Supersports 600

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

The SuperSports 600cc went on swiftly today with the Asian riders bidding for a victorious spot but standing tall among them was Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team who emerged with a win in Race 1 of Round 4, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship which was held at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. In the morning during the qualifying session, the Boon Siew Honda Racing Team trio took the front row on the grid with Helmi Azman at the pole position after scoring the fastest lap time at 1’37:785s followed by Azroy Hakeem Anuar with his best lap time at 1’38:293s and Khairul Idham Pawi at 1’38:319s. It was an awesome start for the Boon Siew team and with the flag off, Azroy went on a flying start into P1 while Khairul took the opportunity to take P2. At P3 and P4, it was a heated battle between pole man and Fadillah Arbi and by the end of lap 2, Helmi superseded Fadillah. Into the third lap, Helmi moved in closer to his teammates and the trio began drawing up a slight gap with the contender on the chase. As the Boon Siew boys went on with confidence and consistency, Soichiro began to threaten Helmi. Nevertheless, Helmi was not to be shaken. He picked up speed and went ahead of Khairul. Soichiro in the heat of the moment made a quick move and sled ahead of Khairul just for a moment before the latter moved back into P3. Meanwhile, ONEXOX rider, Keito Abe who began at P7 found his pace as he moved into P4 before the end of lap 4. With three more laps to go, the Boon Siew boys have positioned themselves strongly ahead of the troop with Azroy leading, steadily. Before the 8th lap ended, Khairul made an impressive move ahead of Helmi. But the highly competitive trio were adamant to be the best. Into the 9th lap, Helmi overtook Khairul before going for Azroy. At the final lap, Helmi overtook Azroy who began facing technical issues with his machine. He went on to take speed with Khairul at P2 and Soichiro at P3. Azroy was out of the equation but his teammates were on their way towards a glorious finish. Helmi clocked in his best at 16’32:170s. Commenting on the race, Helmi said, “It was a great job by the team who has prepared an excellent machine. I was not very comfortable yesterday but I am truly grateful that I was able to do great today. It was a really hot day today and the race was tough partly because of the weather. In the beginning, I tried not to push too much to manage the tires. Also, with the experience from yesterday, we have a flat tire, twice so I tried to control the pace today. It was not until the last two laps that I pushed further and I am very satisfied for today’s win.” Khairul Idham Pawi took the second spot on the podium at 16’32:654s. Soichiro Minamimoto of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN made it third at 16’33:445s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

It was a great start for the riders of the SuperSports 600cc as they launched their action-packed moves in preparation of the race weekend. Khairul Idham Pawi of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team made a stunning impression once again with his remarkable lap time at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Round 4 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. During the FP1, Malaysian teammates, Azroy Hakeem Anuar and Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team made the two fastest time at 1’39:735 and 1’39:934s respectively. At third fastest was Soichiro Minamimoto of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN with his fastest at 1’40:140s. In FP2, Khairul who wasn’t feeling too well in the morning, upped his performance and made it fastest at 1’38:985s followed by teammate, Azroy at 1’39:010s. At third was Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of Honda Racing Thailand at 1’39:487s. In the FP3, Khairul once again emerged fastest for with his best lap time at 1’38:626s while Azroy made it second fastest at 1’38:853s. Galang Hendra of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia made it third fastest at 1’39:068s. It seemed like Malaysian duo were relentless in their pursuit to maintain their overall momentum this season at the top three spots. Today was a good day for the Boon Siew Honda Racing Team with both Khairul and Azroy charting the top two fastest lap time, combined. Fighting on par with them were Japanese, Thai and Indonesia riders who are sure to put on a greater force tomorrow. Commenting on the session, Khairul said, “I just completed the Suzuka 8-Hour race last week and it was a very tough one for me as it was my first time. It was a very good experience however I was brought down by fever in the last two days. I did not feel very good and when I woke up this morning, I felt dizzy and weak. That affected my performance in FP1 as I couldn’t concentrate but thankfully, my body got better as the day went by. I managed to do better in FP2 and FP3 although I was not feeling fully well. This is my first time at this circuit and I truly enjoyed the high-speed corners. Mandalika is definitely a very beautiful circuit. I would like to maintain my position in the front row tomorrow during the qualifying. For now, the machine is in a good condition. I am just a little worried with the tires because I faced some issues with the tires in FP2 when my tire went flat and in FP3 when my tire began bloating up. But I hope that all will go well tomorrow.” At third fastest was Galang Hendra. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

