New racing team gears up for 2025 race | ABS-CBN
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New racing team gears up for 2025 race
New racing team gears up for 2025 race
Yamaha Motor Philippines
Published Apr 21, 2025 05:09 PM PHT
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Photo source: Sarah Herrera, ABS-CBN News
The 2025 racing season has begun, creating champions, a new wave of emerging talent eager to make their mark across multiple competitive circuits to change the race scene. In the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC), skilled riders are set to push the limits on some of the most challenging tracks in the region.
The 2025 racing season has begun, creating champions, a new wave of emerging talent eager to make their mark across multiple competitive circuits to change the race scene. In the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC), skilled riders are set to push the limits on some of the most challenging tracks in the region.
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Photo source: Sarah Herrera, ABS-CBN News
Young racers from dedicated development programs continue to refine their abilities, aiming to rise through the ranks and establish themselves among the sport's elite. Across these platforms, new contenders are ready to challenge expectations and set new benchmarks for performance.
Young racers from dedicated development programs continue to refine their abilities, aiming to rise through the ranks and establish themselves among the sport's elite. Across these platforms, new contenders are ready to challenge expectations and set new benchmarks for performance.
The race for the future: Yamaha Philippines Racing Team's 2025 season begins
The search for the next hero has ended. On March 8, at the Carmona Racing Circuit in Cavite, 10 contenders battled for a coveted spot on the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) team. These rising talents aimed to join seasoned riders McKinley "The Wonderboy" Kyle Paz and April "Rocketboy" King Mascardo in the upcoming season.
The search for the next hero has ended. On March 8, at the Carmona Racing Circuit in Cavite, 10 contenders battled for a coveted spot on the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) team. These rising talents aimed to join seasoned riders McKinley "The Wonderboy" Kyle Paz and April "Rocketboy" King Mascardo in the upcoming season.
Competition was intense, with every rider displaying exceptional skill and determination. Actually, nahirapan kami sa pagpili kasi based sa kanilang performance, deserving lahat sila. Puwede silang potential racers for this year," said John Hanzel Leyva, Motorsports and Safety Promotions Assistant Supervisor at Yamaha Motor Philippines.
Competition was intense, with every rider displaying exceptional skill and determination. Actually, nahirapan kami sa pagpili kasi based sa kanilang performance, deserving lahat sila. Puwede silang potential racers for this year," said John Hanzel Leyva, Motorsports and Safety Promotions Assistant Supervisor at Yamaha Motor Philippines.
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(Actually, it was difficult for us to choose because based on their performance, everyone was deserving. They all have the potential to become racers this year).
(Actually, it was difficult for us to choose because based on their performance, everyone was deserving. They all have the potential to become racers this year).
Riders underwent rigorous physical challenges and on-track assessments. After careful deliberation, EJ Sobretodo emerged as the new Underbone 150 rider. "Ito na 'yun, magiging champion na tayo ulit, gagawin natin ang lahat para makuha ang overall, hindi lang panalo, hindi lang podium," Sobretodo declared.
Riders underwent rigorous physical challenges and on-track assessments. After careful deliberation, EJ Sobretodo emerged as the new Underbone 150 rider. "Ito na 'yun, magiging champion na tayo ulit, gagawin natin ang lahat para makuha ang overall, hindi lang panalo, hindi lang podium," Sobretodo declared.
(This is it, we are going to become champions again, we will do everything to get the overall (championship), not just a win, not just a podium).
(This is it, we are going to become champions again, we will do everything to get the overall (championship), not just a win, not just a podium).
The 2025 Yamaha Philippines Racing Team
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Photo source: Sarah Herrera, ABS-CBN News
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Photo source: Sarah Herrera, ABS-CBN News
As the final lineup was confirmed, the ARRC team is now set: Kyle Paz will compete in the SS600 category, while EJ Sobretodo and April Mascardo will represent in UB150.
As the final lineup was confirmed, the ARRC team is now set: Kyle Paz will compete in the SS600 category, while EJ Sobretodo and April Mascardo will represent in UB150.
