The 2025 Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) roared to life from April 25 to 27 at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit, and the Yamaha Philippines Racing Team made sure the Filipino flag was flying high. Leading the charge was none other than “The Wonderboy” McKinley Kyle Paz, joined by teammates “RocketBoy” April King Mascardo and “The Android” EJ Sobretodo — a trio determined to redefine what it means to Change the Race.
SS600: The Wonderboy Delivers a Thriller in the Rain
In a drama-filled opening round of the Supersport 600 (SS600) category, McKinley Kyle Paz lit up the track — and the scoreboard — on a slick, rain-soaked Saturday. After laying down a blistering lap time of 1’53:427s on Lap 3 of Race 1, he surged into third place and locked into a white-knuckle, four-rider battle that came down to the wire.
In a race where every corner demanded perfection and every millisecond counted, Paz crossed the finish line in second place with a time of 15’00:433s — just fractions of a second behind the leader. The result wasn’t just a podium finish; it was a statement. “The Wonderboy” has matured into a calculated, world-class competitor, capable of taking on the best in Asia.
Paz dedicated his performance to his loyal supporters, his top-tier crew, and the people back home — a proud moment for Philippine motorsports.
UB150: Mascardo and Sobretodo Show Promise and Grit
In the fiercely contested Underbone 150 (UB150) class, April King Mascardo and EJ Sobretodo showed resilience and fire. Mascardo, known for his smart aggression, battled fiercely in the pack, while Sobretodo impressed in his ARRC UB150 debut, capping Race 2 with a commendable 9th-place finish.
While the podium eluded them this round, both riders proved they’re serious threats for the rest of the season. Their performances reflect the rising caliber of Filipino racing talent — not just in results, but in heart.
More Than Racing: A Movement in Motion
For Yamaha Philippines Racing, “Change the Race” is more than a mantra. It’s a mission. McKinley, April, and EJ aren’t just chasing trophies — they’re trailblazing for a nation. Each overtake, each podium, and each gritty finish helps reshape how the world sees Filipino racers: not just as competitors, but as champions in the making.
As the ARRC season rolls on, with Round 2 set for May 30–June 1 at Malaysia’s iconic Petronas Sepang International Circuit, one thing is clear — the Filipino spirit is charging forward, full throttle.
The race has only just begun. And for Yamaha Philippines, the finish line is just another starting point.