VMRC 2019 Race 4: Raindrops and Racing Smoke Collide

It rained in Binh Duong on the morning of the qualifying day, making the roads damp after heavy rain the previous night. This added to the challenge of the qualifying session for the racers, with many of them slipping and falling. The speed on the 2K track also significantly decreased. The qualifying session ended with four racers securing pole positions: Dinh Van Toan (Blade 110), Nguyen Nhat Truong (MSX 125), Huynh Minh Sang (UB 130 – KYT-RCB-UMA Dong Nghi team), and Nguyen Anh Tuan (Winner 150). They were all prepared for the afternoon race with their own strategies.

Blade 110 category: Nguyen Duc Thanh takes the pole

The Blade 110 category enjoyed the best weather conditions during stage 4. Despite the windy conditions, the roads were not too wet due to the light rain before the race. Dinh Van Toan outperformed Nguyen Duc Thanh #02 to secure the pole position, sparking predictions of a potential change in the Blade 110 category. However, there were no surprises as the race began. Duc Thanh quickly took the lead, leaving the other racers behind with just the first turn. By the second lap, Duc Thanh had secured the first position and maintained a clear lead over the second-place racer, Dinh Van Toan. Both riders maintained their positions until the end of the race.

Stage 4 witnessed a strong breakthrough by Phan Minh Phung #26 in the Blade 110 category. Despite starting in 6th position, he quickly rose to the 3rd place and maintained this position until the end of the race.

Overall, the Blade 110 race in the fourth stage was not overly fast-paced. Most of the race consisted of straight-line sections, and there were no significant changes in positions after the 4th lap. It was understandable that riders chose to play it safe due to the strong winds and wet roads, which could make the Blade 110 bikes unstable. The Blade 110 category concluded as dark clouds and heavy rain welcomed the next category, MSX 125.

MSX 125 category: No change in pole position despite challenging conditions

The MSX 125 category was delayed due to heavy rain and strong winds. Nguyen Hoang Dang Khoa #78 made a great start, overtaking pole position holder Nguyen Nhat Truong #70 and engaging in a fierce battle. By the third lap, Nhat Truong reclaimed the top spot, but later slipped, allowing Dang Khoa to take the lead and gradually extend the gap from the other racers. However, the race remained intense as Nhat Truong made a remarkable effort to regain a top 3 position, overtaking Ngoc Nhan, who held 2nd place, and finishing the race in 2nd place overall. Dang Khoa finished in 1st place, while the 3rd position went to VDV Hoang Thanh Bao #73.

Speaking of Nhat Truong, he is considered the “heartthrob” of the race: young, handsome, and talented. Therefore, it is not surprising that many female fans braved the rain to cheer him on, and his determined performance on the track was a fantastic response to their support.

Winner 150 category: Continued domination by the leading duo

Nguyen Anh Tuan #47 took the pole position, followed by Le Hung Huu Tin #49. The two racers continued their excellent performance, maintaining the first and second positions and widening the gap with the other riders. In this race, the riders behind improved their performance, closely catching up with the leading duo of racers 47-49.

The most surprising aspect of the Winner 150 category was the performance of the Winner X, which made its debut in the race. However, the bike demonstrated exceptional stability even in rainy and windy conditions, defying expectations that its size and power would result in accidents. The Winner 150 category concluded without any crashes.

UB130 category: Thrilling until the last minute

The UB130 category in the fourth stage was the most intense and competitive. It revolved around the battle between the trio: Minh Sang #31 (KYT-RCB-UMA Dong Nghi team), Le Phung #14 (My Danh Mobile Cao Lanh team), and Trong Vinh #23 (Thinh Go Vap team). Minh Sang, despite leading the race, had a tough time defending against continuous attacks from Le Phung. Trong Vinh also patiently waited for the opportunity to challenge the two racers ahead.

Le Phung showcased an extremely aggressive racing style, overtaking Minh Sang in the 4th lap to take the first position. This move frustrated Minh Sang, and he relentlessly attacked Le Phung in an attempt to eliminate him. However, Le Phung proved to be a formidable opponent, fiercely resisting Minh Sang’s attacks.

With both racers constantly on edge, spectators held their breath, sensing a potential collision at any moment. The climax reached its peak in the final lap as Trong Vinh and Le Phung launched attacks on Minh Sang from both sides. However, the pole position holder remained calm and effectively defended against their attacks. In the end, Minh Sang successfully defended the first position, with Le Phung finishing in 2nd place, only half a bike length behind. Trong Vinh comfortably finished in 3rd place.

After the race, Minh Sang and Le Phung shook hands and talked, seemingly leaving behind all the tension on the track. It is commendable sportsmanship from both racers. However, they should be criticized for their heated actions on the track as it was extremely dangerous for both of them.

Stage 4 of VMRC 2019 has concluded, but the excitement for speed enthusiasts continues as Honda Racing Vietnam will participate in stage 6 of ARRC 2019 at the Sepang Circuit on September 21-22, 2019.

Trang Nguyen (Forum.autodaily.vn)