Honda Asia-Dream Racing are ARRC Team Champions
Izdihar rounds out the 2024 season with a final podium, as Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo secure the Teams' Championship title
Today marked the final round of the 2024 Asia Road Race Championship and the culmination of the Championship title - a race run between Izdihar and Yuki Kunii, who ended yesterday's race with Izdihar holding a slim seven-point lead. After a strong opening day in Thailand, during the warm up session both Zaqhwan and Nakarin continued their strong pace, but Zaqhwan had to overcome an early crash.
When Race 2 started, Andi made a good start whilst Nakarin dropped down the order and Zaqhawanheld his position. After a few laps, Nakarin and Zaqhwan pushed up to second and third, but title rival Kunii (SDG Team HARC-PRO Honda Ph.) was incredibly strong. He passed each rider to take the lead of the race, and the title, especially after Tetsuta Nagashima (Astemo SI Racing with Thai Honda) also passed Izdihar and Zaqhwan, who crossed the line third and fourth respectively.
Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo ended the 2024 ARRC title as Teams Champions, and Izdihar was just edged to the Riders' title by a mere two points - finishing with 181 to Kunii's 183.
Andi Farid Izdihar #23 –Race2 : P3
"I feel sorry for the team that I cannot give the best for the Team, but racing is like this - anything can happen and sometimes it goes the way we want and sometimes not. So, I lose the championship this year, but this will make me stronger for the future. Nothing more to say sorry to the team I’ll try my best in the next opportunity!"
Zaqhwan Zaidi #21 –Race2 : P4
"During Race 2 today for me I was happy to be back on form. Today we have a team order, and I try to protect Andi until the finish. I felt better with the bike and was able to push faster. Anyway, I want to say thank you so much to HADR for a long journey. It’s been seven years together and feels like family already, and hopefully in the future we can work together again. Thanks to everyone for believing in me and giving me this opportunity with this team. Thanks guys; love you all with big heart."
Nakarin Atiratphuvapat #41 –Race2 : P8
"I tried my best today and many riders were so strong that it was difficult to keep position, especially when I started to lose grip. Finally, I feel good for the first year in ASB1000 class that I can show results and fight for the championship. Thank you so much for the team, all our sponsor and everyone supporting us and see you next year."
Makoto Tamada - HADR Team Manager
"At the start of Race 2, all three riders managed to get into good positions early on. However, after being passed by a rival competing for the championship, they were unable to pick up the pace and took the final chequered flag of the year. The track temperature was the coldest it had been all weekend, and we were unable to get the machine set up properly. Both the riders and staff tried hard to win the championship, but we were unable to beat our rivals to the Riders' title, though we won the Teams' title. However, both the riders and staff really worked hard this year. Thank you so much. I'd also like to express my sincere gratitude to SHOWA and all our sponsors."