Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) 2018 Results — IDEMITSU Honda Racing India Makes A Grand Debut

IDEMITSU Honda Racing had a grand debut at the 2018 ARRC with all three riders winning points. At the end of the championship, riders Taig Hada, Rajiv Sethu and Anish Shetty won 79, seven and two points, respectively.

Rajiv Sethu and Taiga Hada scored points in both races (November 30 and December 1) while Anish Shetty showcased consistent improved in the final round. With such talented racers in the team, Indian motorsports will surely achieve the international exposure it deserves.

Rajiv and Anish competed in the AP 250 (Asia Production 250) category while Taig Hada proved his skills in the SS 600 (Super Sports 600).

AP 250

Day 2 saw Rajiv and Anish starting the second race in the 19th and 25th positions on the grid. The Top seven fought for the win with less than a second gap.

Rajiv advanced by three positions from 19th in the first lap itself. He maintained his position even after coming in contact with two other riders, and finally scored points for the second time outside Indian soil.

"My 2017 debut was a learning year for me but I couldn't grab any points for my team. This year, I am thankful to Honda and IDEMITSU to give me opportunity to be a part of the only Indian team at ARRC. With the solid technical support behind me, my performance has really improved. Not only did I jump 19th positions in the championship over last year, but also win as many as 7 points in 3 races this season, which is a first for me. Now will put best effort to try to win the SuperSport 165 in Indian National Championship", Rajiv Sethu shared.

Anish Shetty from Bangalore, made his international racing debut this season. Even after a faulty start which cost him 10 seconds in the first lap itself, Anish gave his everything by the sixth lap. He finished in the 20th position.

Speaking about his international debut, Anish Shetty shared, "In 2018, I realized my dream to make my international racing debut thanks to Honda and IDEMITSU. ARRC was a steep learning curve & has tremendously improved my riding style, cornering speed, bike and tyre understanding. After battling with Asia's best, my target now is to add to my lead and seal my maiden Pro-Stock title in Indian National Racing Championship and the 2018 CBR 250R championship too."

SS 600

20-year-old Taiga Hada also showed his pace by starting in the 17th position and finishing in the 12th. He won a total of 79 points this season and brought IDEMITSU Honda Racing India in the Top-7 teams of the 2018 Asia Road Racing Championship.

Team And Rider Standings

Rajiv Sethu (#80)
Race 2 Result: 15
2018 Rider Standing: 27
2018 Team Standing: 15

Anish Shetty (#81)
Race 2 Result: 20
2018 Rider Standing: 31
2018 Team Standing: 15

Taiga Hada (#23)
Race 2 Result: 12
2018 Rider Standing: 11
2018 Team Standing: 7

Thoughts On IDEMITSU Honda Racing Team's Debut Season In ARRC

The final season of the 2018 Asia Road Racing Championship (also regarded as Asia's most competitive motorcycle road racing championship, since 1996) saw some intense racing between all the participants. IDEMITSU Honda Racing Team surely impressed everyone with their debut and the team is all set to take on the 2019 season — the calendar is already set!