Uncategorized

CAN FADILLAH SCORE HAT-TRICK?

Uncategorized /

Fadillah Arbi of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM went fully loaded with robust moves to zap the lurking pressure at Chang International Circuit during the season opener and struck a double win with a 50-point flat. While he may sit pretty on the top of the chart for now, it doesn’t mean that the threat is completely off especially with fellow countryman, Candra Hermawan of YAMAHA RACING INDONESIA next in line, waiting to devour at the right opportunity. Round 2 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is just around the corner and PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit may just be the racing ground with a twist that could even up the scores for the Indonesian duo. While the two contenders are separated by a 21-point gap, it is not impossible for Candra to catch up, that is if he has what it takes to master the art on the Malaysian ground. Last season at Sepang circuit, Candra claimed DNF in Race 1 and took home 10-points in Race 2 which gives an impression that the circuit may not be his best battle ground. Fadillah on the other hand may not have a record in ARRC on the circuit ground but for a rider who strikes while the iron is hot and practices a refined skill of staying within the lines, it seems like a tough bet to make. In Race 1, his riding techniques kept his closest contenders at bay but lucky for him, one rider’s mistake is another rider’s advantage. With that Candra grabbed the opportunity and took the spot in line at a gap of 2.070s. In Race 2, while Fadillah kept to his end of the bargain, Candra however failed to make the top three cut and took home only 9 points. Fadillah said, “My principle in life is to face any circuit with great enthusiasm, including circuits that I have never raced on. I am always challenged to achieve the best results. I built my racing character and strategies based on these. While I know that competition will be stiff in the coming round, I will do my best and bag as many points as possible, not only at Sepang but in all the other racings lined up for the season. For the AP250 race class, I believe that the CBR250RR is one of the best products but of course, the race category comes with many other brands that have larger capacities as well as its own advantages and disadvantages. For me though, most importantly is to minimise my mistakes every season and maximise the potentials of the machine and my techniques. That’s key. Although the machine is relatively a new experience for me, I have learnt to understand it and work with it to obtain the best results. There are many aggressive riders but that is a norm in the racing scene. All that matters to me is staying focused on my plans and making sure that my style works best!” Candra commented, “It was unfortunate during Race 2 of Round 1 that I could not make it to the podium. The riders were extra aggressive and while I tried my best to race in with a consistent pace, somehow, I was defeated. The next move will be Sepang circuit and for me, racing on that circuit ground is mentally challenging. Therefore, all hands are on deck to strengthen my mental capacities. I will take whatever lessons from Buriram and apply it in Round 2. Currently, my training routine included gym sessions, flat-track training (off-road) as well as on-road training at the circuit. The team and I have also worked hard on evaluating the machine capacities. Personally, I enjoy riding on Sepang circuit. I have had the experience last season when I raced as a wild-card riders in the AP250 race category. I got the 6th position. The machine has a good torque and is advantageous for low-speed corners. Riding with Yamaha Racing Indonesia has given me great input as well especially from my teammates who have better experience. For now, as a rookie in my first full season with the team, I am competing with highly competitive riders but that is exactly the boost to my potentials. I am very motivated to achieve better results.”

CAN FADILLAH SCORE HAT-TRICK? Read More »

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH!

