The UB150 class delivered an unforgettable spectacle at Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan as John Emerson Inguito of 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team emerged victorious in a dramatic Race 1 encounter at Round 3 of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2026.
Inguito claimed his second victory in the UB150 category with a winning time of 18’39.610s, remarkably returning to the top step of the podium at the very same country where he celebrated his first victory three years ago at Sportsland Sugo International Circuit.
Starting from third on the grid, John was among a large lead group that battled fiercely from the opening lap. Pole-sitter Dimas Juli Atmoko of HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY initially controlled proceedings after leading away from the start ahead of Husni Zainul Fuadzy of ZIEAR LFN HP969 ADELIN MCR RBT34 and Nazirul Izzat Muhammad Bahauddin of UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR TEAM.
As the race started, the lead changed hands repeatedly. Dimas continued to dictate the pace during the early laps, but challengers quickly emerged from all directions. Muhammad Adib Arsyad Mohd Hisam UMA RACING YAMAHA MAJU MOTOR TEAM stormed into contention after setting the fastest lap of 2’18.880s on Lap 3, while April King Mascardo of RACETECH YAMAHA PHILIPPINES RACING TEAM launched an impressive charge from seventh to the front after recording a new fastest lap of 2’18.175s on Lap 4.
The momentum continued to swing dramatically. April briefly seized the lead on Lap 5 before M. Syirat Sauki of YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM took his turn at the front one lap later. Lap 7 saw Adytya Fauzi of JPNW SND FACTORY RACING produce the fastest lap of the race, a blistering 2’17.151s, as he surged into the lead and further intensified an already unpredictable contest.
Adding to the drama, Nazirul’s promising run ended prematurely when he slowed with what appeared to be a technical issue while battling near the front.
Everything came down to a breathtaking final lap. John timed his charge perfectly to reclaim the lead, with Ahmad Darwisy Ahmad Sahir of YUZY ASIA TEAM, Rendi Odding of 4S1M EVO YAIMAHA Racing Team and several others still firmly in contention. The riders crossed the finish line separated by mere fractions of a second.
Behind John, teammate Rendi completed a memorable one-two finish for 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team in 18’39.721s. Dimas secured the final podium position in 18’39.730s, just 0.009s behind Rendi.
An emotional John said, “The final lap was very amazing. We fought with so many riders, including my teammate. I was trying to create a small gap at every corner so I could execute my strategy and defend our positions. The temperature was getting higher and I was very nervous. On the last lap, I prayed and asked God for help, and He gave me this result. Thank you to my fellow Filipinos, my friends and my family for all the prayers and for giving me this opportunity to stand on the top of the podium.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 1
1. JOHN EMERSON INGUITO – 4S1M EVO YAMAHA Racing Team (18’39.610s)
2. RENDI ODDING – 4S1M EVO YAIMAHA Racing Team (18’39.721s)
3. DIMAS JULI ATMOKO – HJS YOUNGSTAR KAWAHARA RCTH SIXTY (18’39.730s)
4. AHMAD DARWISY AHMAD SAHIR – YUZY ASIA TEAM (18’40. 087s)
5. M. SYIRAT SAUKI – YAMAHA LFN HP969 INDONESIA RACING TEAM (18’40.174s)