Asia Road Racing Championship 2024 (ARRC) kicked off its 6th and final round at Chang International Circuit, Buriram on Friday, December 6, setting the stage for a high-stakes weekend. With championship titles across multiple categories, Friday’s practice sessions delivered a preview of the intense battles ahead.
ASB1000: Nakarin Leads, Yuki and Andi Eye the Title
In the Asia Superbike 1000cc (ASB1000) class, Thailand’s Nakarin Atiratphuvapat from Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo led the combined practice standings with a best lap time of 1:35.432 seconds, narrowly edging Malaysian riders Zaqwan Zaidi (+0.025s) and veteran Azlan Shah (+0.083s).
Championship leader Yuki Kuni from Japan, representing SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda PH, finished 7th in the practice standings, 0.463 seconds behind Nakarin. Kuni currently holds a slim 2-point lead over Indonesia’s Andi Farid Izdihar and a 5-point advantage over Malaysia’s Hafizh Syahrin. Nakarin, in 4th place overall, remains 14 points behind Kuni but still holds an outside chance for the title.
Supersport 600cc: Apiwat Dominates
In the Supersport 600cc category, Thai rider Apiwat Wongthananon of Yamaha Techni Racing Team Asian topped the charts with a time of 1:39.028 seconds, maintaining his dominance in the championship race. His compatriot Ratthapong Wilairot trailed by only 0.416 seconds in second place, followed by Malaysia’s Azroy Hakeem Anuar (+0.466s).
Apiwat leads the championship standings with 155 points, holding a comfortable 14-point cushion over Indonesian rival Mohammad Adenanta Putra.
Asia Production 250cc: Farosi Fastest
In the Asia Production 250cc class, Muhammad Farosi of Yamaha Racing Indonesia was the quickest, clocking 1:51.558 seconds, ahead of two Astra Honda Racing Team riders, Herjun Atna Ferdaus and Muhammad Kiandra Ramadipa. Thai rider Peerapong Boonlert ranked 4th, just 1.102 seconds off the leader’s pace.
Underbone 150cc: Murrobin Leads the Pack
Indonesia’s Mohammad Murrobin Vittoni of Yamaha LFN HP969 Indonesia Racing Team set the fastest lap in the Underbone 150cc category with a time of 1:59.819 seconds, narrowly beating teammate Husni Zainul Fouadzi (+0.462s). Filipino rider John Emerson Inguito secured 3rd, trailing by 0.657 seconds.
TVS Asia One Make Race: Hiroki Ono on Top
In the TVS Asia One Make Race, Japan’s Hiroki Ono led the standings with a lap time of 1:50.465 seconds, closely followed by Thailand’s Athit Ganghae (+0.049s) and Malaysia’s Mohammad Ramdan Rossi (+0.158s).
Final Race Weekend Schedule
The final showdown will see qualifying sessions and the first races held on Saturday, December 7, followed by the ultimate races on Sunday, December 8.
Credit Photo : BRIC
