Calishine Racing’s Aden Thao had built a solid plan. The Fresno, California, resident and member of the Hmong Community, who competes in MotoAmerica’s SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup series, flew to Buriram, Thailand, with two clear and purposeful missions: to represent MotoAmerica at the final round of the OR BRIC Superbike 2021 (FMSCT All Thailand Superbike Championship) at Chang International Circuit and also, as is the mission of all motorcycle road racers, to win.

Thao made good on both of his missions. Aboard his #55 Kawasaki Ninja 400 and competing for the AVRP Racing Training team, the 18-year-old earned the pole position in Supersport Production 400 SPJ and then took the victory in the race. The result lofted him into third place overall in the Supersport Production 400 SPJ Championship final standings. He also broke the class record at Chang International Circuit with a fastest lap of 1:51.

Commenting on his adventure in Thailand, Thao said, “It was an absolute privilege and an honor for me to be able to represent MotoAmerica, and especially, the United States, which is the most beautiful country in the world. I am proud to be Hmong-American and even prouder that I can serve as a role model not just for my community, but for all young people. It was an amazing experience to race in Thailand and stand on the top step of the podium at Chang International Circuit. I hope that my participation in the OR BRIC Superbike 2021 (FMSCT All Thailand Superbike Championship) opens more doors to grow the sport of motorcycle road racing and bring more international racers to the United States to compete in our MotoAmerica series.”