The final dance is on for the SuperSports 600cc race category of the Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship and will take place at Chang International Circuit this weekend. Apiwath Wongthananon of YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASEAN is getting closer towards victory but will Md Adenanta Putra of ASTRA HONDA RACING TEAM bow defeat?
Six podium-finish including three wins is where Apiwath currently stands with his next drive to dominate all at the season finale. The Thai rider definitely holds the trump card considering his flying colours in Round 1 that awarded him with a double win, more so, with the added advantage on his home-ground circuit that he has grown accustomed to. From then on, Apiwath did not budge from the limelight and flaunted through the adversities to keep himself comfortable throughout the season at the top spot. The seasoned rider definitely had his down-time when he succumbed to a “DNF” and when he failed a chance on the podium, twice but the odds seem to be in his favour for now especially for someone who is known for his flair aboard his machine. Looks like it might be double aces for him this weekend?s
Apiwath said, “Of course, this is our home-ground and we are more than familiar with it. It would definitely be the much-needed added advantage. My goal is one and only one – to be the Asia Champion of SS600 for this season. There are no two ways about it and I am all about carving out the racing lines and hitting it right. From the FP sessions to the race sessions, the only key to unlock victory is by acing it all the way. For the current gap, there is the likes of Adenanta whom I am pretty sure is not going to be an easy one to defeat. But again, I can’t underestimate the others as well who have been banking their points well. So, let’s see where this leads us to.”
Adenanta is not far off in his chase to defeat the Thai rider and the coming round may just be the right call in unveiling the tricks up his sleeves. The Indonesian rider may have taken time last season to adopt and adapt but this season is all about zapping towards stardom. From round 1 to round 5, Adenanta made it to the podium five times including one win. For a rider who just graduated into the SS600 race category two years ago, it’s a hats-off moment. Having said that, he has not hit the easy streets just yet especially with the fiery Malaysian duo trailing right behind him. Neither is it a bed of roses with the likes of the ultimate home-ground rider.
Commenting on the race, Adenanta said, “It’s finally here, a chance to be the SS600 Asia Champion and I am confident that my team will support my every move towards our shared goals. Every circuit comes with its own unique disposition and obstacles but I think this time around, I will be able to overcome it. I am all hyped up for the win and I love competition more so at Chang. Of course, the local riders have better advantage at it but again, racing is not just about the rider but the whole works including the machine, the crew and ultimately performance. I trust that the CBR600 RR can make the cut. Beyond that, it’s all about enjoying the race itself and I am sure my mechanics are working hard to ensure that I have the best of the moment. In the meantime, I will upkeep myself, work on my physique and make sure that if it’s not this weekend, it will be the next.”
Meanwhile, Azroy Hakeem Anuar and Md Helmi Azman of IDEMITSU Boon Siew Honda Racing Team are both in contention and awaiting the right moment to strike. Azroy who currently takes the third spot overall followed by Helmi at fourth are not going to pave a smooth pathway for their contenders ahead of them. The riders known for their prowess made the headlines a number of times but unfortunately the two “DNF” in their records marked their shortcomings for the season. For the teammates, it is all about strategizing and planning out the moves for a successful team effort.