Now racing in his second full season of the SuperSports 600cc category, a more matured and experienced Keminth Kubo has gotten off to a flying start at Round 1 of the 2018 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship.
The Yamaha Racing ASEAN rider had previously shown glimmers of his potential in the 2017 season, particularly at the Indian leg of the season. As the season opener got underway at the Chang International Circuit, Keminth is out to prove his worth on the Asian stage.
Equipped with a brand new Yamaha R6, the Thai rider aced the first day of free practice session with a best time of 1’38.902s. Keminth’s best time was posted from the third free practice session. Most of the riders were unable to post quick times during the morning practice. A heavy rainfall the previous night had resulted in a slippery track surface that left most of the competitors fighting for grip.
Seasoned campaigners Decha Kraisart and Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidi were second and third fastest respectively – 1’38.933s and 1’38.934s. Ratthapong Wilairot also demonstrated his flair for the R6 when he posted fourth fastest with 1’38.944s.
Defending champion Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman and his team mate Ahmad Yudhistira opted for consistency over speed and were fifth and sixth fastest respectively.
Tomoyoshi Koyama, Yuki Ito, Anthony West, and Thitipong Warokorn completed the top 10 after a long hot day of free practice.