The Asia Superbike 1000cc category came to an exhilarating conclusion at Race 2 of the season finale of the IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. Yuki Kunii of SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Ph. claimed a hard-fought victory, securing both the win and the 2024 championship in a thrilling battle at the Chang International Circuit.
Yuki got off to a great start, quickly taking the lead in the race. However, just three laps into the contest, Andi Farid Izdihar, the Race 1 winner, along with his teammate Nakarin Atiratphuvapat of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo, overtook Yuki and took control of the front. As if the pressure wasn’t enough, another rider from the same team, Md Zaqhwan Zaidi, closely followed, adding even more intensity to the competition.
As the race progressed, the front group of four Honda riders were locked in fierce battle, with Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of TKKR BMW Racing Team starting to make up ground from P5, gradually closing the gap and positioning himself as a potential challenger.
On Lap 10, the Japanese rider Tetsuta Nagashima from Astemo SI Racing with Thai Honda made an impressive move, shooting up to P2, which further stirred the front group. This prompted Yuki to pick up the pace, as he realized the pressure was mounting with the fierce competition right on his tail. At this critical moment, Yuki formed a gap of 2:993s between himself and the trio of Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo riders.
Yuki’s efforts were rewarded as he dug deep and widened the gap, ensuring there would be no last-minute overtakes. He crossed the finish line with a time of 20’47:479s, securing not only the victory but also the 2024 championship.
Completing the podium were Tetsuta Nagashima, who finished second with a time of 20’48:415s, and Andi Farid Izdihar, who took the third spot with a time of 20’50:927s.
After the race, Yuki shared his thoughts emotionally, “Yesterday, we faced some challenges at the start, but in Race 2, we gave it everything we had. In the beginning, I focused on maintaining my position, and towards the end, I managed to create a gap and keep the pressure off. This victory, and this championship, is not just for me. I want to dedicate it to my late teammate Haruki Noguchi. Haruki always gave his best for the team, and it’s truly heartbreaking that he is no longer with us. This win and the championship are for him. I hope he is watching from above and smiling.”
TOP 5 FASTEST – RACE 2
- Yuki Kunii – SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Ph. (20’47:479s)
- Tetsuta Nagashima – Astemo SI Racing with Thai Honda (20’48:415s)
- Andi Farid Izdihar – Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo (20’50:927s)
- Md Zaqhwan Zaidi – Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo (20’51:389s)
- Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman – TKKR BMW Racing Team (20’52:265s)
TOP 5 OVERALL STANDING
- Yuki Kunii – SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Ph. (183 points)
- Andi Farid Izdihar – Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo (181 points)
- Hafizh Syahrin – JDT RACING TEAM (154 points)
- Nakarin Atiratphuvapat – Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo (149 points)
- Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman – TKKR BMW Racing Team (126 points)
TOP 5 TEAM OVERALL STANDINGS
- Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo (302 points)
- TKKR BMW Racing Team (227 points)
- YAMAHA TEKHNE Racing Team ASIA (204 points)
- SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Ph. (183 points)
- JDT RACING TEAM (154 points)