Thais grab three titles at Asia Road Racing meet

JAKARTA (JP): Thailand captured three titles at the Asia Road Racing motorcycling championship in Sentul, West Java yesterday.

The three titles came from 110cc, 125cc and 150cc races in which seven Thai motorcyclists took most of the top places.

Eakbrach Punbupa and Ampron Siriphat, riding Hondas took first and second place for Thailand in the 110cc. Eakbrach clocked 17 minutes 23.937 seconds while Ampron clocked 17:31.233.

Malaysia took the remaining four places through the efforts of Faisal Ahmed, Nor Aznan Mad Darus, Affendy Abdullah and Amirul Hizam Hizam Ngarip. Another Malaysian, M. Meganathan failed to complete the nine-lap race after retiring in the fourth lap due to engine problems.

Thailand continued its supremacy in the 125cc with three of its racers in the top three places, Niphon Saengsawang, Anan Meephainad and Supachai Ananchowong. Niphon and Anan, on Hondas, timed 16:47.216 and 17:00.788 respectively while Supachai, on a Yamaha, clocked 17:08.956.

Indonesia's Arief Budiman only managed fourth place with a time of 17:23.484. Indonesia's Ahmad Jayadi led three laps and fell on the fourth when his Yamaha slid several meters on the circuit's asphalt road. Ahmad was not injured. Another Indonesian, Sefri, had to be satisfied with sixth place after clocking 17:51.869.

Thailand's third victory was in the 150cc race with Direk Achwong and Kristmas Wilairoj grabbing first and second places. Direk and Kristmas clocked 17:30.084 and 17:37.184 respectively. Two Malaysian riders, Chia Tuck Cheong and Yasir Said took third and fourth place, with 17:41.822 and 17:45.028.

Indonesia had 10 riders in the 150cc class, but none could compete with the mighty foreign racers.

In the 250cc race, Malaysia took first place, while Japan took second and third places.

Chow Yan Kit of the Marlboro Team Roberts clocked 25:19.394. Two Japanese riders, T. Okada and Youichi Nakajima, made 25:42.904 and 25:47.427 respectively.

Most foreign racers were satisfied with the organization of the one-day championship and said they were happy with the circuit.

"The championship is very competitive but I did not have any problems with the organizers. They were very helpful to the Thailand team. As for the circuit, I think it's good although some parts are slippery," Niphon said.

Thailand's Supachai said he too was satisfied with the organization but said Indonesia should hold more motorcycle competitions.

"In Thailand there are at least two motorcycling contests every year. Through the two contests, we developed our techniques. Indonesian racers are good but lack experience," Supachai said.

The one-day championship was attended by 54 racers from six countries Malaysia (18), Thailand (11), Japan (2), Singapore (1), Hongkong (4) and Indonesia (18).

Some 2,000 spectators watched the four races. (lnt)