On the morning of the qualifying day, it rained in Binh Duong, making the roads damp after heavy rain the night before. This made the qualifying session more challenging for the racers, with many of them slipping and falling. The speed on the 2K track also decreased significantly. The qualifying session ended with four poles for four racers: Dinh Van Toan (Blade 110), Nguyen Nhat Truong (MSX 125), Huynh Minh Sang (UB 130 – KYT-RCB-UMA Dong Nghi team), and Nguyen Anh Tuan (Winner 150). They were all ready for the afternoon race with their own strategies.
Blade 110 category: Nguyen Duc Thanh’s affirmation
The Blade 110 category had the best weather conditions during stage 4. Although it was windy, the roads were not too wet due to the light rain before the race. Dinh Van Toan surpassed Nguyen Duc Thanh #02 to take the pole, leading to predictions that there would be a change in the Blade 110 category. However, there were no surprises, and when the race started, Duc Thanh quickly took the lead, needing only the first turn to leave the rest of the racers behind. By the second lap, Duc Thanh had secured the first position, maintaining a clear lead over the second-place racer, Dinh Van Toan. Both riders maintained their positions until the end of the race.
The fourth stage witnessed a strong breakthrough by Phan Minh Phung #26 in the Blade 110 category. Despite starting in 6th position, he quickly rose to 3rd place and maintained this position until the end of the race.
Overall, the Blade 110 race in the fourth stage was not too fast-paced. Most of the race was in a straight line, and there were no significant changes in positions after the 4th lap. It is understandable that riders chose to play it safe due to the strong winds and wet roads which could make the Blade 110 bikes unstable. The Blade 110 category ended as dark clouds and heavy rain welcomed the next category, MSX 125.
MSX 125 category: Water foam prevents a pole position change
The MSX 125 category was delayed due to heavy rain and strong winds. Nguyen Hoang Dang Khoa #78 made a great start, overtaking pole position holder Nguyen Nhat Truong #70 and engaging in a fierce battle. By the third lap, Nhat Truong reclaimed the top spot, but later slipped, allowing Dang Khoa to take the lead and gradually extend the gap from the other racers. However, the race was still intense as Nhat Truong made a remarkable effort to regain the top 3 positions, overtaking Ngoc Nhan who was in 2nd place, and finishing the race in 2nd place overall. Dang Khoa finished in 1st place, while the 3rd position went to VDV Hoang Thanh Bao #73.
Speaking of Nhat Truong, he is considered the “heartthrob” of the race: young, handsome, and talented. Therefore, it is not surprising that many female fans braved the rain to cheer him on, and his determined performance on the track was a fantastic response to their support.
Winner 150 category: The duo continues to dominate
Nguyen Anh Tuan #47 took the pole position, followed by Le Hung Huu Tin #49. The two racers continued their excellent performance to maintain the first and second positions, widening the gap with the other riders. In this race, the riders behind improved their performance, catching up closely with the leading duo of riders 47-49.
The most surprising thing in the Winner 150 category was the performance of the Winner X, which was making its debut in the race. However, the bike showed exceptional stability even in the rainy and windy conditions, defying expectations that its size and power would lead to accidents. The Winner 150 category concluded without any crashes.
UB130 category: Thrilling until the last minute
The UB130 category in the fourth stage was the most intense and competitive. It was focused on the battle between the trio: Minh Sang #31 (KYT-RCB-UMA Dong Nghi team), Le Phung #14 (My Danh Mobile Cao Lanh team), and Trong Vinh #23 (Thinh Go Vap team). Minh Sang, despite leading the race, had a tough time defending against continuous attacks from Le Phung. Trong Vinh also waited for the opportunity to challenge the two racers ahead of him.
Le Phung showcased an extremely aggressive racing style, overtaking Minh Sang in the 4th lap to take the first position. This move caused Minh Sang to become very frustrated, and he relentlessly attacked Le Phung, aiming to eliminate him. However, Le Phung was not an easy opponent, and he fiercely fought back against Minh Sang.
With both racers constantly on the edge, spectators held their breath, sensing a potential collision at any moment. The climax was pushed to the final lap, with Trong Vinh and Le Phung attacking Minh Sang on both sides. However, the pole position holder remained calm and effectively defended against their attacks. In the end, Minh Sang successfully defended the first position, with Le Phung finishing in 2nd place, only half a bike length behind. Trong Vinh finished in 3rd place comfortably.
After the race, Minh Sang and Le Phung shook hands and talked, seemingly leaving all the tension on the track behind. It is commendable sportsmanship for both racers. However, they should be criticized for their heated actions on the track as it was extremely dangerous for both of them.
Stage 4 of VMRC 2019 has ended, but the excitement for speed enthusiasts continues as Honda Racing Vietnam will participate in stage 6 of ARRC 2019 at the Sepang Circuit on September 21-22, 2019.
Trang Nguyen (Forum.autodaily.vn)