Uncategorized /

Teammates yet rivalry at best, Husni Zainul and Gupita Kresna of ZIEAR LFN HP969 MCR RBT 34, together form a bond against the odds in the Underbone 150cc race category when each scored a win at Chang International Circuit, taking the top two spots on the chart with a 2-point difference. But defending champion, Fahmi Basam of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM is just 8 points away and has a colourful track record at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit where Round 2 of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is about to be happen. What would it be like this weekend for the Indonesian trio? Sepang being the home-ground for Malaysian riders including Ahmad Fazrul Sham of CARDINALS FACTORY YAMAHA ZYNERGYS RACING TEAM ARRC who pulled a stunner last season with his outstanding performance and Nazirul Izzat of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR ASIA TEAM, 2023 UB150 champion who marked third in Race 2, it definitely raises the question of unpredictability. At the season opener, Husni and Gupita may not have flaunted their fangs in the first few laps however, at the last turn on the last lap, both the riders attacked at the right time to take victory. The beauty of the UB150 race category is one that comes with surprises and while all riders potentially have a winning chance, only the lucky three gets the taste of sweet success. It’s all about strategizing and optimising on the right racing techniques. Not so much on staying within the racing lines but more so on seizing the opportunity at the right time. At the same time, it is also luck, as it has been claimed and who may have it this time around is one that is awaiting to unleash. So, what would it take for the trio to keep their heads up in the game? Husni said, “There are differences between Chang and Sepang circuit and of course, my victory there may not necessarily determine my outcome at Sepang. Sepang circuit is has longer straights and there is also a sloppy section whereas Chang circuit has more corners and the straight is shorter. The challenging part at Sepang would be the last corner because it is a little tricky. Positioning plays an important role before entering that corner. In the UB150 race category, all riders are competitive therefore, the only way to succeed is by strategizing from the lessons learnt previously. Of course, I have planned by steps ahead but we will never know until we get there. There are also many Malaysian riders who are well-versed with the circuit layout. The character of the machine in terms of acceleration is another aspect to note and hopefully, I have everything that is needed for the coming round.” Gupita on the other hand said, “For me, what is interesting about Sepang circuit is the layout that comes with a slight slope and the last turn which for me, is a corner that not only stirs up the adrenaline but at the same time, dangerously thrilling especially for the UB150 race category. But that is also what makes UB150 race category one of the main highlights in the championship. All the riders are known to be the best in their countries and bringing their fighting spirit to this championship is not only intimidating but also motivating. We all have a chance of winning but what matters most is the ability to withstand the pressure while at the same time staying focused on the strategies planned. My goal is to maintain at the top five position from start to the end as it would give me a better chance at positioning for a finish on top of the podium. It won’t be easy for sure. The machines in this season are all equally fast which means, everyone is going to be optimise on that. So, RPM setting is really important. What’s left after doing out best is luck but I am optimistic with my goals of making it to the podium.”

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH! Read More »

DOUBLE VICTORY FOR HIROKI

2024, 2024 Round 1, Latest News, TVS Asia One Make, Uncategorized /

The adrenaline-fueled action of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship commenced with a thrilling Race 1 at Chang International Circuit, Thailand earlier today showcasing Hiroki Ono conquering TVS Asia One Make Championship category. As the race ignited, Ramdan Rosli surged to the lead, only to be swiftly challenged by Hiroki Ono, who reclaimed his position at the front of the pack. Meanwhile, Sarthak Chavan seized the opportunity to take over Ramdan’s spot. In the heat of the competition, Atih Kanghair made a bold move to overtake Ramdan on the second lap, but Ramdan retaliated fiercely on lap 3, reclaiming his position in a breathtaking display of speed and precision. Meanwhile, Sarthak persisted, maneuvering past competitors to get back into P3. In the nail-biting final laps, positions exchanged rapidly, with Ramdan regaining second place while Hiroki maintained his lead, ultimately crossing the finish line in first position, securing a well-deserved victory at 14:40.375s. Reflecting on his triumph, Hiroki Ono stated, “The battle was fierce, and I was thrilled to be racing with so many talented riders. This victory marks a fantastic start to the season for me and I hope that I can keep this momentum tomorrow in Race 2.” Mohd Ramdan Rosli clinched second place at 14:40.475s, closely followed by Sarthak Chavan in third with the total time of 14:40.608s, to secure third place. Top 5 Fastest – Race 1 1.⁠ ⁠Hiroki Ono, Japan, 14’40:375s2.⁠ ⁠Mohd Ramdan Rosli, Malaysia, 14’40:475s3.⁠ ⁠Sarthak Chavan, India, 14’40:608s4.⁠ ⁠Decky Tiarno Aldy, Indonesia, 14’41:180s5.⁠ ⁠Md Muzakkir Mohamed, Malaysia, 14’41:315s Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

DOUBLE VICTORY FOR HIROKI Read More »