A nerve-wrecking show, the SuperSports 600cc race category has never been more exhilarating and gets more compelling as it goes. Keito Abe of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team was on fire at his home- ground but what does Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit hold for him in Round 4 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship? Quite a performance he pulled-off in Round 3 at the Sugo circuit and now Keito Abe is looking forward to once again injecting pressure and pleasure to the scene of the SS600 race category. The Japanese rider began his endeavours in the Asian road racing mid last season and may have indicated some struggles in adapting to the nature of the championship. However, come this season, Keito Abe has showcased quite an improvement since the beginning and reached its peak in the previous round where he bagged the top spot on the podium in Race 1. In Race 2, Keito Abe’s slick manoeuvring style was the biggest highlight as he went on to guard his position throughout the race only to be defeated at the 11th hour. Speaking of his improved performances, Keito said, “The first few rounds were held at circuits where I already gained experience so that is a big factor in my improvements compared to last year. Apart from that, having raced now for the second season in the ARRC, it has made me stronger mentally and physically. Of course, Sugo being my home circuit was a plus point for me and I have also practiced on the circuit on different conditions during off-season. That was an additional boost for me.” On race 2 of Round 3, he continued, “KIP was better in tire management compared during race 2. I lost because I could not pace up as much as I wanted at the final turn before going up-hill.” On moving forward, Keito said, “I have a lot more to improve. Although my strengths were accentuated at Sugo, I still lack that kind of ability on other circuits. For the upcoming race at Mandalika, it would be tough as I have not raced there. I have visited Mandalika though, once, last year. From videos and the course map, I have the impression that it is a stop-and-go course, similar to Buriram. My feeling at Burriam was not bad but the win and podium at Sugo was an excellent booster to my confidence for the race at Mandalika.” He continued, “So far, I am preparing for the race week just like I always do prior to any race. Since it is a new circuit ground for me, I am learning from theory by watching videos to get an idea of what is ahead of me. I think the team has more confidence in me now too but that also comes with greater expectations which I hope to fulfil. Like any other riders, the goal is always to win. I want to win both raced. Period. To make that happen, I would have to be better-focused in getting the right setup especially for the tires. If I can sustain myself among the leaders during the race, then I am pretty positive that I can win!” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The SuperSports 600cc is constantly fuelled with nail-biting action scenes that makes it an ever- interesting race category. In Race 2, Round 3 of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship that was held at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course today, Khairul Idham Pawi of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team further injected excitement before concluding the race with a victory. It was unfortunately a tough ride in Race 1 yesterday with the rain conditioning the riders’ riding techniques and limiting their potentials. However, Japanese rider Keito Abe refused to be restrained and went on to showcase confidence and stability throughout the time frame. His fellow countrymen, Soichiro too, embraced the challenge of the rainy condition and made striking moves before ending it at the second spot. Thai rider, Nakarin on the other hand took a different approach after the break from red flag. He engaged in a battle with contender Soichiro before succumbing at third place. Unlike yesterday, today was a better day for the race and Helmi was quick to take lead as soon as the race begun with Soichiro at P2 and Kengo at P3. While the position of riders in the front troop did not change much in the first 2 laps, championship leader, Khairul was slowly closing the gaps from the 10th spot. By the end of lap 3, Socihiro managed to take lead while Khairul chased furiously at 5th spot. Teammate, Helmi took a step back at P2 while Kengo managed his pace at P3 before Keito took over. As Boon Siew rider, Helmi looked out for the right