¥7,000,000 reward for new lap record in Season 2026
The 2026 season of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship is set to ignite with an exciting new booster initiative, “Dunlop Sportmax Award”, exclusively tailored for competitors in the Asia Superbike 1000cc category.
Designed to elevate the spirit of competition and celebrate peak performance, this initiative aims to inspire riders in the premier class to push boundaries and redefine excellence. As part of the program, any rider who successfully sets a new lap record at designated circuits will be awarded a cash prize of ¥1,000,000 (approximately USD 6,500) per round. In addition, an extra ¥1,000,000 prize will be presented to the best qualifier of the season during the season finale, determined through a structured point system. This initiative will also serve as an incentive to fuel faster laps throughout the season and induce bold rivalries, synonymous to the nature of the race category.
Norihito Yanagizono, General Manager of Sumitomo Rubber Industries said, “At Dunlop, we believe that true innovation is born from the relentless pursuit of excellence. Through this booster initiative, we are proud to reward riders, in tandem with our new brand statement, “Taking You Beyond” by pushing the boundaries of speed and precision in the Asia Superbike 1000cc category. By celebrating new lap records and outstanding qualifiers, we aim to inspire bold rivalries and elevate the standards of competition, while reinforcing Dunlop’s commitment to advancing motorsport performance across Asia. With a total allocation of ¥7,000,000 (approximately USD 45,500), this program represents more than just financial rewards, it is a statement of our dedication to nurturing talent, encouraging fearless competition and driving continuous progress in the premier class.”
Commenting on the initiative, Ron Hogg, Promotions Director of TWMR said, “The ARRC has always stood as a beacon of performance and that legacy will continue to define our future. As a platform that emphasises excellent sportsmanship values and standards, it is both our responsibility and privilege to foster the growth of our riders, not just through competition but also through meaningful, motivating and transformative initiatives like this one. By incentivizing record-breaking achievements, we aim to elevate the standards of racing, inspire greater ambition, and cultivate a culture of relentless pursuit for excellence across the region. With this initiative, we aspire to not only uphold ARRC’s status as the sole continental-level racing championship in Asia but to further elevate its stature as the region’s premier motorsport platform that sets new benchmarks in performance, professionalism and prestige.”