Fast and furious on the speedway

Motor racing fans are in for a treat next weekend as the second edition of the Thailand Super Series zooms into town after conquering the crowds at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia.

“This second season has a much bigger international flavour with several of the big names in racing competing against each other and compliance with international rules,” says Preeda Tantemsapya, race director of Thailand Super Series and also Racing Spirit.

“Orders for racing cars has soared over the past year, which is good sign that foreigners are now seeing the potential for our country.”

Thailand Super Series 2014 is divided into eight races. The first two races were held last month at the Sepang International Circuit with another two to follow next Friday and Saturday at Bira Circuit in Pattaya, More races will be held at the Buriram United International Circuit in Buri Ram on November 1-2, and 7-8 with races 7 and 8 taking place at the Bangsaen Street Circuit in Chon Buri on December 10-14.

“Thailand’s motorsports have been neglected since the economy crashed and foreigners lost interest. That was mainly because we didn’t have international standard racing tracks or meet the regulations for racing cars. Horsepower and weight must be balanced in high-performance cars. For example, if your car weighs 200 kg, its horsepower should be 100 watts. That gives it better straight-line speed and improves the downforce when the drivers brake in the turns.

“In addition to following international rules, we’ve trained a team to be responsible for checking the condition of all cars and are bringing in the latest in high-tech equipment and tools. The team at the Bira Circuit is now kitted out with clean uniforms and happy to show visitors the pit lane. And of course, we also have our grid girls. 

“We expecting around 10,000 spectators per day at Bira Circuit. Most Thai people see the world’s racing cars at motor shows rather than the racetrack. Here though, they can admire Porsches competing with Lamborghinis,” he says.

The Bang Saen Street Circuit event will also feature concerts by several of Thailand’s leading artists as well as other activities.

“Last year, we welcomed 350,000 spectators to Bang Saen. This year, we’re aiming for 500,000 people,” says the 48-year-old race director.

 The 3.7-kilometre-lap street race starts at SS Bangsaen Beach Hotel and continues along a 1,100-metre straight before turning left to go up Khao Sam Muk. A second left turn takes the drivers back downhill and to a sharp bend then on to Pakarang Restaurant. They then drive anticlockwise round the dolphin roundabout and continue along the beach road to the start/finish line.

Preeda acknowledges that the street circuit is likely to be noisy and unpopular with those who don’t like motorsports but points out that the race doesn’t last long and the loud engines are not being revved up at night.

Security barriers are being carefully planned to ensure the safety of spectators and stewards, with up to Bt70 million being invested in the infrastructure.

This second season features a who’s who of international racing drivers including the Czech Republic’s Tomas Enge, Japan’s Tetsuya Yamano, New Zealand’s Craig Corliss and Carlo van Dam from the Netherlands. Also taking part are Chonsawat Asavahame, son of former politician Wattana, Vuttikorn Intharapuwasak, Piti Bhirombhakdi and Sak Nana.

“With three great tracks, we are showing we’re serious about motor racing,” says Preeda. “There’s also talk of a purpose-built track being constructed in Chonburi.”

 

 

See it, hear it

_ Thailand Super Series 2014

_ Bira Circuit in Pattaya on July 5-6

_ Buriram International Circuit in Buriram on November 1-2

_ Bangsaen Street Circuit in Chonburi on December 10-14