moment to strike, Khairul boldly pressured Kengo and it was a matter of time that he moved ahead. At the end of lap 5, Keito overtook Helmi. As Soichiro began losing his momentum, Keito went on forward into P1, Helmi took P2 followed by Sho Nishimura at P3 and Khairul at P4, all in a tight line. Mid-race, Azroy emerged at P5. With another 5 laps to go, Khairul was strongly positioned at P3. Azroy was out of the equation when he took a fall. TKKR rider, Keito was steady at P1 as he powerfully led all the way. Khairul on other hand was injecting pressure onto Helmi and finally broke into P2. With another three laps to go, the gap between the front and back troop were wide enough to secure the three top positions among the trio. At the final lap though, the intensity between Keito and Khairul was nerve-wrecking. Khairul went on to intimidate Keito and in a highly-stiff battle, Khairul and Keito dashed towards the chequered flag. Khairul wowed with a finish at 22’59:568s. Commenting on the race, Khairul said, “Today was an amazing feat and I am beyond grateful for the win. Yesterday, I struggled so much with the wet conditions so I tried all out today to make the most of it. Starting from the 10th position is not easy but I tried to close the gaps ahead of me, one-by-one. Most importantly, I was aware that I cannot afford to make any mistakes. I kept my focus on the front rider and it worked very well for me. In the 2nd last lap, I was behind Keito and I know he is very strong on his home ground. In the last lap, last corner, it was a very tight line so I worked on my speed instead to ensure that I could make it to the chequered flag first before Keito does.” Keito Abe of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team took the second spot at 22’59:581s. Md Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team made it third at 22’59:889s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The rivalry among the riders of the SuperSports 600cc has taken up a notch with boosted performance and agility. Significant to the change was Keito Abe of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team who emerged victoriously at the chequered flag in Race 1 of Round 3, Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship this evening held at Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course. Earlier this morning, Kengo Naga of Team KENKEN boasted an impressive lap time when he emerged fastest in the Qualifying session at 1’30:318s. That was one up for him, having a spot at the pole position. At the second spot was Muhammad Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team with a lap time of 1’30:370s followed by Sho Nishimuara of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team at the third spot on the grid at 1’30:382s. It was raining when the race flagged off but Helmi embraced the challenge and raced to the lead position at the first turn shortly before Soichiro took over. At the last turn, Keito Abe moved into P2. Meanwhile, Galang was at P4 while Nakarin took P5. The weather condition was not very helpful but Japanese rider, Keito was confident as he overtook his fellow countrymen at the end of lap 2. Before the lap ended, Helmi took a quick slide ahead of Soichiro and into P2. By then, Nakarin worked on his moves and took over P4. By the end of lap 4, Keito has drawn up a gap of 4.4s from Helmi. The wet circuit situation was a buzz- kill with a number of riders succumbing to falls. Nevertheless, Keito did not seem affected by the rainy day. He went on, picking up speed over the laps. While Helmi tried to catch up, the gap only got wider. With 9 more laps to go, the red flag came up and the riders headed back to their pits. As soon as the race resumed, Keito once again went on to take lead as Helmi trailed on. Soichiro was close by at P3. With the race cut down to 5 laps, it was all about strategizing and Nakarin did not waste a moment when he found the opportunity amidst casualty to move up into P2. Helmi lost focus for a moment and Soichiro took advantage of the situation to get ahead. Keito however was unaffected and went on with speed and stability at P1 with an impressive gap by the end of the lap. With three more laps to go, Nakarin was pressured by Soichiro took a slide ahead but the Thai rider will not be defeated. He quickly found a loop-hole and grabbed P2 back. But Soichiro was relentlessly and struck Nakarin once again. As Keito rode to victory, the battle heated up between Soichiro and Nakarin. The Japanese rider played his cards well and succeeded at second spot. Keito Abe made a stunning finish at 8’44:531s. Commenting on the race, Keito said, “The race was very difficult. Even more so with the wet circuit condition. I was scared but right now, I had a good feeling about the situation. I kept pushing myself until the end. So, I am truly happy with my achievements for the day. There is another race tomorrow and I want to win it!” Soichiro Minamimoto of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN clocked in his best at 8’47:313s. Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of Honda Racing Thailand concluded at third with his best at 8’47:770s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

