KUALA LUMPUR – Onexox TKKR secured a lifeline to continue its participation in the Asia Road Race Championship 2024 (ARRC) after receiving financial assistance at the eleventh hour, just three days before the first round of races on Friday at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand.
Team principal Bobie Farid Shamsuddin said that they undertook various initiatives, including selling motorcycles and team merchandise, as well as receiving financial support from private entities to cover their expenses for the race in Buriram.
However, the RM180,000 they raised is insufficient to cover all six rounds of the ARRC 2024 races until December.
Therefore, Onexox TKKR will be participating in one category this season, namely Asia Superbike (ASB) 1000, compared to the previous season, where they fielded representatives in all categories such as Super Sport 600, Asia Production 250, and Underbone 150.
“Honestly, I feel sad, emotional, and touched. We are a championship team, but now we are stuck in such a situation. Nevertheless, we have worked hard to gather the necessary funds to compete in Buriram.
“But we are only participating in one category this season, and we are forced to use motorbikes from last season.
“Other teams, especially Honda, will use new machinery with the latest technology. JDT Racing also uses Panigale, so I don’t know what will happen.
“Regardless, I believe we are still capable of achieving a podium position this weekend,” Bobie told Scoop.
At the same time, the team based in Seremban 2, Negri Sembilan, can breathe a sigh of relief after successfully regaining the services of defending ASB 1000 champion Markus Reiterberger, who will race alongside Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman this weekend.
The German-born rider was previously unable to commit to TKKR due to his involvement in the World Endurance Championship (EWC) with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team.
“Yes, Reiterberger will be with us in Buriram, but his schedule afterwards will clash with the EWC competition.
“So, we might have to forgo his services for the three rounds of races in Malaysia, Japan, and the final one in Thailand,” added Bobie. – March 12, 2024