For Paz, teamwork remains a priority. "Ayusin namin ng maganda bonding namin. Kasi kami dito sa Yamaha para kaming magkakapatid, 'di kami basta teammate lang," Paz emphasized.
For Paz, teamwork remains a priority. "Ayusin namin ng maganda bonding namin. Kasi kami dito sa Yamaha para kaming magkakapatid, 'di kami basta teammate lang," Paz emphasized.
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(We will make sure that we would bond well because here at Yamaha, we are all like siblings, we are not just teammates only).
(We will make sure that we would bond well because here at Yamaha, we are all like siblings, we are not just teammates only).
Mascardo, returning after a major injury, is determined to regain top form. "Kakabalik ko lang ngayong season sa training… nagka-internal injury po ako, pero ngayon ok na, better na," Mascardo shared.
Mascardo, returning after a major injury, is determined to regain top form. "Kakabalik ko lang ngayong season sa training… nagka-internal injury po ako, pero ngayon ok na, better na," Mascardo shared.
(I only just returned this season in training… I had an internal injury but now I am better already).
(I only just returned this season in training… I had an internal injury but now I am better already).
Sobretodo, the newest team member, is eager to train harder. "Magkakaroon na kami ng mas maraming training… at sa training na 'yun mas lalo namin maiintindihan ang isa't-isa," Sobretodo shared.
Sobretodo, the newest team member, is eager to train harder. "Magkakaroon na kami ng mas maraming training… at sa training na 'yun mas lalo namin maiintindihan ang isa't-isa," Sobretodo shared.
(We will have much more training and during the training that is when we will have a better understanding of one another).
(We will have much more training and during the training that is when we will have a better understanding of one another).
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Photo source: Sarah Herrera, ABS-CBN News
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Photo source: Sarah Herrera, ABS-CBN News
Honoring Yamaha's top riders
Yamaha Motor Philippines also recognized outstanding performers from the 2024 racing season.
Yamaha Motor Philippines also recognized outstanding performers from the 2024 racing season.
Paz made a strong impact in the ARRC and Inside Racing Grand Prix (IRGP). Competing in the Supersports 600 category with the Yamaha R6, he secured 7th place in the ARRC individual standings and led Yamaha Tekhne Racing to 1st place in SS600. At the IRGP, he dominated the competition, winning the UB155 Ltd. GP, SS200 GP, and UB150 Open GP Championship titles.
Paz made a strong impact in the ARRC and Inside Racing Grand Prix (IRGP). Competing in the Supersports 600 category with the Yamaha R6, he secured 7th place in the ARRC individual standings and led Yamaha Tekhne Racing to 1st place in SS600. At the IRGP, he dominated the competition, winning the UB155 Ltd. GP, SS200 GP, and UB150 Open GP Championship titles.
Despite an injury, Mascardo secured a podium finish at ARRC Round 1 in Thailand and claimed multiple podiums at the IRGP, including 1st in Underbone 150 Open GP and 2nd in UB155 Ltd. GP and SS200 GP.
Despite an injury, Mascardo secured a podium finish at ARRC Round 1 in Thailand and claimed multiple podiums at the IRGP, including 1st in Underbone 150 Open GP and 2nd in UB155 Ltd. GP and SS200 GP.
While Gian Carlo Mauricio also stood out in the ARRC Underbone 150 category, securing a podium finish in Round 2. He will now focus on his academic career, but his 2024 season remains a significant achievement.
While Gian Carlo Mauricio also stood out in the ARRC Underbone 150 category, securing a podium finish in Round 2. He will now focus on his academic career, but his 2024 season remains a significant achievement.
Strong performances from Yamaha's satellite racing teams
Yamaha's satellite teams delivered impressive results. The 4S1M Racing Team, led by "The Hitman" JE Inguito, finished 4th overall in UB150, while the SEC Yamaha Racing Team secured their 4th consecutive MORAC UB Team Overall Championship. JD Purino earned the 2024 MORAC Underbone King title, and Bethany Tolentino was crowned MORAC Supersports Lightweight Open Champion.
