The biggest story to emerge from the ninth edition of the Bangsaen Thailand Speed Festival late last November was the closing up of the circle towards attaining FIA Grade 3 homologation, the conclusion of a yearlong process that culminated with an assessment visit by an FIA Track Inspector.

That strategy, which has been positioned as a fundamental cornerstone to the event going forward into the future, will allow the Speed Festival to plan for the longer term and the concluding pieces of the ‘Grade 3’ jigsaw will be slotted into place ahead of the tenth edition event which will take place in just over nine month’s time – putting everything on target in this ambitious schedule.

Meanwhile, truck racing enjoyed something of a revival last season as the regulations were rejigged to allow the latest-generation of production pickup trucks, which have in terms of their powertrains evolved so dramatically when compared to the previous breed, to be integrated into Super Pickup in a competitive and evenly balanced manner. That year of growth ended in spectacular style on the streets of Bangsaen where the pickups are always a big hit with the crowds. It also helped that the championship fight went right down to the wire.

Finally, with the official confirmation last week of the dates for this year’s 10th Bangsaen Thailand Speed Festival the last pieces of the TSS 2016 calendar have been slotted into place. ‘Season 4’ of TSS will thus closely follow the successful pattern of last year, four rounds split across three circuits, with a few tweaks to refine and calendar.

Bangsaen’s push towards FIA approval gathers pace

The ambitious plan to shoot for FIA homologation for the Bangsaen Street Circuit actually goes back to around two years ago. With rapidly growing international recognition and an influx of foreign drivers and teams, in early 2014 TSS President Sontaya Kunplome tasked the organising team with pulling out all the stops to turn the ‘Speed Festival’ into a world-class event and establishing it on the global motorsport map. At the core of the strategy was the achievement of FIA Grade 3 homologation, necessary to allow Bangsaen to host international series.

As TSS Vice President Preeda Tantemsapya recalls, “[Khun Sontaya] instructed us to go ahead with planning for FIA Grade 3 approval for Bangsaen and that has been the case, we have had his total support to make the huge strides required and everyone has been putting in effort to make sure we get there as quickly as is possible.”

A year of hard work from everyone involved reaped rewards when FIA Track Inspector Mr. Tim Schenken visited Bangsaen in the early hours of the Thursday morning of race week and walked the track, checking it thoroughly.

“The inspection went very satisfactorily,” says Khun Preeda. “We had all worked very hard and [Track Designer Khun] Simon [Gardini] had done a superb job to lead and guide the team on this, but I guess there was a little bit of heart in mouth as to what he would say, it’s certainly not an easy job to take a temporary circuit in a setting like this and bring it up to FIA guidelines, it’s a very challenging task for everyone. But his report emphasised that the main elements were in place and he gave us a detail list of seven or eight further upgrades that need to be incorporated and then he will recommend issuing an FIA Grade 3 licence after a final inspection before this year’s event. Clearly the report is very satisfying for everyone involved and where we had hoped to come out. Now we have a clear plan and timetable to complete the project and we can focus our energies tightly on this.”

For the main phase of the ‘Grade 3’ project we need to rewind just over a year. The first step was to retain experienced track designer Khun Simon Gardini who was tasked with evolving all aspects of the Bangsaen Street Circuit’s design to harmonise with FIA requirements. He kicked off that process by extensively analysing and studying the circuit during the 2014 edition and that involved a lot of very early morning and late evening walking of the track to understand the layout metre by metre.

The Australian was impressed by what he saw and crucially perceived that the main fundamentals were in place to build on. “After having the opportunity to see the circuit for the first time I realised how much potential it’s got,” Khun Simon recalled during the ninth edition, which took place just under three months ago.

“We then started the process of developing the existing design, to move it further in the direction of safety as in the end most of the FIA guidelines surround the area of safety; the excitement, it’s great for motorsport, but to meet the guidelines it’s all about safety, drivers safety, marshals and officials safety, spectator safety.

“So we took the existing design, mapped it out,” he continued. “Having done the original inspection last year we worked on making sure all the elements comply with the guidelines, aiming for Grade 3 homologation. We have simulation software to help guide us, so having run though all the systems we combine them into a developed design that we then seek feedback from the FIA and of course within our own team.”

