ARRC2025: Perfect Home Victory for Nakarin 

Nakarin Atiratphuvapat Secures Double Victory in Home Race to Kick Off the 2025 Asia Road Racing Championship.

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Thai racing star Nakarin Atiratphuvapat sent the home crowd into raptures with a flawless double victory at the opening round of the 2025 IDEMITSU FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Buriram’s Chang International Circuit. 

The Honda Racing Thailand rider followed up his Saturday triumph with another commanding performance in Sunday’s Race 2, completing a perfect weekend that propels him to the top of the championship standings.

From the moment the lights went out, Nakarin displayed masterful racecraft, immediately overtaking Malaysian rivals Muhammad Zaqhwan Zaidi and Azroy Hakeem Anuar on the opening lap. The 27-year-old then executed a textbook race, building a comfortable lead before managing his pace to cross the finish line in 20’54.547s – more than a second clear of the chasing pack.

“Today, the track temperature was hot. My race pace wasn’t so fast, but I tried to concentrate on my riding, focusing only on what was in front of me. I attacked from the beginning. When I saw I had a one-second gap from the group, I controlled the pace. Towards the end, I felt more tired, and Zaqhwan was closing in, but I managed to control the situation. It was a perfect race and a perfect weekend. I’m also happy to finish the home race with such a great result for Round 1,” said Nakarin.

The victory marks Nakarin’s continued dominance at his home circuit, where he’s now won four consecutive ASB1000 races dating back to last season. His 50-point haul puts him firmly in control of the championship ahead of Malaysia’s Zaqhwan (36 points) and Japan’s Keito Abe (29 points).

Race 2 saw intense battles throughout the field, with Zaqhwan securing another podium for Honda Racing Malaysia (20’55.752s) while Abe claimed third for SDG HARC-PRO Honda Philippines (20’57.462s). Malaysian veteran Azroy Hakeem Anuar took fourth, just 0.511s behind Abe, with national hero Hafizh Syahrin completing the top five.

The championship now moves to Sepang International Circuit for Round 2 on May 30 – June 1, where Nakarin will aim to extend his lead. Will local favourites Hafizh Syahrin and Zaqhwan battle for the lead in round 2?

Race 2 Results (Top 5):