The 2025 Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) kicked off with an adrenaline-charged Round 1 from April 25 to 27 at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit — and front and center were the Yamaha Philippines Racing Team Trio of “The Wonderboy” McKinley Kyle Paz, “RocketBoy” April King Mascardo, and “The Android” EJ Sobretodo. Racing the Philippine flag, these riders embodied the team’s “Change the Race” mantra, pushing forward Filipino ingenuity, passion, and excellence in motorsports.
SPECTACULAR START FOR THE WONDERBOY IN SS600
On a slippery Saturday afternoon, McKinley Kyle Paz delivered a thrilling performance in the Supersport 600 (SS600) category that had fans on the edge of their seats. In Race 1 on lap 3, Paz clocked a blistering lap time of 1’53:427s, surging into P3 and setting the tone for an intense battle. Even as the rain caused delays for the race, the competition only grew fiercer, with riders trading positions aggressively through the tight corners of the Chang International Circuit. By the final lap, it was a four-way showdown between McKinley and the best riders of Asia.
April King Mascardo and EJ Sobretodo: Grit and Promise in UB150
In the Underbone 150 (UB150) category, April King Mascardo and EJ Sobretodo proved themselves as formidable contenders. Mascardo, known for his calculated aggression, and Sobretodo, embracing the intensity of his UB150 debut in the ARRC and 9th place finish in race 2, both fought hard in a crowded, ultra-competitive grid. While neither rider secured a podium in this opening round, their strong showing is a testament to the depth of talent being cultivated within the Yamaha Philippines Racing Team. Every corner they fought for, every straight they attacked, echoes a promise: the future of Filipino motorsports is bright.
The performances of Kyle, April, and EJ represent more than individual triumphs, they continue to spark a movement back home. Through grit, skill, and heart, they are reshaping the international perception of Filipino racing. They inspire a new generation of racers and fans to believe that the Philippines belongs among the elite of Asian motorsports.
Carrying the banner of “Change the Race” the Yamaha Philippines Racing Team continues to push boundaries, create opportunities, and blaze a trail for Filipino talent on the world stage.
As the 2025 ARRC season moves forward, one thing is certain: the spirit of the Filipino racer is unstoppable, and the best is yet to come.
They Yamaha Philippines Racing Team will begin their preparation for the next race and push for a better performance when they return to action on May 30 – June 1 for Round 2 of the ARRC at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit.
