Yuki Kunii Clinches 2024 ARRC Superbike Championship

Honda Asia-Dream Racing Crowned ARRC Team Champions as Honda Riders Dominate Season Finale in Thailand. 

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The 2024 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) wrapped up spectacularly at Chang International Circuit, where Honda Asia-Dream Racing clinched the Teams’ Championship title. Honda riders showcased their dominance throughout the weekend, bringing an electrifying conclusion to the ASB1000 season.

In a dramatic finale, Yuki Kunii claimed the ASB1000 Riders’ Championship, solidifying his status at the top of the Superbike 1000cc class. Over in the Supersports 600cc category, Thailand’s Apiwath Wongthananon delighted his home crowd with a championship-winning performance, cementing his place as the season’s standout.

ASB1000 Race Recap

In race 1, Honda Asia-Dream Racing riders Andi Farid Izdihar, Nakarin Atiratphuvapat, and Md Zaqhwan Zaidi dominated the penultimate race of the season, pulling away from the field early. 

Championship leader Yuki Kunii struggled to keep pace, battling wildcard Tetsuta Nagashima in fifth. Andi claimed a commanding victory, becoming the new championship leader by five points. Zaqhwan took second, while Kunii made a late move to secure third place.

Meanwhile, in race 2, the championship-deciding race delivered high drama. Kunii seized an early lead but faced relentless pressure from Andi and Nakarin, who overtook him by Lap 3. As the race unfolded, the front pack of Honda riders was joined by Nagashima and Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman of TKKR BMW Racing.

Kunii, however, found another gear, reclaiming the lead and building a decisive three-second gap. The 21-year-old Japanese rider crossed the finish line to claim both the race win and the 2024 championship with 183 points, narrowly beating Andi (181 points).

Kunii was elated: “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 the ASB1000 class that I can show results and fight for the championship. Thank you so much for the team, all our sponsors and everyone supporting us and see you next year.”

Tetsuta Nagashima and Andi completed the Race 2 podium, while Honda Asia-Dream Racing clinched the Teams’ Championship despite missing the Riders’ title.

Honda Team Manager Makoto Tamada praised his riders: “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.”

Final Standings ASB1000:

Supersports 600cc: Apiwath Shines at Home

Meanwhile, in the Supersports 600cc category, Apiwath Wongthananon of Yamaha Tekhne Racing Team Asia claimed the championship with a stunning victory on home soil. Apiwath outpaced Honda Racing Thailand’s Thanat and Kiattisak, who finished second and third, respectively, in the season finale.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Apiwath said: “This victory is not just for me but for everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. I’m beyond grateful to my team, family, and fans who believed in me.”

Final Standings Supersports 600cc:

• Apiwath Wongthananon (THA) – 205 points
• Mohammad Adenanta Putra (INA) – 161 points
• Azroy Hakeem Anuar (MAS) – 145 points

The 2024 ARRC season showcased intense rivalries and memorable performances, solidifying its reputation as one of the premier motorcycle racing championships in Asia. Fans now look ahead to 2025, with even greater anticipation for the battles to come.