Kagawa And Reine Rises In Sepang, Chaos Strikes Championship Leaders

Sepang, Selangor, 5 November — Under the night lights of the Sepang International Circuit, Round 8 of the HoloType International Series delivered 100 minutes of pure intensity — strategy, survival, and a pinch of heartbreak. When the checkered flag finally fell, it was the home driver Ryan Kagawa, representing Pavolia Reine, who emerged victorious for Pavolia Reine in only his 3rd start since swapping rides with the now Nerissa Ravencroft driver Yuri-Rafael de Oliveira, marking both his and Reine’s first major win of the season.

Kagawa’s performance in the 01 machine was nothing short of clinical; the Reine driver capitalized on the mid-race chaos that claimed several frontrunners. His win marks Reine’s first of the season and reignites hopes for Zako Racing’s campaign in the International standings. As others faltered under pressure, Kagawa kept his rhythm — eventually pulling away from teammate Javier Lusby (representing Vestia Zeta, Zako 07) to secure a dominant one-two finish for Zako.

Rounding out the podium, Evelyn Kuromi, driving the #53 under E. R. Bloodflame, once again demonstrated why she leads the World Class standings. Despite lacking outright pace, Kuromi’s consistency and late-race composure kept her in podium contention — and more importantly, allowed her to take the championship lead after rivals faltered.

Just off the podium, Hanaori Miyuki (Kobo Kanaeru, #40) claimed fourth after a spirited late-race battle with Mathias Zacarias (Kureiji Ollie, #13). Both drivers showcased their resilience, with Zacarias bouncing back from having to be sidelined from racing after Nanashi Mumei's graduation to secure fifth.

Further down the order, Ayrin (Hakos Baelz, #85) and Tawan Bhumin (Fuwawa Abyssgard, #25) finished sixth and seventh respectively, both recovering from early setbacks and heavy tire degradation. Mono Zettarou (Ouro Kronii, #92) continued his solid form in eighth, while Yuri-Rafael de Oliveira (Nerissa Ravencroft, #76) and Sven Jensen (IRyS, #86) completed the top ten.

Attrition, however, defined much of the day’s drama. Early chaos claimed Mohd Shazren Redza (Koseki Bijou, #14) and Corey-Rico Mendez (Takanashi Kiara, #50) on the opening lap. Later, Haziq Yazid who was 2nd in the standings (driving for Shiori Novella in car #90) was involved in a collision on Lap 1, where Kaela Kovalskia driver Hinochi Taiyo was also flipped on her side. Grave Prower (Mococo Abyssgard, #52) and Joddy Pranata (Moona Hoshinova, #69) saw strong runs end prematurely due to crashes — the former looking to score points in 12th and the latter heartbreakingly close to points.

Despite the retirements, the battle at the top remains tight. Kuromi now has the lead with 587 points, but the gap to Shazren Redza (577) and Haziq Yazid (531) remains within striking distance heading into the penultimate rounds. Kagawa's breakthrough victory vaults him to tenth in the standings, reigniting hopes for a late-season surge.

As the HoloType International Series heads next to Mandalika for Round 9, the title fight is poised for a dramatic showdown. But for now, Sepang belongs to Pavolia Reine and Ryan Kagawa — calm, composed, and finally triumphant.