The Asia Production 250cc category reached its dramatic conclusion at Race 2 of the season finale of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. After three seasons of relentless effort, Herjun Atna Firdaus from the ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM finally achieved his long-awaited championship title, despite finishing the race in second place behind the winner, Cao Viet Nam of Honda Racing Vietnam Team.
From the very start of the race, the lead changed hands multiple times, showcasing the competitive nature of the category. However, it was Cao Viet Nam who seized the lead on Lap 3, marking a turning point in the race. The championship battle took an unfortunate turn when Muhammad Kiandra Ramadhipa, the championship leader heading into the finale, was forced to retire from the race on Lap 3 due to a mechanical issue. This unexpected development shattered his title hopes and opened the door for other contenders to capitalize on his misfortune.
As the race progressed, the leading group continued to shift positions. On Lap 6, another title hopeful, Peerapong Boonlert of YAMAHA Vit Chonburi, suffered another crash after a similar mishap in Race 1, further impacting his chances for the season’s top spot. The race became even more unpredictable with each lap, as riders fought to position themselves for a final push towards the finish line.
By Lap 8, it was clear that the battle for the win would come down to Cao Viet Nam and Herjun Atna Firdaus, with Muhammad Faerozi Toreqottullah of YAMAHA Racing Indonesia following in third place, just 1.7 seconds behind. Despite his best efforts, Faerozi could not bridge the gap to challenge the two Honda riders for the lead. Cao Viet Nam crossed the finish line to claim victory at 19’02:009s, while Herjun finished in second place at 19’02:589s. However, it was enough for Herjun Atna Firdaus to secure the 2024 Asia Production 250cc Championship with consistent performances throughout the season.
Herjun said, “I can’t express how much this means to me. This journey has been incredibly tough. In my first year, I came so close but failed to claim the championship. In the second year, I tried again, but the title slipped through my fingers. I watched my teammate celebrate his success while I was left feeling disappointed. But today, I can finally say that I’ve made it. To my team, my family, and all the supporters who have stood by me through thick and thin — this victory is for you. You all never stopped believing in me, and this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Look, we’ve done it together. I’m so proud to bring this title home to all of you.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2
- Cao Viet Nam – Honda Racing Vietnam Team (19’02:009s)
- Herjun Atna Firdaus – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (19’02:589s)
- Muhammad Faerozi Toreqottullah – YAMAHA Racing Indonesia (19’03:922s)
- Arai Agaska Dibani Laksana – YAMAHA Racing Indonesia (19’03:923s)
- Aiki Iyoshi – Motul Sniper Manual Tech (19:04:088s)
TOP 5 OVERALL STANDING
- Herjun Atna Firdaus – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (165 points)
- Muhammad Faerozi Toreqottullah – YAMAHA Racing Indonesia (152 points)
- Muhammad Kiandra Ramadhipa – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (147 points)
- Arai Agaska Dibani Laksana – YAMAHA Racing Indonesia (122 points)
- Aiki Iyoshi – Motul Sniper Manual Tech (119 points)
TOP 5 TEAM OVERALL STANDINGS
- ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (312 points)
- YAMAHA Racing Indonesia (274 points)
- IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team (172 points)
- Honda Racing Vietnam Team (143 points)
- Motul Sniper Manual Tech (139 points)