The SS600 action at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan, saw local favourite Hikari Okubo of SANWA RACING TEAM complete a perfect weekend by securing his second victory of the round in Race 2 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026.
Hikari emerged victorious after an intense battle involving Anupab Sarmoon of YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM and Thanat Laoongplio of HONDA RACING THAILAND. The top three finishers were separated by just 0.387s at the chequered flag after an intense 12-lap race.
Malaysia’s Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of HONG LEONG YAMAHA RACING TEAM made the perfect start to claim the holeshot, leading home rider Hikari, Indonesia’s Herjun Atna Firdaus of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM, Thanat, and Anupab through the opening corners.
By Lap 3, the momentum shifted as Hikari briefly moved to the front before Thanat launched an aggressive charge to take over the lead. Kasma remained in contention while Herjun and Anupab stayed within striking distance. The lead continued to change hands as the riders searched for the ideal balance between pace and tyre preservation.
Thanat controlled the race through the middle stages before Hikari reclaimed the advantage on Lap 6. One lap later, Anupab joined the battle at the front, adding further intensity to the contest.
Six riders remained locked together in the leading group. Hikari returned to the front on Lap 8, only for Anupab to respond immediately on Lap 9.
Hikari raised the pace further on Lap 11, setting the fastest lap of the race at 1’53.673s. He then went even quicker on the final lap with a stunning 1’53.604s effort. However, Thanat was mounting a late charge of his own, recording an impressive 1’53.156s lap as he hunted down the leaders.
Hikari and Anupab exchanged positions several times in the closing stages. Despite the relentless pressure, Hikari held firm to cross the line first in 22’54.950s, securing a home victory and completing a clean sweep at Motegi. Anupab finished second, just 0.268s behind, while Thanat completed the podium a further 0.119s adrift.
Hikari said, “Before the race, I honestly thought it would be very difficult to fight at the front because the pace was much faster than yesterday and during the morning session. My strategy was to manage the tyres and stay with the leading group. I really enjoyed the battle throughout the race. In the last three or four laps, I started pushing as hard as I could, almost like a qualifying lap. When Anupab was following me, I knew he was aiming for the victory too, so I had to work even harder, especially under braking and on the back straight. Thankfully, everything worked out, and I was able to take the win again. I’m very happy to achieve two victories at my home round. Thank you to all the fans, my team, my crew and everyone supporting me. Arigatou gozaimasu!”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2
1. HIKARI OKUBO – SANWA RACING TEAM (22’54.950s)
2. ANUPAB SARMOON – YAMAHA THAILAND RACING TEAM (22’55.218s)
3. THANAT LAOONGPLIO – HONDA RACING THAILAND (22’55.337s)
4. HERJUN ATNA FIRDAUS – ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM (22’55.561s)
5. APIWATH WONGTHANANON – Nitro Ryota Racing (22’55.914s)