FIRST MOVE FOR THE WEEKEND

2023, 2023 Round 6, Latest News, Uncategorized, Underbone 150 /

It was “all-out” for the riders of the Underbone 150cc race category as they went on their final round for the season at the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Md Shafiq Rasol of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team concluded the day as the fastest in the practice sessions, combined at Chang International Circuit. In FP1 earlier this morning, Hafiza Rofa of ONEXOX TKKR Racing Team made his mark with his best lap time at 2’00:519s followed by April King of UMA Racing MMR YAMAHA Philippines at 2’00:724s and Akid Aziz of CARDINALS FACTORY RACING TEAM ARRC at 2’01:161s. In FP2, teammates, Shafiq Rasol and Hafiza Rofa took the top two fastest spots in the chart with their best lap time at 2’00:098s and 2’00:665s respectively. Nazirul Izzat of UMA Racing YAMAHA Maju Motor ASEAN made it third fastest at 2’00:061s. Shafiq who will be fighting for the championship title this weekend alongside Nazirul Izzat seemed to have come full prepared and went on with his best moves to familiarise the circuit grounds today. Shafiq definitely has what it takes to make it with flying colours, even more so with his win in Race 1 of the season opener at the very same circuit. He currently takes the second spot in the overall standings and is 44 points away from his contender. But again, anything is possible in the UB150 race category. Commenting on the earlier sessions, Shafiq said, “During FP1 earlier, the team and I were still looking out for the right setup and we managed to get an enhanced performance with some changes. Hence, the better lap time. For tomorrow’s qualifying session, I will continue to do better for sure. For the race, we do not have any team order or strategy in place. It is not going to be easy to get the championship title because of the point difference. I will try to do it but my goal is to maximise my points in whichever way possible. For me, I find the last corner tough. The space is quite limited around that area and I foresee a competitive battle there.” Taking the second fastest spot was his teammate Md Hafiza Rofa with his best lap time for the day at 2’00:519s. April King Mascardo took third fastest with his best lap time at 2’00:724s. Connect with Us! Latest news at asiaroadracing.com

FIRST MOVE FOR THE WEEKEND Read More »

ANNOUNCEMENT

Uncategorized /

In compliance with the Malaysian Government’s Movement Restriction Order to halt the spread of COVID-19, the offices of Safe Aim Mutual Sdn Bhd and Two Wheels Motor Racing Sdn Bhd will be temporarily closed from 18th to 31st March, 2020. For the latest information about our various championships, please visit: * www.malaysiancubprix.com * www.asiaroadracing.com * www.malaysiasbk.com Of the official Facebook pages: PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix Championship: @MalaysianCubPrix FIM Asia Road Racing Championship: @AsiaRoadRacing Malaysia Superbike Championship: @malaysiasbk

ANNOUNCEMENT Read More »

FADLY BITES THE BULLET

Leave a Comment / Uncategorized /

Andy Muhammad Fadly got himself back into the title lead in style with a spectacular return to the podium in Race 2. The Manual Tech KYT Kawasaki Racing rider had deliberately toned down his performance in the past two rounds, all in an effort to avoid picking up a second equalizer. However, come Race 2 in Round 6, Fadly had obviously decided that he had had enough of tiptoeing around the equalizer rule. Fadly came back with his guns blazing when he streaked into the holeshot to take the early lead ahead of polesitter Muklada Sarapuech. Together, the two riders swapped leads for the majority of the race while Rey Ratukore (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team), Awhin Sanjaya and Lucky Hendriansya formed the main thrust of the 8-bike leading group. Muklada gained an advantage on Laps 6 and 7, but found herself caught up by the chasing pack as they stormed down the back straight. A final tricky last corner to negotiate and Muklada caught herself out when she locked her front wheel and highsided mere meters from the finish line. Awhin Sanjaya jumped into the front and swooped up his second win of the season with 19’43.339s. Andy Muhammad Fadly took second place with 19’43.387s and Rey Ratukore third with 19’43.545s. Fadly’s sixth podium of the year has put him back in the championship lead alongside Irfan Ardiansyah. Both riders are tied at the top with 176 points apiece. Irfan, the first among the AP250 riders to carry the second equalizer, finished fifth in race.

FADLY BITES THE BULLET Read More »

