Tough Malaysian Weekend to be used by 4S1M EVO Yamaha for Japan Redemption; Team Still Celebrates with a Spectacular Podium Finish

The Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia was the venue of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship’s Round 2 for 2023.

photo from ARRC

4S1M EVO Yamaha, a Filipino owned racing team competing in the Underbone 150 class of the ARRC looked forward to score more points and of course podium finishes after their stint at the season opener in Thailand back in March. The first round at the Chang International Circuit saw the team scoring points and hoped to achieve better results in Malaysia. In 2022, the team did well in the second round held in Sepang with both its riders claiming a podium position. John Emerson Inguito landed in P3 in Race 1 while Gupita Kresna got P3 also in Race 2 of last year’s Round 2.

Gupita Kresna (23) and John Emerson Inguito (22)

May 12 was still an adjustment stage for Filipino rider John Emerson Inguito who placed 21st in the combined practice 1 and 2 results with a 2:36.439 best lap time. On the other hand, Indonesian rider Gupita Kresna Wardhana who clocked in a 2:33.817 seemed on the groove as he placed 4th.

John Emerson Inguito (photo from EVO Helmets)

The next day, “The Hitman” Inguito remarkably managed to snag 15th place in qualifying which is the last spot to be included in the Superpole where riders had the chance to have better grid positions for the race. Gupita likewise had a good qualifying result as he secured the 10th place for a Superpole opportunity.

Gupita Kresna (photo from EVO Helmets)

Unfortunately, Inguito was not able to lap the track for Superpole due to technical inspection woes while Gupita’s run resulted to 10th place.

Underbone 150 class (photo from ARRC)

Race 1 was a fierce battle again of the best underbone riders in Asia and 4S1M EVO Yamaha was not to be left behind. Starting from 10th and 15th at the grid, Gupita and Inguito were able to slice their way to the lead pack and in front. Inguito was able to get to as high as P2 while Gupita took the lead at some point of the race. The battle was tight up until the 6th and final lap and heading to the last corner, riders were caught in a group crash including Inguito. Gupita kept fighting and went on to finish in P3 which translated to 16 points, a result celebrated well by the team. Even though he lost a podium contention, Inguito got up and rode his bike to the finish line for a P19 result.

Underbone 150 Round 2 Race 1 podium (photo from ARRC)

Gupita Kresna delivers a third place podium finish for 4S1M EVO Yamaha (photo from ARRC)

In Race 2 on Sunday, May 14, Gupita placed 2nd in the morning warm-up while Inguito was not able to lap the track due to engine problems which his mechanics fixed before the afternoon race. Gupita finished in P8 in Race 2 and scored valuable points while Inguito suffered from electrical problems and had a DNF (did not finish) result, caused by the unfortunate crash he had in Race 1 a day before. After two rounds, Gupita ranks 7th in the overall standings while Inguito is 23rd. 4S1M EVO Yamaha is sixth in the team overall rankings It was definitely not the result the team had hoped for in Malaysia especially for Inguito, but 4S1M EVO Yamaha keeps its spirits high and is determined to redeem itself  and race further in the third round of the ARRC scheduled in June in Sportsland Sugo, Japan. Armed with positivity and passion, the team aims to replicate its good performance in Sugo last year, where Inguito scored a podium finish. 4S1M EVO Yamaha racing team is supported by EVO Helmets, G-Ren Hard Alloy, Yamaha Motor Philippines, GPT Moto Lifestyle, Imprint Customs, K’RACE Performance, SSS Sprockets and AHRS Racing Products. Thank you for visiting insideracing.com.ph. While you are here, kindly don’t forget to click on our advertiser ads above, visit their site and consider them for your motorcycling needs. It will help us a lot.

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