ALTHOUGH ISSOM still has one more series left in December, two Honda Racing Indonesia racers have won three national championship titles, namely Alvin Bahar and his son Avila Bahar. They have locked in the national title since the fifth round of ISSOM at the Sentul Circuit, Bogor, West Java, last weekend.
Alvin was recorded as having scored the 13th national title, while his son won the 4th national title at the age of 22. One more title is the national champion of the ITCR 1200 team.
Avila in the ITCR 1500 class gave resistance to his rivals, but his Honda City Hatchback was overtaken again so Avila had to be left in third place. “Indeed, in the 1500 class the vehicles are not really fit. “Wait for one more series, I have to make the fight even tighter,” he said.
Meanwhile in the ITCR 1200 class, Avila again described it as a perfect grandslam from free practice, qualifying, to the top race.
“Honda Brio in the 1200 class is still the best. It makes you comfortable. Even last Friday during practice the Brio set a new record at 1.57. Even though it has never been 1.57 all this time. Always 1.58 and above, so this is not just “It surprised me but surprised many people. Because of that, throughout the 12 laps of the race I was able to record the fastest lap. Of course, Brio is still the best in the 1200 class,” he said.
Meanwhile, Alvin, who also won the national champion title in the ITCR 3600 class, expressed his gratitude for being able to win the title again.
“I’ve been a national champion 13 times, so it’s just normal, but because it makes Mama happy, I’m also happy because it can make Mama happy. “Even happier because in this series we immediately locked in 3 national championship titles, ITCR 1200, ITCR3600 Max, and team ITCR 1200. The maximum total team points in 1 race is 15+12+1 = 28 points,” he said.
“And at the end of series 5, the difference with the opposing team is already 41 points. This means that in series 6, we don’t even have to race, we will still be the overall team champion,” said Alvin, who is also the Director of the Indonesian Honda Racing Team.
It is known that Avila and her father’s success in winning the title was witnessed by Evie Laloan, who is Alvin’s mother. Evie, who specially came from the Netherlands last month, supported her children and grandchildren while racing in two ISSOM series (series 4 and 5). Evie and Alvin’s father, Aswin Bahar, were a pair of champion racers in the 70s and 80s.
“I’m very proud to see that my granddaughter, Avila Bahar, can perform really well and lead the race far ahead of her opponents until she becomes the national champion in 2024. Unfortunately, in the 1200 class, Andri Abirezky, who was previously 1-2 with Avila, ended up finishing third. Andri means we still have to wait for the final series to become the national champion. My son Alvin is also a national champion in this series. “I’m really proud,” said Evie. (Z-6)
#Alvin #Avila #Key #National #Champion #Title #ISSOM
**Interview with Avila Bahar: Reflecting on a Successful Season in the ISSOM**
**Interviewer:** Avila, congratulations on your recent successes, including securing a double podium finish at the ISSOM round. How does it feel to earn these accomplishments alongside your father, Alvin?
**Avila Bahar:** Thank you! It’s an incredible feeling to share this success with my dad. Winning titles together is something special; I’m proud not only of my achievements but also of the legacy my father has built in motorsport. His guidance has been invaluable.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the challenge of competing in the ITCR 1500 class. Can you elaborate on that experience and what your plans are for the final series in December?
**Avila Bahar:** Yes, in the ITCR 1500, I faced some tough competition and the car wasn’t quite performing at its best. Although I managed to finish third, I know I can do better. For the last series, I’m focused on making the necessary adjustments to put up a stronger fight. I want to make it exciting until the very end.
**Interviewer:** You had an impressive performance in the ITCR 1200 class. Describe the significance of this victory and how you felt during the race.
**Avila Bahar:** It was a perfect grand slam for me, from practice to qualifying and then winning the race. The Honda Brio was phenomenal—it surprised us all by setting a new record. During the race, I was able to maintain the fastest lap consistently, which made me feel confident. I truly believe the Brio is the best car in the 1200 class right now.
**Interviewer:** With your fourth national title under your belt at just 22 years old, what advice would you give to young racers looking to follow in your footsteps?
**Avila Bahar:** First and foremost, stay dedicated and never stop learning. Motorsports is as much about mental strength as it is about skill. Always seek feedback, whether from your team or past experiences, and be prepared to adapt. It’s also essential to have a supportive team—you cannot do this alone.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what goals do you have for the remaining races and for your career?
**Avila Bahar:** My immediate goal is to make the most out of the final series in December and earn another title. For the future, I aim to continue developing my skills and exploring higher classes of racing. I want to contribute to the Honda Racing team and make my family proud.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, Avila. Wishing you all the best for your upcoming races!
**Avila Bahar:** Thank you! I appreciate the support.
