Stage 2 ARRC 2025: Sepang Stumps Honda Racing Vietnam

Honda Racing Vietnam participated in the AP250 category for Leg 2 of ARRC 2025, fielding three familiar riders: Cao Viet Nam (bearing the number 65), Nguyen Ton Anh Phu (number 19), and Nguyen Huu Tri (number 18). Following an impressive debut in Thailand, which included the team’s first podium finish of the season, Honda Racing Vietnam approached the Sepang circuit with high hopes and aspirations.

The qualifying race witnessed an outstanding performance by Cao Viet Nam, who secured the second position on the starting grid—the best qualifying result for the talented rider in the ARRC so far. Meanwhile, Nguyen Huu Tri qualified in 20th place, followed by Nguyen Ton Anh Phu in 22nd. With these qualifying results, Cao Viet Nam remained the team’s primary hope for a podium finish at Sepang.

However, the Sepang circuit has always presented a formidable challenge for Vietnamese riders. In Race 1, Cao Viet Nam faced setbacks at the start, losing his advantageous second position and dropping to fifth and then tenth place in the very first lap.

As the race progressed, intense competition from continental rivals further hindered his progress. Nevertheless, Cao Viet Nam persevered, patiently seeking opportunities to make a move. Unfortunately, a crash on the fourth lap ended his participation in the first race.

Meanwhile, the two younger riders, Huu Tri and Anh Phu, demonstrated resilience and determination. Huu Tri, in particular, delivered an impressive performance, finishing in 14th place, while Anh Phu crossed the line in 20th.

With mixed feelings about the outcome of Race 1, the Honda Racing Vietnam trio approached Race 2 with heightened determination to secure a victory. Spectators eagerly watched as the Vietnamese riders navigated the twists and turns of the course.

In Race 2, all eyes were once again on Cao Viet Nam. After a tense few opening laps within the top 10, he unexpectedly surged forward in the seventh lap, claiming fourth place and rekindling hopes for a podium finish. Unfortunately, this advantage was short-lived, and the team’s leading rider ultimately concluded the exhilarating eight-lap race in tenth place.

A notable highlight of Race 2 was the remarkable performance of Nguyen Ton Anh Phu (#19). Starting from 22nd place, he displayed unwavering determination, consistently overtaking rivals to finish in an impressive 14th position, earning valuable points for the team. Nguyen Huu Tri (#18) also demonstrated consistency, finishing in 16th place, just shy of the points-scoring group.

While Leg 2 of ARRC 2025 did not yield the desired results for Honda Racing Vietnam, the team remains optimistic. This experience at Sepang will serve as an opportunity to reassess strategies, fine-tune techniques, and further strengthen their resolve for the upcoming legs of the championship.

The 2025 ARRC season has just begun, and we eagerly anticipate more impressive performances from Honda Racing Vietnam as they continue their journey toward fulfilling their speed dreams in Asia’s most captivating racing championship.

PV (Tuoitrethudo)