Toyota Thailand target podium finishes
TOYOTA THAILAND Team have set their sights on podium finishes in two local and two overseas events they plan to enter in the 2018 season.
Toyota team manager and racer Sutthipong Samitchart said he expected his squad to continue their impressive performance after winning the Thailand Super Car GTM and Thailand Super Car GTC titles from the first circuit of the Thailand Super Series at the Sepang International Circuit earlier this month.
Comprising Sutthipong himself, veteran Nattavude Charoensukh-awatana, Nattapong Horthongkam, Manat Kulapalanont, and newcomer Supong Khamtonwong (winner of the Corolla Altis One Make Race 2017), Toyota Thailand Team will compete in two local events.
Apart from the Thailand Super Series 2018 where his team will compete in the Thailand Super Car GTC, Thailand Super Car GTM and 2000 Class 1 and 2000 Class 2 events, the team will also take part in the three-circuit RATT Thailand Endurance Championship International (in Super Production 1600cc and Super Production 2000cc), which kicks off in June.
In terms of the three offshore events, Toyota will begin their campaign in the ADAC Zurich 24 Hours Race at Nurburgring from May 10-13 in Germany.
“This is a tough competition as the routes are quite dangerous. But it will be a great challenge for us,” said Sutthipong, who will spearhead his side for the fifth appearance in Nurburgring.
Michinobu Sugata, Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Thailand Company Limited presents a trophy to his team.
Then the team will compete under the name Arto Panther Team Thailand in the Japan Super GT 2018. They will drive the latest Lexus RC-F GT3 in the GT300 category for the second straight year.
Sutthipong said his would be the only Thai team to compete in all eight circuits of the 2018 Japan Super in GT300 event.
Nuttavude, 55, is eyeing a strong showdown in the Chang Super GT Race, the fourth circuit of the Japan Super GT, on June 30-July 1 at the Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram. “Our team has been having better results steadily. We hope to be on the top of the podium for the home fans in Buri Ram,” the former motorcycle racer said.
