Cao Vietnam (number 65) and Honda Racing Vietnam had the best performance since competing in ARRC.
When asked about the feeling of competing in positions 1 and 2, Cao Vietnam shared: “I feel very happy as this is the first time in ARRC that I can compete on an equal footing with the top racers. I really enjoyed the race and was satisfied with my journey and the team’s performance throughout the season. Although there is some regret, it’s clear that the team has made significant progress compared to the previous season.”
“If we compare this year to last year, personally I am very satisfied. Besides achieving the target score, what I’m most happy about is the regained confidence in Cao Vietnam, with the entire technical team. Everyone is united, sharing the same desire to take Honda Racing Vietnam further. And at this point, I can affirm that Nam is capable of competing for a position on the podium,” said Mr. Do Thai Son, Manager of Team Honda Racing Vietnam.
Returning to the main developments of Stage 6, also the final stage of the ARRC 2023 season at the Chang Circuit (Buriram, Thailand). Being seen as a “home ground”, Honda Racing Vietnam set high goals in the AP250 category with racer Cao Vietnam. This is easy to understand as number 65 has always performed well at Chang. The results in Practice 2 also showed that when Cao Vietnam ranked second.
Despite starting from 9th place, Cao Vietnam created one of the biggest surprises of the season.
However, the team’s goal was somewhat “shaken” during qualifying, with number 65 only ranking 9th, a position that would pose a challenge in moving up to the top. Despite that, the race’s developments brought too many surprises for the entire team and both the competitors and audience present at the circuit.
In Race 1, right after the race started, Cao Vietnam quickly rose to 4th place and maintained his position ahead of the chasing opponents. He then moved up to 3rd… 2nd place by the final lap. The team was ready to stand on the podium for the first time. However, the regrettable thing happened at the most anticipated moment when Cao Vietnam was overtaken by competitors and finished in 5th place.
The disappointment in Race 1 turned into motivation for Race 2. Cao Vietnam had his best performance since competing in the continental championship. After the first 2 laps, number 65 took the lead, much to the surprise of those present at the circuit. Truly, number 65 had the best performance since competing in the Asia Road Racing Championship! He successively overtook opponents to lead the majority of Race 2 of Stage 6, something unprecedented. However, due to the excessive care of the team’s 3 racers, Cao Vietnam finished Race 2 in 4th place.
Cao Vietnam concluded the ARRC 2023 season with 87 points.
Thus, Cao Vietnam concluded the ARRC 2023 season with 87 points, ranking 8th overall in the individual standings of the AP250 category, while Honda Racing Vietnam ranked 7th with a total of 93 points.
Although there is regret, both Cao Vietnam and Honda Racing Vietnam have gone through the most successful and emotional season, opening up clearer opportunities to compete for top positions in the next season.
Nguyen Duc Thanh finished the ARRC 2023 season with 6 points.
Meanwhile, teammate Nguyen Duc Thanh (number 193) in his first season competing in the AP250 category against formidable opponents also made a certain impact by achieving a total of 6 points.
Nguyen Anh Tuan and Nguyen Huu Tri competing at Stage 6.
In the UB150 category, the duo Nguyen Anh Tuan (number 178) and Nguyen Huu Tri (number 111) couldn’t show much. At the end of the season, Anh Tuan garnered 16 points, while Huu Tri had 2 points. With number 111, a 15-year-old rookie racer, the ARRC 2023 season can be seen as a trial, stumbling in the continental arena. Perhaps, if Huu Tri continues to be trusted, he will have better performances in the future.
Nguyen Ton Anh Phu (number 19) and Nguyen Vu Phuong (number 10) competing in Thailand Talent Cup 2023.
At the final stage held at the Chang Circuit, racers Nguyen Ton Anh Phu (number 19) and Nguyen Vu Phuong (number 10) also concluded their competition in the Thailand Talent Cup 2023 (Thai racing talent search tournament) with valuable points and experience for the future journey.
Thus, Honda Racing Vietnam has concluded an impressive racing season at the continental stage. See you again in the 2024 season!
Anh Quan (forum.autodaily.vn)
ARRC 2023 Stage 1 – Exhilarating Emotions with the Astonishing Performance of the “Madman”
When Honda CBR250RR, ridden by Vietnamese racer Cao Viet Nam, crossed the finish line in Race 2 of the opening round of the 2023 Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC), the entire team erupted with joy. Even the “madman” himself couldn’t contain his emotions at that moment, as it was the first time that rider number 65 and the Honda Racing Vietnam team had secured a top-four finish in the AP250 category after years of competing in this championship.