AZLAN WINS RACE 1 WHILE BROC CLOSES IN ON THE TITLE

Leave a Comment / Uncategorized /

Malaysian rider Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman successfully converted homeground advantage into his fourth ASB1000 win of the season at Race 1 in Round 6 of the 2019 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Sepang International Circuit. Azlan started the race from second on the grid, sandwiched between poleman and championship leader Broc Parkes and Yamaha Racing Thailand Team’s Apiwat Wongthananon. A conservative start from Azlan saw Apiwat streaking into the holeshot for the early lead even as Broc went from pole to fifth as the lights went out. Wildcard rider Federico Sandi demonstrated the competitive potential of the Ducati Panigale V4 when he muscled his way into the lead on Lap 3. Federico set a punishing pace in the mid-segment of the race but began to lose ground as tyre wear came into play. Azlan easily slipped past the Italian wildcard on Lap 7 and held on to his leading position to take the win with 23’30.254s. Thitipong Warokorn finished second with 23’31.641s followed by Apiwat in third with 23’31.806s. Meanwhile, championship leader Broc Parkes missed out on the podium when he came home in fourth place. The Australian rider representing the Yamaha Racing Team ASEAN is still the leader of the pack with 201 points, but Azlan is now second overall with 168 points. Should Azlan win the three remaining races in the 2019 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship calendar, Broc must finish at least third to become the first Australian to win the Asian title. He cannot afford to miss another podium. Earlier in the race, Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi low-sided out of the title chase on Lap 2. His second DNF of the season has dropped him down from second to third overall with 153 points.

AZLAN WINS RACE 1 WHILE BROC CLOSES IN ON THE TITLE Read More »

A PERFECT PEERAPONG WEEKEND

2019, 2019 Round2, Latest News, Supersports 600, Uncategorized /

Peerless Peerapong has done it again. A day after scoring a hattrick of wins in the SuperSports 600cc category, Peerapong put in yet another imperious performance at Race 2 for the second leg of the 2019 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Peerapong owned the 4.95km The Bend Motorsport Park circuit with a lights-to-flag effort that saw him take his fourth consecutive win with 19’36.910s. Almost a second behind the speedy Yamaha Thailand Racing Team rider, Andi Farid Izdihar chalked up his first podium of the year in second place after relegating polesitter Mohd Ibrahim Mohd Norrodin to third. “It’s been a perfect weekend so far, and I’m very pleased that everything had gone according to script. Although I must add that Race 2 was definitely not easy, especially with Ibrahim Norrodin stuck to my tail for the first half of the race,” said Peerapong. Just off the podium, Ahmad Afif Amran put in his best SuperSports 600cc performance to date by taking fourth place with 19’44.344s. Afif was at the head of a trio of Malaysian riders – Azroy Hakeem Anuar completed Race 2 in fifth place while Helmi Azman who is nursing an ankle injury after two crashes at The Bend Motorsport Park, finished sixth. Passawit Thitivararak completed his campaign in seventh spot followed by 600cc newcomer Rheza Danica Ahrens in eighth. Fakhrusy Syakirin Rostam took ninth place ahead of a very creditable performance by 600cc rookie, Mohd Akid Aziz. Peerapong will be carrying the maximum 100 points to the next round at the Chang International Circuit, his home track.

A PERFECT PEERAPONG WEEKEND Read More »

