ARRC 2023 Stage 1 – Thrilling Excitement with the Incredible Performance of the “Madman”

Cao Viet Nam (number 65) is about to cross the finish line and lead the top 4 riders in Race 2 of the AP250 category.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to compete against the top riders from last season. Finishing in the top 4 puts me in striking distance of the podium, and I believe that in the upcoming races, both myself and the team will strive for even better results,” Cao Viet Nam shared eagerly after completing the first race of ARRC 2023.

“With this new project, we have made significant improvements in the technical aspects, and I am satisfied with what the team has accomplished. We will continue to push forward in order to compete with the top teams in Asia,” added the number 65 rider.

Official results for Race 2: Cao Viet Nam finishes 4th overall.

Returning to the developments of Race 1 in ARRC 2023 at the Chang circuit (Buriram, Thailand). The opening race carried the team’s hopes of contending for top positions, and even a podium finish, in the AP250 category with rider Cao Viet Nam, as the results during practice had indicated.

“Based on the practice results, Nam has consistently been in the top 5. Along with the fully upgraded CBR250RR, we set high goals for this race,” said Mr. Do Thai Son, Team Manager of Honda Racing Vietnam.

However, the team’s goals seemed to have suffered a setback during qualifying, as Cao Viet Nam started the race in 13th position, a challenging position to overcome. The result in Race 1 confirmed their struggles, as “The Madman” finished 8th, a result that was not entirely disappointing but fell short of satisfying the entire team. The atmosphere in the pit became somber, with few smiles and an avoidance of media questions.

“Tomorrow will be different, assuredly,” Nam said in the rider’s changing area. At that moment, despite his face not fully relaxing, his determination was evident.

Cao Viet Nam and the entire team achieved the set goals in the opening race.

In Race 2, right after the first turn, Cao Viet Nam made his way into the top 10 positions. Race 2 was considered a “mental battle” for number 65, as he refrained from pushing the RPM above 14,000, avoiding the endurance threshold of the CBR250RR. He actively yielded to opponents in the first corners and overtook them in the final corners.

“Cao Viet Nam is already in the top 6, no, now it’s the top 5!” we cheered with joy while standing in the corner, an indescribable feeling. The overall result surpassed expectations, as the rider was penalized and had his result canceled, leading to Nam’s promotion to 4th place. At that moment, the atmosphere in the pit area of Honda Racing Vietnam was truly jubilant, with laughter filling the air. Both “The Madman” and the entire team seemed to have shed the pressure that had been building up for a long time. More importantly, this achievement showcased significant progress in both technical and racing skills, earning respect from other teams.

Meanwhile, “younger brother” Nguyen Duc Thanh (number 193) struggled against the speed of his opponents in his first appearance in the AP250 category. He finished in 20th position in Race 1 but did not complete Race 2.

Nguyen Duc Thanh in his first race in the AP250 category. Rider number 193 will need more time to catch up with his opponents.

In the UB150 category, Nguyen Anh Tuan (number 178) also did not achieve the desired results, finishing in 20th position in Race 1 and 21st position in Race 2. The highlight in the UB150 category was the debut of 15-year-old rider Nguyen Huu Tri. Although unable to race in Race 1, completing Race 2 safely was considered a crucial and valuable experience for Huu Tri.

Nguyen Anh Tuan (number 178) did not achieve the desired results in the UB150 category.

Nguyen Huu Tri, at just 15 years old, has made his debut in ARRC.

At the Chang circuit, the young team lineup of Honda Racing Vietnam gained valuable experience and international racing exposure at the opening race of Thailand Talent Cup 2023. Furthermore, Nguyen Anh Phu (number 19) scored 13 points, while Nguyen Vu Phuong (number 10) secured 6 points in their first appearance in the continental arena.

Nguyen Anh Phu (number 19) scored 13 points in the opening race of Thailand Talent Cup 2023.

Nguyen Vu Phuong (number 10) also claimed 6 points in his inaugural continental race.

Thus, the opening race of the ARRC 2023 Asian motorcycle racing season concluded on a positive note for Honda Racing Vietnam, with the team earning 21 points in the AP250 category with rider Cao Viet Nam, meeting their set goals.

See you all at Race 2 of the ARRC 2023 at the Sepang circuit in May.

Hoang Tuan (forum.autodaily.vn)