At the team launch a few weeks ago, we really thought that Timothy Joseph “TJ” Alberto is going to take on the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) on his own. But only days before the season begins in Thailand, Access Plus Racing has now confirmed they’ve signed Thitipong “Tingnote” Warokorn as their second rider in ASB1000.
The team was already at the Chang International Circuit earlier this week to take part in the 2-day pre-season test. TJ welcomed his return to the ARRC after the series’ 2-year absence as it was a good opportunity to stretch the legs of his title-winning Panigale V4R on Dunlop slicks. It was also a chance for the reigning national superbike champion to re-acquaint himself with the 4.554 km circuit. And by the second day, he managed to set a lap quicker than his previous personal best during the team’s last visit back in 2019.
ARRC’s pre-season test also marked the Access Plus Racing debut of Thitipong “Tingnote” Warokorn. The team announced that they have signed the multiple Thai champion and will race alongside TJ for the entire 2022 season. His talent and vast riding experience will prove valuable to the Philippine-based team, helping them in their hunt for podium finishes in ASB1000. Despite this being his first time on a Ducati, Tingnote quickly proved that he’s going to be a serious championship contender after setting the 2nd quickest time in practice.
With the season opener just days away, Access Plus Racing is confident that they can deliver strong results in ASB1000. The first round of the ARRC will take place this March 25/27 at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand. Qualifying is scheduled on Saturday morning followed by Race 1 at 3:45 PM local time, while Race 2 will get the green light on Sunday at 4:10 PM.
TJ Alberto: “I’m quite happy with our results although it’s still not a true representation of our performance. There were some teething issues as it was our first ARRC outing in 2 years, but it was expected and the team did a great job to sort things out. I was also able to improve on my personal best time in Buriram. Our pace is already quite good and we’re confident that there’s still some room for improvement before this weekend. There’s also a lot to learn from my new teammate Tingnote. This is his home track and he’s a multiple champion, so his inputs are a big help. Looking forward to the season opener and hope we can fight for a podium.”
Tingnote Warokorn: “I’m very happy that I got to join Access Plus Racing with new friends and new team. This project wouldn’t have happened without the racing association, all supporters, Ducati Team, ARRC, and also Chang International Circuit. The Panigale V4R is still new to me, so I’m now learning to know more about the bike. I’m trying to adjust my riding style to the bike as well as it’s my first time to ride a Ducati. Hoping to get a long with the bike in time for the race this weekend. I will do my best, and I really hope to win! Thank you for the opportunity and I look forward to working together more in the future!”
Toti Alberto, Team Principal: “I’m happy that we now have 2 confirmed entries with 2 national champions Tingnote and TJ. Tingnote has a lot of track track knowledge at this circuit which vastly helped the team and TJ during testing. His pace shows that he’s able to fight for a podium and it’s possible that it can help TJ get closer to a podium spot as well. As for TJ, he was already quicker than his previous best time at this circuit, so things are going in the right direction. We’re looking forward to the race this weekend and confident that we can deliver good results.”
Access Plus Racing is sponsored by Ducati Philippines, Angkas, Essenza, Frontrow, Katinko, Makati Diamond Residences, Italtrans, Aella, Apex, Extreme Components, Lv8, Macbeth, Ohlins, and STM, with Motoworld and Teagumps.
For more info and the latest updates about the team, follow www.facebook.com/AccessPlusRacingPH/ and riders www.facebook.com/TjAlberto7.