Yamaha's satellite teams delivered impressive results. The 4S1M Racing Team, led by "The Hitman" JE Inguito, finished 4th overall in UB150, while the SEC Yamaha Racing Team secured their 4th consecutive MORAC UB Team Overall Championship. JD Purino earned the 2024 MORAC Underbone King title, and Bethany Tolentino was crowned MORAC Supersports Lightweight Open Champion.
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In the Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship, Mytchell Ngo finished 18th overall and received the Strong Comeback Award. Zain Doblada ranked 15th and earned the Most Improved Award, while Moy Reyes secured 9th overall, setting a high standard for the future.
In the Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship, Mytchell Ngo finished 18th overall and received the Strong Comeback Award. Zain Doblada ranked 15th and earned the Most Improved Award, while Moy Reyes secured 9th overall, setting a high standard for the future.
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Photo source: Sarah Herrera, ABS-CBN News
Plans for 2025: Growing the sport and nurturing talent
Yamaha Motor Philippines remains committed to elevating motorsports in the country. "Our ultimate goal this year is to make racing more popular in the Philippines," said Toni Acuesta, Yamaha Motor Philippines Marketing Brand Execution. "It has been a long dream, and we want to keep it revving," Acuesta added.
Yamaha Motor Philippines remains committed to elevating motorsports in the country. "Our ultimate goal this year is to make racing more popular in the Philippines," said Toni Acuesta, Yamaha Motor Philippines Marketing Brand Execution. "It has been a long dream, and we want to keep it revving," Acuesta added.
A new racing camp and a racing cup are planned to discover young talent. The BLU CRU Asia Talent Camp will help local riders prepare for international competition. Yamaha is actively seeking racers to compete on models such as the AEROX, Sniper, and R15.
A new racing camp and a racing cup are planned to discover young talent. The BLU CRU Asia Talent Camp will help local riders prepare for international competition. Yamaha is actively seeking racers to compete on models such as the AEROX, Sniper, and R15.
Commitment to racing and safety
Yamaha Motor Philippines continues to advocate for safe racing. "Yamaha stands against street racing. We want everyone to race safely in a controlled environment," said Leyva. "We want Filipinos to experience the thrill and excitement of racing. Racing is exciting because of the competition. There's pride in being the first to cross the line," Leyva continued.
Yamaha Motor Philippines continues to advocate for safe racing. "Yamaha stands against street racing. We want everyone to race safely in a controlled environment," said Leyva. "We want Filipinos to experience the thrill and excitement of racing. Racing is exciting because of the competition. There's pride in being the first to cross the line," Leyva continued.
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Photo source: Sarah Herrera, ABS-CBN News
More track days and events will be introduced, giving the public greater access to the sport. "We want to get more people into racing, whether they are racing or supporting it. The more fans we have, the stronger the sport will be," Leyva added.
More track days and events will be introduced, giving the public greater access to the sport. "We want to get more people into racing, whether they are racing or supporting it. The more fans we have, the stronger the sport will be," Leyva added.
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Changing the race in 2025
As the new season begins, the Yamaha Philippines Racing Team is focused on creating champions that change the race. "This year, the goal is not just to aim for victory but to push the limits and change the race itself," said Shinsuke Iida, Sales and Marketing Director of Yamaha Motor Philippines.
As the new season begins, the Yamaha Philippines Racing Team is focused on creating champions that change the race. "This year, the goal is not just to aim for victory but to push the limits and change the race itself," said Shinsuke Iida, Sales and Marketing Director of Yamaha Motor Philippines.
The team will compete across multiple categories using different models, including the YZF-R6 in SS600 and the Sniper 150 in ARRC Underbone 150. Locally, races will feature the Sniper 155, Sniper 150, YZF-R15, and YZF-R3.
The team will compete across multiple categories using different models, including the YZF-R6 in SS600 and the Sniper 150 in ARRC Underbone 150. Locally, races will feature the Sniper 155, Sniper 150, YZF-R15, and YZF-R3.
For updates on Yamaha Philippines Racing Team and upcoming races, visit their official Facebook page or other social media channels.
For updates on Yamaha Philippines Racing Team and upcoming races, visit their official Facebook page or other social media channels.
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