ARRC 2025: Kasma Daniel Claims Dramatic SS600 Win

After years of frustration, Yamaha’s Kasma tops podium in season opener with strategic Buriram triumph.

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Following the season opener of the 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit, Malaysia’s Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin of Hong Leong Yamaha Racing claimed a hard-fought victory, securing his first Asian championship podium in years. 

The Race 2 on Sunday began with a fierce battle at the front as Muhammad Syarifuddin Azman of Idemitsu Honda Racing Malaysia initially led before being overtaken by a trio of Honda riders – Thailand’s Thanat Laoongplio, Indonesia’s Mohammad Adenanta Putra, and Malaysia’s Muhammad Helmi Azman. By lap two, Kasma made his decisive move, hitting 260.9 km/h to power past local favourite Anupab Sarmoon of Yamaha Thailand Racing Team and take a lead he would never relinquish.

“This victory is the power of prayers from my mother and wife,” an emotional Kasma said after the race. “It’s been a long time since I last stood on the podium in ARRC. In the race, I focused on maintaining consistent lap times, but the last five laps were challenging as my tires wore down. I didn’t realize Anupab was closing in, but I’m thankful to have won.”

Anupab put in a strong performance to finish second (20’05.555s), delighting the home crowd, while Adenanta claimed the final podium spot (20’08.805s) after an intense four-rider battle that saw positions change constantly. The fight for third came down to the wire, with Helmi Azman missing out by just 0.018 seconds.

The result marks a significant milestone for Kasma, who has been working tirelessly to return to winning form in the competitive Asian championship. His victory gives Yamaha early bragging rights in the manufacturer battle against dominant Honda teams.

Race 2 Results (Top 5):

1. Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin (MAS) – Hong Leong Yamaha Racing – 20’04.345s
2. Anupab Sarmoon (THA) – Yamaha Thailand Racing Team – +1.210s
3. Mohammad Adenanta Putra (INA) – Astra Honda Racing Team – +4.460s
4. Muhammad Helmi Azman (MAS) – Idemitsu Honda Racing Malaysia – +4.478s
5. Wahyu Nugroho (INA) – Yamaha Racing Indonesia – +4.778s