IN HIS OWN WORDS: RATTHAPONG WILAIROT

2018 Round6, Supersports 600, Uncategorized /

It’s been two weeks since the final round of the 2018 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand. The dust had finally settled and for one rider, reality had finally sunk in – Ratthapong Wilairot is the 2018 SuperSports 600cc Asian Champion. Here, in his own words, the 26-year-old Yamaha Thailand Racing Team rider recapped the year that was in 2018.   The 2018 season   “What an incredible season it had been. The year began on a challenging note – moving from Honda to Yamaha. It was a tough transition. I had spent my entire early career with Honda and going to a new team meant that I had to learn everything from scratch. But I was relieved to be on the receiving end of such a warm welcome from the Yamaha Thailand Racing Team. Everyone went out of their way to help me settle into the team.”   “The team work and spirit in the Yamaha Thailand Racing Team was an eye-opener for me. As early as Round 1, even though I was working with an unfamiliar bike, the team was able to prepare a machine that suited my riding style. I was thrilled when I raced within the top group in the first round – something that I had never been able to do before.”   “Going to Australia (Round 2) for the very first time, I was thinking that there was a good chance for a podium finish at the new track. It was a level playing ground, nobody had any experience or data from Tailem Bend. True enough, that round, I won my first podium in three years.”   “That was when I started thinking seriously that I could possibly fight for the title this year. Heading to the Suzuka Circuit, my favourite track, I wanted to win so badly, but the results were not encouraging.”   “I began dreading the Indian and Indonesian rounds (Round 4 and Round 5). Those were short tracks and very difficult for me. But everything changed when I won a podium in Sentul.”   The final round   “Coming into the final round, I was the mathematical longshot among the six riders in the running for the 2018 title. I was even more apprehensive when I heard that Randy Krummenacher will be racing wildcard in that round. But still, I wanted to give my best showing in front of our home crowd.”   “I gained confidence after FP3 when I was able to clock at the top of the timesheets. But there was still a lot of pressure. For me, there was no other option but a double win.”   “Contrary to everyone’s assumptions, there were no team orders from the Yamaha Thailand Racing Team. We didn’t plan any team strategies at all, although many people would find that hard to believe. When Decha raced ahead in the early stages of Race 1, my heart sank. I never expected him to give way on Lap 9 and allow me through to the chequered flag.”   “I spoke to Decha after the race, and again, he proposed the same tactic for Race 2.”   About Decha and Keminth   “There is no doubt about it. I have been extremely lucky this year, especially having someone like Decha Kraisart as my team mate. Honestly, I never thought that I would meet someone who would help me like this. He had been a generous team mate all year, and his knowledge helped me adjust to the R6 quickly.”   “What he did in the final round went above and beyond the call of duty for a team mate. I knew that Decha had been toying with the idea of retiring from the ARRC. I wouldn’t have faulted him if he had gone all out for a final double win before he hung up my boots. Instead, he used his skills to ensure that the Asian title returned to Thailand after an eight-year absence.”   “Youichi Ui described the scenario best. He compared Decha to a Samurai riding by my side, pushing me to go faster when the competition got too close, ready to pull out his sword in my defense. I felt really grateful and honoured to be on the receiving end of his help.”   “As for Keminth Kubo, all he ever promised was that he will not attack me. Watching the replay of the race, I did not expect him to harass Ahmad Yudhistira the way he did.”   As the chequered flag came down…   “They both (Decha and Keminth) did it for me, for Yamaha, and for Thailand. It was an overwhelming moment. I saw my team jumping on the pit wall and I kept asking myself – is this for real?”   “When I completed the victory lap, while celebrating with my team mates, I saw my family running to me with my father’s photograph in their hands. The day I won the Asian title was also the eighth anniversary of my father’s passing. It was a very emotional moment for us.”   The most difficult part about winning the Asian title   “The most difficult part was the fight against myself, overcoming those negative voices in my head. The hours leading to the start of Race 2 were the worst. I had heard that my team had printed t-shirts to celebrate my win and I remembered thinking ‘who will wear those t-shirts if I did not win the title?’ It was thoughts like that that I had to conquer.”   The 2019 season   “I have a few other publicity obligations to fulfil for Yamaha prior to the start of the 2019 season. I intend to take a short holiday with my family and then training starts for next year. The ASB1000 awaits.”

IN HIS OWN WORDS: RATTHAPONG WILAIROT Read More »

IDEMITSU HONDA RACING INDIA T.PRO TEN10 TESTS TWO NEW INDIAN RIDERS FOR AP250

2018 Tyre Test, 2019, Asia Production 250, Latest News, Uncategorized /

At the official tyre test following the conclusion of the 2018 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, the Idemitsu Honda Racing India T.Pro Ten10 team is testing two new Indian riders for the Asia Production 250cc class in 2019. Honda India has recently, in 2018, launched a concerted effort to develop the sport of motorcycle racing back home. The Idemitsu Honda Racing India T.Pro Ten10 team spearheads the move by providing a platform through which Indian riders are exposed to racing at the highest level in the Asian region. This season, the team fielded Sethu Rajiv and Anish Damodara Shetty. Sethu finished 27th overall with 7 points collected over six rounds. His best finishing position was P13. Anish, meanwhile, ranked 31st overall with two points collected. Sethu is confirmed to stay in the AP250 class for another season. This week at the Chang International Circuit, 17-year-old Senthil Kumar and 18-year-old Kritik Habib are testing for the final slot in the team. After the first day out on the track, Senthil who has raced at the Chang International Circuit via the Thailand Talent Cup has been able to put in quicker times. His fastest time on Day 1 was clocked at 1’58.177s while Kritik’s best time was 2’04.032s However, the team has yet to release the final confirmation for their 2019 line-up. Stay tuned for more updates.

IDEMITSU HONDA RACING INDIA T.PRO TEN10 TESTS TWO NEW INDIAN RIDERS FOR AP250 Read More »