Yamaha Motor PH racers start 2024 motorsport campaign on high note

Two riders from the Yamaha Motor Philippines (YMPH) racing team were able to finish at the podium at the initial round of the 2024 Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC).

McKinley Kyle Paz (who was under Yamaha Tekhne Racing Team Asia in SS600) and April King Mascardo (UMA MMR Yamaha Philippines Racing Team in UB150) crossed the checkered flag at the third place in one of the first two races of the series.

Per YMPH, the victories showed the “efficiency of an upgraded racing program to further develop riders and machines to compete at the highest level and create champions.” 

Paz’ recent award marks a significant milestone as it is the first-ever podium finish by a Filipino in the said division.

“Pagtawid ko ng finish line, ‘Di ako makapaniwala. Matagal ko pinangarap to yung maka-podium sa 600. Matagal ko pinangarap to kaya pag tawid na pagtawid ko, kusa na ako naiyak (When I crossed the finish line, I couldn't believe it. I’ve been hoping to be at the podium in the 600 division for a long time now. I was really dreaming about this so when I crossed, tears just started to flow),” Paz was quoted as saying.

For the first round, Paz is at the fourth overall spot in the SS600 category.

Meanwhile, Mascardo also gunned for a spot at the podium and ended UB150’s Race 1 as a third placer. He completed Race 2 at the eighth spot.

On the other hand, Gian Carlo Mauricio (who was in the same category as Mascardo) failed to finish Race 1 due to technical difficulties but was at the 13th spot in Race 2.

For the UB150 division’s first round, Mascardo landed on sixth place overall and Mauricio, on 17th place.

The next round of the 2024 ARRC will be on April 19-21 at the Zhuhai International Circuit in China.

Photos from Yamaha Motor Philippines

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