Fighting Spirit Shown by Pinoy UB150 Racers in ARRC

As usual, it is tough competition in the UB150 category of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship where the battles were intense and lead changes are unpredictable and the whether you will be victories or unfortunate lies in the final corner where riders go all out for the checkered flag.

The sixth and final round of the FIM ARRC held at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand was another intense fray of the best underbone riders in Asia and four Pinoys proudly represented the country. These were John Emerson Inguito of 4S1M EVO Yamaha, Masato Fernando of G-Ren Koby Motor Oil Racing Team and Gian Carlo Mauricio and Joseph Dominique Purino of UMA Racing MMR YAMAHA Philippines. Purino is debuting in international racing and is the wildcard rider of his team while April King Mascardo was still at the sidelines after an injury. Inguito and Fernando were experienced ARRC riders with the latter returning to the Asian championship. Mauricio has also made his mark in the competition and has been racing in the ARRC for years now together with Mascardo.  

John Emerson Inguito of 4S1M EVO Yamaha

Masato Fernando of G-Ren Koby Motor Oil Racing Team

Gian Carlo Mauricio of UMA Racing MMR YAMAHA Philippines

Joseph Dominique Purino of UMA Racing MMR YAMAHA Philippines

April King Mascardo of UMA Racing MMR YAMAHA Philippines in support of his teammates

Mauricio qualified in P10 while Inguito was P12 at the starting grid for the last round. Purino was P19 and Fernando was P20 in qualifying.

John Emerson Inguito

Race 1 saw the racing prowess of Filipino riders as Mauricio, Fernando and Inguito fought for victory in the lead pack. Unfortunately, Fernando was out in the final corner of the final lap and was not able to finish the race as he was taken down by another rider who crashed. Mauricio was able to salvage a P10 finish while Inguito was the highest finishing Filipino rider in Race 1 as he crossed the finish line in P7. Purino got a taste of how tough the ARRC UB150 class is and was out after three laps after a crash which made him unable to participate in Race 2.

Gian Carlo Mauricio

The three Filipinos were still determined for their last hurrah in the 2024 UB150 and they once again showed skill and heart in Race 2. Again Mauricio, Fernando and Inguito were among the riders gunning for the win but just like in Race 1, the odds were not in their favor. Mauricio was the first to retire in the race after the first lap while Fernando and Inguito continued on the fight. It was another last lap heartbreak for Fernando who crashed again while Inguito was able to cross the finish line at P5.

Masato Fernando

Despite not getting a podium finish in the last round held from December 6-8, it was still a proud moment for the Philippines seeing how competitive our racers in the ARRC UB150 are. Their heart, passion and determination in racing and bringing honor to the country is much appreciated.

Joseph Dominique Purino

photos from 4S1M Racing Team, EVO Helmets, G-Ren and facebook pages of Gian Carlo Mauricio and Joseph Dominique Purino

After 6 rounds, John Emerson Inguito of 4S1M EVO Yamaha ranked 10th overall in the UB150 rider standings which had 36 riders. Gian Carlo Mauricio of UMA Racing MMR YAMAHA Philippines was 11th, Masato Fernando of G-Ren Koby Motor Oil Racing Team ended up 18th overall while Mauricio’s teammate Mascardo was ranked 19th. 4S1M EVO Yamaha was 4th in the final team standings while UMA Racing MMR YAMAHA Philippines was 7th.

Congratulations to all our Filipino riders! It was still a remarkable season for them!