The IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) is set to unleash a new season of
high-octane action as it roars into Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, from 10–12 April
2026. The opening round will mark the beginning of an electrifying six-round season
featuring top-tier talent representing multiple nations, solidifying ARRC’s position as Asia’s
most prestigious platform for competitive motorcycle racing. With returning champions,
rising stars, and an increasingly diverse international field, the 2026 grid promises one of the
strongest and most competitive line-ups the championship has ever seen. This season brings
a total of 96 riders from 17 countries, reflecting an expanded and increasingly international
grid for 2026.
This year’s championship will witness fierce battles across five main categories—ASB1000,
SS600, AP250, UB150, and the globally expanded TVS Racing International Championship,
each bringing its own brand of intensity, rivalry, and unpredictability. The premier ASB1000
class is gearing up for a season of explosive superbike battles, with experienced contenders
and ambitious newcomers ready to push their machines to the razor’s edge. In the SS600
category, fans can expect close fights and tactical brilliance as Asia’s mid-class specialists lock
horns in what has historically been one of the most thrilling divisions on the ARRC grid.
The AP250 class remains the breeding ground for some of the region’s most promising
young talents, many of whom are determined to make a bold statement in 2026. Meanwhile,
the ever-popular UB150 category is set to deliver another season of unpredictable, wheel-
to-wheel racing, defined by the signature slipstream battles and dramatic finishes that
consistently captivate spectators. Adding to the excitement is the TVS Racing International
Championship, now strengthened with a wider global representation. Riders from multiple
continents will compete on identical machinery, turning each race into a pure test of skill,
race craft, and mental precision.
To further intensify the competitive edge of the championship, the 2026 season will also
debut the highly anticipated Dunlop Sportmax Award, exclusively introduced for the
ASB1000 category. This performance-driven initiative aims to inspire riders to push beyond
their limits as they chase record-breaking speed. Under the programme, any rider who sets a
new lap record at selected circuits will earn a ¥1,000,000 cash reward (approximately USD
6,500), transforming each round into a high-stakes pursuit of excellence. A further
¥1,000,000 bonus awaits the season’s best qualifier during the finale, determined through a
structured points system. More than a reward, this initiative is expected to ignite sharper
rivalries and amplify the relentless fight for supremacy that defines ASB1000.
Ron Hogg, Promotions Director of Two Wheels Motor Racing (TWMR), said,
“Season 2026
marks a defining chapter for the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. As the grid
continues to grow in strength, depth, and international representation, ARRC is evolving into
an even more formidable proving ground for world-class talent. With enhanced technical
standards, expanded global participation, and new performance-driven initiatives such as
the Dunlop Sportmax Award, we are setting the stage for one of the most competitive
seasons in ARRC history.
Beyond the racing, fans can also look forward to an exciting festival atmosphere at Sepang
International Circuit next weekend. We are bringing a line-up of activities including a fun fair,
food fest, and even lucky-draw motorcycles to be won by spectators. It’s our way of
elevating the fan experience and creating a vibrant, inclusive environment for everyone. We
invite all motorsport enthusiasts, families, and new fans alike to join us at Sepang
International Circuit and be part of the action as we kick off an unforgettable 2026 season.”
With the season opener just days away, anticipation is at an all-time high. Engines will roar,
rivalries will reignite, and new stories will unfold as the 2026 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing
Championship kick-starts its journey at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. This year’s
grid is not only bigger and stronger, it’s more internationally diverse, more competitive, and
more determined than ever to raise the standard of Asian motorsports.