A show that ignites excitement, the SuperSports 600cc race category saw riders making swift circles around the Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course, preparing for yet another milestone. Among them Khairul Idham Pawi of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team stood out most when he emerged fastest for the day at Round 3 of Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Practice session 1 that was held earlier this morning saw Khairul Idham Pawi of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team marking the fastest when he clocked in his best lap time at 1’31:246s. He was followed by Keito Abe of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team with his best at 1’31:370s. Muhammad Helmi Azman of Boon Siew Honda Racing Team logged in at 1’31:537s. In practice session 2, Keito Abe upped his performance and made a new record at 1’30:568s. Khairul came in second fastest with an improved lap time at 1’30:720s followed by Sho Nishimura of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team at 1’31:262s. In the practice session 3, Khairul managed to bring himself up the chart once again when he clocked in fastest with a new lap record at 1’30:503s. At second fastest was Soichiro Minamimoto of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN, clocking in his best at 1’30:837s. Azroy Hakeem Anuar began picked up speed during this session and emerged third fastest at 1’30:957s. With that, Khairul took the fastest for the day in all three practice sessions, combined. Khairul has certainly paid full attention to the circuit and scaled up well in his performances this season compared to the last one at this circuit. Commenting on the session earlier, Khairul said, “In the practice session 2, I struggled to keep up to my pace. I did not have much grip on the rear which resulted in me losing grip when I accelerate and brake. So, the stability was wearing out. For the third session, we revised our setting for the rear using the electronic device. It seems to have worked well as I was able to manage my pace better than in the morning. That was a positive achievement for me.” At the second fastest was Keito Abe followed by Soichiro Minamimoto at the third fastest place. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

The rebel between riders of the SuperSports 600cc in the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is endless and their fiery retribution to take lead never fails to create a twist of its own. Soichiro Minamimoto of YAMAHA GEN BLU Racing Team ASEAN may be entangled in the battle but with one mission, to win. With Round 3 just around the corner, what would Sportsland Sugo International Racing Course hold for him? The Japanese rider may have been absent from the ARRC scene last season to be part of the All Japan Championship in the ST1000 race category however he came back sturdy this season with his new team and seeks to realise a much more meaningful goal this year. Riding aboard the Yamaha YZF-R6 machine, Soichiro made it to the podium once after an intense battle in Race 2 at the Chang International Circuit. He said, “Actually, I was thinking of retiring last year but then, Yamaha came along and invited me to participate in ARRC. I was thrilled and am ever grateful for the opportunity once again.” The 23-year-old rider has been in the Asian motorcycle racing domain since 2018 and have showcased gradual improvements in his performances. Soichiro also rode in the Moto 2 race category of MotoGP as a replacement rider this season which adds on to his riding masterpiece. His thoughts on ARRC, “The level of competitiveness has been increasing steadily year-by-year. I noticed a huge difference especially with a strong entry list. The riders performing in the ARRC scenes are the best in their regions hence it is difficult to foresee the end result. It is truly a privilege for me to be racing in the ARRC and I am thrilled to be a part of the much-celebrated Asian motorcycling event.” Commenting on Round 2, Soichiro said, “It was unfortunate that we could not maximise our strengths on the Sepang circuit, even more so with the likes of Malaysian riders who are well-versed with the circuit’s characteristics. Nevertheless, I am still happy with my performances there. I managed to get the 5th position in Race 1 so it is still an amazing achievement for me.” For the upcoming race at Sugo, Soichiro said, “The next race would be on my home-ground. Sugo is one of my all-time favourite circuits and having said that, I think I may have some added advantage on that circuit. It is quite a technical one but having had races there before, I have some understanding of its layout. The team has also worked wonders on my machine and it has been a good match for me since the beginning of the season. So, I’m all out for the upcoming round and if all goes well, I hope to take a win on my home-ground.” Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com