lap time. His two other teammates, Azroy and Helmi made it third and second fastest with their best lap time at 1’38:227s and 1’38:340s respectively. In FP3, Nakarin took a notch up and improved on his lap time, clocking in fastest at 1’37:256s. The Thai rider who currently takes the second spot overall with a total of 120 points was third overall last season. While he has maintained his position quite well for the season, the stakes are high considering his closest contenders who are equally competitive. But Nakarin has surely showcased some strengths on this circuit today. Commenting on the sessions, Nakarin said, “FP1 and FP2 were merely a test ride for me today. I rode alone to find the right settings. It was only in FP3 that I focused and monitored the lap time. Looks like my settings have worked. I have not raced on this circuit abord the 600cc machine but I have raced here for the Asia Talent Cup in 2015. I have no recollection of the circuit to be honest. But riding on it today, I recognised that it has narrow and high-speed corners which requires hard-braking. I would say that it is a highly technical circuit. That would be a challenge because I cannot afford to make any mistakes there. There are some minor settings to be adjusted for tomorrow’s qualifying session. Overall, I want to win in the both the races here.” Boon Siew teammates, Helmi and Khairul made it third and second fastest in FP3 and combined with their best lap time at 1’37:326s and 1’37:348s respectively. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

Mind-blowing and exceptional are the qualities of riders in the SuperSports 600cc race category of the  FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. The compatibility between man and machine has never ceased  to amaze its audience as they string a striking rhythm for a perfect win. Soichiro Minamimoto of  YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN is all set to make his bid for the best spot in Round 5 which will  be held at Zhuhai International Circuit, China.  Not a stranger to the ARRC scene, he may have missed out last season but he is a man on a mission This season is about striking while the iron is hot and making a swift climb up the chart. He may not  have come back with a bang in Round 1 but he has surely picked up a competitive fight and moved  with the momentum throughout the season. The Japanese finished podium in the last round which  included his very first win for the season. That placed him all square with his closest contender in the  standings.   Commenting on the season, Soichiro said, “Personally, based on my experiences riding in various  different motorcycle racing championships, ARRC has been one of the toughest. It is stimulating and  at the same time, nerve-wracking. One thing’s for sure, I have a lot of fun riding in this championship.  To me, I think the level of competitiveness increases each year and that is crucial in any particular  championship. I raced in the 1000cc up until last year so for me, it was not an easy switch. I have to  transition very quickly to adapt to the 600cc. It definitely is hard work and requires learning as fast as  I could.”  Speaking about strengths, Soichiro said, “My strengths are probably in the high-speed corners. I try to  focus my efforts around that because its gives me the upper-hand to manage my machine better.  Honda is very powerful but Yamaha’s strong point is always at the high-speed corners. So, it would only  be wise to optimise on our strengths instead of dwelling on the weaknesses. I try to do better each  time, no doubt. But of course, the challenge is not only in terms of the machine but also in terms of  the riders and their capabilities. We have the likes of many highly competitive riders and while it makes it harder to achieve my goals, it is also a drive to continuously do better.”  On Zhuhai circuit, he said, “It would be my first time at Zhuhai International Circuit. Personally, I think  it is going to be a tough one. Of course, firstly with no experience and secondly, riding amongst those  who already have the experience there. But having said that, I am good at challenges. I embrace it well  and learn from it with ease. So, I am not so worried about not having the experience. Ultimately, the  goal is to fight for the championship title. I have a very good position right now which gives me the  advantage to fight with KIP, so I will do my best to win the remaining 4 races.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

They are fast, flexible and furious in their attempt to strike and it describes well the nature of the  SuperSports 600cc race category riders. In the last four rounds, these riders have left no stones  unturned in their attempts to be the best in their game. Among them, Khairul Idham Pawi of Boon  Siew Honda Racing Team who has been extraordinary in his endeavours to prove his chops. He is now  ready and raring for Round 5 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which will happen this  weekend at Zhuhai International Circuit, China.  Khairul or fondly known as “Super KIP” is a comeback kid and is back in the saddle, making waves as  he progresses through each round. His performances throughout the season, undoubtedly has left  everyone at the edge of their seats with his remarkable level of mastery in the SS600 race category.  He has been aware of the constant pressure from the troop but he has also been bold in making the  strikes at the right time which surmises his years of experience in the riding scene. Although he seemed  to have struggled with his performance in Race 2 of the recent race, Super KIP has definitely done a  superb job in maintaining his position throughout the season.   Commenting on the season, Khairul said, “This year has been quite a positive one for me as I have seen  myself improving tremendously from the last season. I picked up from where it was left last season  and no doubt, it was not an easy task but I went on with it with the aim of learning from trial and error.  The goal was to be make sure I put what I have learnt into play and that worked well for me. I have  some weakness though which is racing on a wet circuit ground. At the moment, frankly, I am not so  confident with it and I need to get back on that momentum.”  Humble as always, the Malaysian rider went on to say, “This year further accentuated the skills I may  have not practiced for a long time or perhaps, hidden. I do see a lot of improvements with my riding  techniques, in my ability to weigh and identify issues on the circuit and my machine as well as in making  quick decisions to overcome it on-the-go. The machine too, thanks to my team, is in a superb condition  which gives me the upper hand to fight at the front troop. At the end of the day, my achievements are  attributed to teamwork and I am truly grateful for it.”  Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The SuperSports 600cc went on to showcase yet another exhilarating performance at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. Soichiro Minamimoto of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN was extraordinary in his showmanship in Race 2 of Round 4, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Yesterday was a good day for the Boon Siew Honda Racing Team when they swept the two top spots on the podium. Azroy who steadily took control and lead throughout 9 laps was failed by the tires of his machine, gradually losing pace. Helmi grabbed the opportunity to rise with Khairul injecting as much pressure to take lead. At the last turn, Khairul missed out on his moves giving Helmi an added advantage to speed up towards the finish line. In today’s race, Helmi was pumped up when he took charge, immediately taking lead at P1 with Soichiro at P2 momentarily before Adenanta took over. With the race shortened to 8-laps, riders had to make quick decisions to strike. By the end of lap 2, Adenanta closed the gap with Helmi and moved over to the lead position. Meanwhile, Nakarin at P4 inched closer to Soichiro and before the lap ended, succeeded into P3. By then, Adenanta was seen fleeing ahead with a gap of 0.4s from Helmi. Nakarin at P3 began injecting pressure onto Helmi while Soichiro tried to close his gap with Nakarin. By mid- race, Helmi, losing his pace was succeeded by Nakarin and Soichiro leaving Helmi at P4. With another two laps to go, Adenanta lost his pace and Soichiro bagged the opportunity to take lead while Nakarin managed his pace at P2. The Yamaha rider seemed confident as he went on with another lap with the Honda riders trailing to strike. Soichiro however remained focused as he drew up gap. The battle continued though between Nakarin and Adenanta but the former was not about to budge from his position. As Soichiro took one last turn towards victory, Nakarin and Adenanta made their way into second and third positions respectively. Celebrating his first win for the season, Soichiro marked his first win for the season at 13’15:649s. Commenting on the race, Soichiro said, “Today’s race was only 8-laps and it was tough. We any issues with the rear tires and I was able to keep a good pace until the final lap. We know we were strong and I waited till the last two laps to push further. So, finally I managed to win. I am extremely happy and I want to thank the team and all the Yamaha supporters.” Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of Honda Racing Thailand took second at 13’16:154s. ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM’s Mohammad Adenanta Putra took the third place at 13’16:291s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com