ARRC 2022 Stage 5: Safely Ending the Season

Honda Racing Vietnam at Race 5 ARRC 2022.

The Chang International Circuit is no stranger to members of the Honda Racing Vietnam team. It is considered the home of Honda Racing Vietnam and has given young racers many memorable experiences with thrilling performances and notable achievements. Cao Viet Nam, in particular, is excited to showcase his exhilarating accelerations at Circuit 5 in Chang. Unfortunately, he was unable to participate in the previous Circuit 4 at Sepang due to a positive Covid 19 diagnosis shortly before the race.

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

At Race 5 ARRC 2022, Honda Racing Vietnam has high hopes of competing at the top, especially in the AP250 category where Cao Viet Nam’s bike has been upgraded with a new engine.

The mindset of the “crazy guy” remains strong and determined after a successful training session at the Chang racecourse.

At Race 5 ARRC 2022, Honda Racing Vietnam aims to perform at the highest level, particularly in the AP250 category where Cao Viet Nam’s “battle horse” has been equipped with a new engine. The mindset of the “crazy guy” is also resolute and unwavering after a productive training session at the Chang racecourse.

Prior to the final race of the 2022 ARRC season, the images of the General Director of Honda Vietnam, management, and technicians inspiring the racers were truly impressive. It showcased Honda’s dedication and commitment to investing in this race. These moments were not only beautiful but also served as a testament to the unwavering support and unity of the entire Honda Racing Vietnam team, all determined to achieve the best results in the final stage of the season.

Tamamiya Mihara, General Director of Honda Vietnam, appearing at the race track.

and providing encouragement to the entire team.

However, despite their efforts and determination, the three racers from Honda Racing Vietnam did not achieve their desired starting positions during the qualifying session. Cao Viet Nam started in the 20th position in the AP250 category, while Nguyen Duc Thanh and Nguyen Anh Tuan secured the 17th and 19th positions respectively, out of a total of 20 racers. This indicated the challenges and difficulties that the team would have to overcome in Race 1 and Race 2.

Indeed, in Race 1, Nguyen Duc Thanh unfortunately was involved in a collision and had to retire from the race in the second lap. Despite his clear frustration, it is imperative for racer #193 to improve his “war mentality” in future seasons to avoid unnecessary incidents and enhance his performance.

Nguyen Duc Thanh unfortunately was involved in a collision and had to retire from the race in the second lap.

Nguyen Anh Tuan, who was right behind Nguyen Duc Thanh and narrowly escaped the collision, seemed affected by the incident. Racer #173 decided to play it safe, driving cautiously and finishing in the 16th position without scoring any points.

Nguyen Anh Tuan on the race track in Race 1.

However, there was a bright spot in Race 1 with Cao Viet Nam. Despite starting from an unfavorable position, racer #65 demonstrated his skillful racing strategy and daring maneuvers characteristic of the “crazy guy,” allowing him to capitalize on opportunities, surpass opponents, and finish in an admirable 13th position. A commendable effort from racer 65.

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

Despite starting from an unfavorable position, racer #65 employed appropriate racing strategies and daring moves reflective of the “crazy guy,” enabling Cao Viet Nam to seize opportunities and finish in the commendable 13th position.

Based on the performance in Race 1, the entire Honda Racing Vietnam team hopes that the “Crazy Guy” will continue to excel and secure a top 10 position. However, unfavorable weather conditions posed additional challenges for the racers, including the three Vietnamese competitors.

As Race 2 began, heavy rain necessitated the use of wet tires, prompting a change in racing strategies.

As Race 2 commenced, heavy rain necessitated a change in racing strategies, as teams had to employ wet tires. This was an unwelcome scenario for most racers, as it introduced unpredictable risks when attempting speed, turns, and competitive clashes in this fierce battle.

Nguyen Anh Tuan engaging in a dispute with opponents.

Nguyen Duc Thanh finishing 13th overall in Race 2.

To adapt to the adverse weather conditions, Nguyen Duc Thanh (#193) and Nguyen Anh Tuan (#178) in the UB150 category opted for a cautious approach, avoiding reckless battles to ensure the team’s strength. Nevertheless, the heavy rain and wet road surfaces caused multiple racers to fall in Race 2. Additionally, Nguyen Anh Tuan encountered mechanical problems just before the final lap, preventing him from completing the race and leaving the entire team disappointed, as he was in close proximity to 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, Cao Viet Nam, despite his extensive experience racing in the rain, did not achieve the desired outcome as he fell in the second lap. Racer #65 expressed his dissatisfaction with his own performance, as both he and the entire team had high expectations for Race 2.

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

Consequently, the trio of racers, along with the Honda Racing Vietnam team, concluded their participation in the Asian ARRC 2022 motorcycle racing season. Although the overall results did not meet expectations, resulting in regrets for both the racers and Vietnamese motorsport enthusiasts, the safety of the entire team was prioritized and ensured.

Despite the unsatisfactory overall season results, leaving both the racers and Vietnamese motorsport enthusiasts disappointed, the safety of the entire team was well maintained.

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

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

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