ARRC 2022 Stage 5: Wrapping up a Secure Season

Honda Racing Vietnam at Race 5 ARRC 2022.

The name Chang International Circuit is well-known to the members of the Honda Racing Vietnam team. This circuit has always been considered the home of Honda Racing Vietnam and has provided unforgettable moments for young racers with its thrilling performances and notable achievements. Cao Viet Nam, in particular, is extremely thrilled to showcase exhilarating accelerations at Circuit 5 at Chang. Unfortunately, Cao Viet Nam was unable to participate in Circuit 4 at Sepang due to testing positive for Covid-19 shortly before the match.

The Chang International Circuit is located in the beautiful Buriram province, 400 km from Bangkok. It is Thailand’s first race track to achieve both “Grade 1” standards from the International Automobile Federation FIA and Grade A standards from the International Motorcycle Federation FIM. The track is highlighted by its 12 challenging curves, and racers can reach speeds of approximately 300 km/h during the race thanks to its long straight section.

Honda Racing Vietnam has high hopes of performing well, especially in the AP250 category, in Race 5 ARRC 2022. Cao Viet Nam’s “battle horse” has been upgraded with a new engine.

The “crazy guy” possesses a strong and resolute mindset after a productive training session at Chang racecourse.

Honda Racing Vietnam has set high expectations to compete at the top in Race 5 ARRC 2022, particularly in the AP250 category. Cao Viet Nam’s “battle horse” has been upgraded with a new engine, and the “crazy guy” is mentally prepared after an effective training session at Chang racecourse.

Prior to the final race of the ARRC 2022 season, the images of Tamamiya Mihara, General Director of Honda Vietnam, along with the management and technicians “igniting” the racers made a lasting impression. These moments demonstrate Honda’s dedication and commitment to investing in this race. Moreover, they capture beautiful and memorable moments, showcasing the whole-hearted support and camaraderie of the entire Honda Racing Vietnam team, determined to achieve the best results in this final stage of the season.

Tamamiya Mihara, General Director of Honda Vietnam, makes an appearance at the race track.

and boosts the team’s spirit.

However, despite their efforts and determination, the three racers from Honda Racing Vietnam did not achieve the desired starting positions during the qualifying session. Cao Viet Nam started in the 20th position in the AP250 category. Meanwhile, Nguyen Duc Thanh and Nguyen Anh Tuan ranked 17th/20th and 19th/20th, respectively. These positions foreshadowed the challenges and difficulties that the team would encounter in Race 1 and Race 2.

Indeed, in Race 1, Nguyen Duc Thanh unfortunately got involved in a collision and had to retire from the race in the second lap with a sense of regret. Although expressing clear dissatisfaction, perhaps racer #193 should work on improving his “war mentality” in the next season to avoid unwanted situations and enhance his performance.

Nguyen Duc Thanh unfortunately got involved in a collision and had to retire from the race in the second lap with a sense of regret.

Being in close proximity to the collision and nearly becoming involved, Nguyen Anh Tuan’s spirit was somewhat affected. Racer #173 decided to prioritize caution and finished in 16th position without earning any points.

Nguyen Anh Tuan on the race track in Race 1.

However, there was a bright spot for Cao Viet Nam in Race 1 as he scored 3 points in the AP250 category. Despite a disadvantageous starting position, racer #65 capitalized on appropriate racing strategy, daring maneuvers, and the distinctive “crazy guy” style to seize opportunities, surpass opponents, and achieve a commendable 13th position. A remarkable effort by racer #65.

A bright spot for Cao Viet Nam in Race 1 as he scored 3 points in the AP250 category.

Despite a disadvantageous starting position, racer #65 capitalized on appropriate racing strategy, daring maneuvers, and the distinctive “crazy guy” style to seize opportunities, surpass opponents, and achieve a commendable 13th position.

Based on the performance in Race 1, the entire Honda Racing Vietnam team yearns for an even more exceptional performance from the “Crazy Guy” to secure a spot in the top 10. Unfortunately, unfavorable weather conditions have brought disadvantages not only to the racers but also to the three Vietnamese racers.

In Race 2, heavy rain prompted the racing teams to adapt their tactics and utilize wet tires.

In Race 2, heavy rain prompted the racing teams to adapt their tactics and utilize wet tires. This is a scenario most racers prefer to avoid as it introduces unpredictable risks when attempting daring accelerations, navigating turns, or engaging in intense battles during this relentless contest.

Nguyen Anh Tuan in a battle against opponents.

Nguyen Duc Thanh finishes 13th overall in Race 2.

To adapt to the adverse weather conditions, Nguyen Duc Thanh (racer #193) and Nguyen Anh Tuan (racer #178) in the UB150 category opted for a cautious approach, avoiding reckless engagements to preserve the strength of the team. However, the combination of heavy rain and wet roads caused numerous racers to fall during Race 2. Unfortunately, Nguyen Anh Tuan’s car encountered problems just before the final lap, preventing him from completing the race and disappointing the entire team as he was close to securing the 11th position. Nguyen Duc Thanh finished 13th overall.

Cao Viet Nam unfortunately falls in the 2nd lap in the AP250 category.

In the AP250 category, despite having ample experience racing in the rain, Cao Viet Nam did not achieve the desired result as he fell in the second lap. Racer #65 expressed clear dissatisfaction with his performance as both he and the team had high expectations for Race 2.

Racer #65 expressed clear dissatisfaction with his performance as both he and the team had high expectations for Race 2.

As a result, the trio of racers and the Honda Racing Vietnam team concluded the Asian ARRC 2022 motorcycle racing season. Although the overall results fell short of expectations, resulting in regrets for both the racers and Vietnamese speed sports fans, the team’s safety was thankfully ensured.

Although the overall results fell short of expectations, resulting in regrets for both the racers and Vietnamese speed sports fans, the team’s safety was thankfully ensured.

In the UB150 category, Nguyen Anh Tuan scored a total of 20 points, while Nguyen Duc Thanh scored 18 points, placing them 20th and 21st, respectively. In the AP250 category, Cao Viet Nam scored 37 points, finishing 13th overall. The Honda Racing Vietnam team secured the 11th position in both the UB150 and AP250 categories.

See you in the new season with fresh goals for Honda Racing Vietnam.

Article and photos: Hoang Tuan (forum.autodaily.vn)