As Race 2 Stage 5 of the ARRC 2023 entered its final lap, the members of Honda Racing Vietnam were filled with emotion and ready to celebrate. Cao Viet Nam had shown impressive performance, making it to the Top 3 and only a few corners away from the podium. It felt like the moment of waving the Vietnamese flag on the international stage was within reach.
Unfortunately, luck did not smile upon the Vietnamese racer. Speed fans still feel a sense of regret for the efforts of racer number 65 and the entire Honda Racing Vietnam team.
Stage 5 can be described as one of the most intense and explosive stages for the Honda Racing Vietnam team in the ARRC 2023 season. The racers took the audience on an emotional rollercoaster and left behind the desire to conquer and raise the Vietnamese national flag high on the continental stage.
Stage 5 of ARRC 2023 took place at the Zhuhai International Circuit in Guangdong, China on November 4th-5th, 2023. The Zhuhai International Circuit is known for hosting top racing events in Hong Kong and Macau such as HTCC, MTCC, as well as international events like the Endurance World Championship, FIA GT, A1 Grand Prix, etc. The track consists of 14 corners with a total length of 4.3 km, including 9 right corners and 5 left corners. The longest straight section measures 900 m.
The Vietnamese racers entered Stage 5 of ARRC 2023 with excitement, determination, and confidence to achieve their overall season goal early in China. This was evident from the qualifying races.
In the AP250 category, Cao Viet Nam (number 65) started in 7th position, while Nguyen Duc Thanh (number 193) started in 22nd position. In the UB150 category, Nguyen Anh Tuan (number 178) began from 23rd position, and Nguyen Huu Tri (number 111) from 25th position. These achievements were significant improvements compared to the qualifying race in Stage 4 of ARRC 2023 in Indonesia.
The weather at the Zhuhai Circuit in China on the first day of the race was favorable with sunny weather, which further heightened the racing spirit. In the AP250 category, racer Cao Viet Nam (number 65) started in 7th position and showcased great determination, racing on par with the top drivers.
However, on the 5th lap, Cao Viet Nam unfortunately crashed while cornering, preventing him from completing Race 1. This was a regrettable incident as he had performed exceptionally well in the first 5 laps and even competed for a Top 3 position.
Nevertheless, the AP250 category still brought points to the Honda Racing Vietnam team as racer Nguyen Duc Thanh (number 193), despite starting from an unfavorable position of 22nd, showed great courage on the track. There were moments when he even came close to the Top 10.
After completing 10 laps in Race 1, racer Nguyen Duc Thanh finished in 12th position, adding 4 more points to the team’s tally.
In the UB150 category, Nguyen Anh Tuan (number 178) and Nguyen Huu Tri (number 111) also gave it their all and achieved positive results compared to the qualifying race, finishing in 17th and 20th positions, respectively.
After the unfortunate Race 1, racer Cao Viet Nam entered Race 2 with determination to turn things around. He had an outstanding performance, starting from 10th position in the early laps, moving up to 5th position, and ultimately securing 3rd position in the final lap.
Cao Viet Nam was very close to reaching the podium. International commentators even praised his impressive racing performance. However, unfortunate circumstances struck again at the Zhuhai Circuit, and he could only finish in 8th position, bringing an additional 8 points to the team.
Regret and disappointment were evident on the faces of all members of the Honda Racing Vietnam team, including Cao Viet Nam himself, as he completed the 10 laps of Race 2. This is understandable as the “crazy guy” entered Race 2 of Stage 5 ARRC 2023 with determination and the desire to step onto the podium after the incident on the first day of racing. It’s worth emphasizing that Cao Viet Nam’s performance and racing skills are improving. Hopefully, the regrets in China will serve as motivation for racer number 65 of Honda Racing Vietnam to achieve even greater success in the final stage of ARRC 2023 in Thailand in December.
Meanwhile, Cao Viet Nam’s teammate, Nguyen Duc Thanh, also had a day of determined racing. He finished in 17th position, a significant improvement compared to his starting position of 22nd.
In the UB150 category, fierce competition was also witnessed. The two racers from the Honda Racing Vietnam team, Nguyen Anh Tuan (number 178) and Nguyen Huu Tri (number 111), engaged in heated battles, overcame difficulties, and achieved positive results compared to the qualifying race, finishing in 17th and 20th positions, respectively.
As the final stages approach, the Vietnamese drivers become even more spirited, getting closer to the podium. Let’s look forward to the exhilarating races and the surprises that the Honda Racing Vietnam team will bring in the final stage of this year’s ARRC season at Chang International Circuit, Thailand in December.
Trang Nguyen (Forum.autodaily.vn)
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