YAMAHA PHILIPPINES RACETECH RACING TEAM’s rising talent, Timothy Jonathan KY Rojas, is gearing up for the biggest year of his young career as he prepares for his first full season in the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Timothy steps into the highly competitive UB150 category, bringing with him the hunger, discipline, and determination of a rider ready to evolve.
Timothy made his ARRC debut last year as a wildcard entry, showcasing strong potential in a field filled with experienced and aggressive riders. This season, he returns with a renewed purpose and a full-season opportunity to show what he can become. “For my first full season, I’m focusing on being consistent and learning something valuable every round. My main goal for 2026 is to improve race by race, keep building my pace, and fight for stronger finishes as the season progresses.”
Strengthening Timothy’s development this year is his teammate, April King Mascardo, one of the Philippines’ most seasoned ARRC riders who has been competing since 2015. For a young rider stepping into Asia’s toughest underbone class, having a veteran on the same team makes a major difference.
“Racing with someone like April King Mascardo helps me a lot. His experience gives me confidence. He shares insights about the bike, the race craft, and even how to stay calm under pressure. Having him around pushes me to prepare better and think like a complete rider.”
Stepping into UB150 full-time also means stepping into a category known for its intense pack racing and strategic complexity. But instead of feeling overwhelmed, Timothy is using the challenge as fuel.
“I handle pressure by staying focused on myself. Racing against experienced riders motivates me even more. Every lap with them teaches me something, and it pushes me to sharpen my skills and improve faster.”
With only one ARRC round under his belt last year, Timothy is preparing for a season packed with unfamiliar circuits across Asia. But he is embracing the learning curve with full commitment.
“I’ve been studying the tracks, improving my fitness, and preparing my mindset for every race weekend. I’m really excited about racing at Chang International Circuit. It’s fast, technical, and challenging, which makes it perfect for learning and improving.”
In a category where margins are extremely tight, Timothy is clear about what helps him stand out: his mindset.
“My strongest asset is my determination to improve. I may be one of the youngest and one of the newest on the grid, but I’m committed to learning quickly, staying competitive, and giving my best in every race.”
Timothy carries the pride of the Filipino racing community, the support of a strong Yamaha squad, and the hunger of a rider with something to prove. ARRC 2026 will be his toughest test yet, but also his biggest opportunity.