The second leg of ARRC 2023 was held at Sepang Circuit in Malaysia from May 13th to May 14th, 2023. Sepang is renowned as one of the most prestigious racing tracks in Southeast Asia, hosting various high-profile races such as the F1 Grand Prix and MotoGP. Spanning a distance of 5.54 km, Sepang Circuit features 15 corners, including both high-speed and low-speed turns with dramatic changes in elevation. It serves as a challenging platform for racers to showcase their skills, experience, and racing prowess.
Carrying the momentum from a successful start, the Honda Racing Vietnam team arrived at Sepang filled with confidence, passion, and a determination to achieve even more impressive results. With the goal of securing a position in the top 10 throughout the ARRC 2023 season, Honda Racing Vietnam has made significant investments in both human resources and racing technology. The team’s continuous adjustments and improvements can be seen day by day.
“After a highly successful Stage 1, I am filled with confidence and determination to reach new milestones in Stage 2 at Sepang. Before commencing Stage 2, the team conducted power evaluations for the bike at Dyno to make appropriate enhancements. I am truly satisfied with the team’s efforts, always striving to improve each day for better results,” shared racer Cao Viet Nam.
However, in addition to the increased difficulty of the track compared to Stage 1 in Chang (Buriram, Thailand), the Vietnamese riders faced challenges posed by the harsh weather conditions, scorching heat, and fierce competition among racers during Stage 2 of ARRC 2023.
Prior to Race 1, Honda Racing Vietnam encountered an unfortunate incident in the AP250 category. During the first practice session, there was an oil leak on the track, causing racers Cao Viet Nam and Nguyen Duc Thanh to slip and fall. The high-speed crash resulted in minor injuries for both riders from Honda Racing Vietnam, impeding their training in subsequent practice sessions and limiting data for bike improvement.
The regrettable incident slightly affected the qualifying race, as Cao Viet Nam (#65) secured the 15th starting position, while Nguyen Duc Thanh (#193) began in 18th place in the AP250 category. In the UB150 category, Nguyen Anh Tuan (#178) and Nguyen Huu Tri (#111) started in 21st and 24th positions, respectively. Despite unfavorable qualifying results, speed enthusiasts remain hopeful for explosive performances from the Vietnamese riders, resulting in impressive outcomes.
The first race day at Sepang Circuit for the ARRC 2023 season unfolded under scorching 40°C heat. The hot air intensified the fierceness of speed battles among the Asian racers.
Overcoming anticipated challenges, Nguyen Anh Tuan delivered an impressive 9th-place finish, surpassing 12 positions from his starting point, thereby earning the team’s first 7 points of the season. This result, coupled with luck due to 7 racers withdrawing in the final lap, deserves acknowledgement for Tuan’s pursuit towards the top. Meanwhile, young racer Nguyen Huu Tri also had a commendable race, despite it being only his second appearance in the Asian arena. Racer #111 finished 18th, surpassing 6 positions from his starting point.
In the AP250 category, despite not fully recovering from the crash in the previous practice run, Cao Viet Nam’s determination, combined with the team’s efforts, led to an 11th-place finish, adding 5 valuable points to the overall standings. Racer Nguyen Duc Thanh managed to surpass 2 positions from his starting point to secure 16th place out of 24 riders.
Following the Race 1 results, which fell short of expectations, racer Cao Viet Nam approached Race 2 with heightened determination and fought fiercely. Despite starting from an unfavorable position, Viet Nam made progress and finished 10th, while Nguyen Duc Thanh finished 17th. “The crazy man” is expected to make further strides in terms of results in Stage 3, while his teammate Duc Thanh will need to exert more effort to avoid falling significantly behind the competition.
In the UB150 category, Race 2 brought no surprises as Nguyen Anh Tuan finished in 19th position, while Nguyen Huu Tri secured 20th place. For Huu Tri, completing the race and reducing the time with each stage was considered a success for this young 15-year-old racer.
The speed journey at Sepang Circuit, Malaysia has come to an end, leaving Vietnamese speed enthusiasts with some regrets as the performance in Stage 2 fell short of expectations after a dazzling start. Nevertheless, there were still bright spots and positive signals as the team earned valuable points at the “inferno” of Sepang, and the young racers from Honda Racing Vietnam continue to improve day by day.
Mr. Koji Sugita (middle), General Director of Honda Vietnam.
Mr. Koji Sugita, a big fan of big bikes and motorsports.
Notably, the presence of Mr. Koji Sugita, the new General Director of Honda Vietnam and a big fan of big bikes and motorsports, in the pit of Honda Racing Vietnam was truly impressive. His proximity, friendliness, expertise in motorsports, and, above all, professional competence undoubtedly serve as further motivation for the Honda Racing Vietnam riders and the entire team to confidently forge ahead.
As of now, after the first 2 stages of the ARRC 2023 season, Cao Viet Nam ranks 9th in the AP250 standings with 32 points, while Nguyen Duc Thanh has yet to score any points. In the UB150 category, Nguyen Anh Tuan is in 19th place with 7 points, while Nguyen Huu Tri currently holds the last position without any points.
With a spirit of determination, maturity gained through each stage, and the ability to adapt and keep pace with top racers on the continent, we expect the Honda Racing Vietnam riders to make rapid progress and achieve better scores in the upcoming stages, aiming to enhance their position on the racing map of the continent.
See you at Stage 3 of ARRC 2023, which will take place at the Sportsland Sugo International Circuit in Japan in June, with even greater breakthroughs and spectacular performances from the Honda Racing Vietnam team!
Anh Quan (forum.autodaily.vn)
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