His developed plan called for incorporating both big and small changes all around the circuit, which would be pushed through and introduced in time for the 2015 edition, meaning key changes were in place ready for the initial FIA inspection. That survey by the FIA would allow motorsport’s world sanctioning body to inspect the circuit ‘on the ground’ for the first time as well as to be able to report and offer further input and advice to ensure all the remaining dots could be joined up as quickly and efficiently as possible.

That was certainly the overall plan – to have the broad ‘platform’ approved and to tick off as many boxes as possible and to try to be optimally placed to incorporate additional improvements that the FIA report specified must be carried out to conclude the process.

A lot of the changes over the last year have involved remodeling the existing layout features to optimise their safety metrics. “The main things is to have nice overlaps that still allow safe access to the track but without the risk of cars or debris leaving the track, and there were many of these,” explains Khun Simon. “So for those this year we have either gone for bigger overlaps or new gates and locations.”

New strategically sited tyre buffers and improved concrete barriers around the circuit were introduced for the last edition while at several key corners new runoffs have been incorporated following close cooperation between TSS and the local municipality.

“We identified three new locations for new major run offs, some alterations to the way the cars enter and exit pitlane, because as you know we have a very unusual pitlane but it’s one which works well, so we’ve tweaked that,” said Khun Simon. “In other run off areas we have introduced concrete barriers, which facilitate closing the track and making it safer, but also for ease of opening up the track to allow the community and stakeholders to use the roads.

“We’ve worked on marshal protection to increase the safety of staff working at their posts, we also revisited all the marshal posts locations to make sure there is good and quick identification of hazards on the track,” he continues. “They’re the main things, but also there are a lot of intricate details, but really they’re the main points people would see if they came and drove the track.

Khun Simon walks through the core changes to the 3.7-km circuit starting with Turn 2 where the cars abruptly brake and switch down into their lowest gears after thundering up from the high speed start-finish straight and the fast Turn 1 which is almost a kink. It’s one of the most challenging and demanding corners on the circuit and one of Bangsaen’s signature sections.

“At Turn 2 now we have a much safer compliant run off with concrete barriers and a tyre buffer arrangement but the overlap still allows for emergency recovery vehicles, a lot safer for drivers too,” he says.

From Turn 2 the racecars accelerate sharply uphill and into one of the most testing sections of the track. “At Turn 3 as you head up the hill we now have swept a line of concrete barriers around there instead of a small run off that used to be there,” he outlines. “The reason for this is the impact angle is long enough and much safer for a car to hit barriers and run along the barriers and come to a slow stop, so it’s an improvement for the safety of that turn.”

The temporary chicane, after Turn 7, has seen several evolutions tried out over the nine editions of the Speed Festival. For 2014 much thought went into developing a more optimised layout and that was introduced successfully and the essentials have been carried over for the last edition. Now comprising of Turns 8, 9 and 10 to meet the new FIA compliant corner numbering system, the temporary hairpin has seen a few extra tweaks being added to the basic layout. “Going down to the hairpin, similar to Turn 2, we have a good overlapping arrangement with tyre buffers there that again allows the access you need but also allows the cars to breathe inside the track,” says Khun Simon.

“The chicane had worked well [in 2014] so we have maintained it but we have worked hard to improve it and added some additional line markings to better create clarity as you approach it for the track limits,” he continues. “We’ve got rid of some of the plastic cones and some measures that were out there that as in the end they just keep getting thrown around, so that’s a positive.”

The first of the three key new runoff zones comes up when the racecars have passed through the chicane, completed the remaining straight section and slowed for the sharp right-hander that takes them through a narrow and twisty section up to the roundabout.

“If you come down to the end of the straight, which is now Turn 11, TSS worked hard to acquire some additional land and space there so instead of the 90-degree with pretty much zero runoff we’ve got a nice run off with a four deep tyre buffer and debris fencing,” Khun Simon notes.

Then it’s through Turn 12, a narrow and sweeping left-hander, and into the iconic ‘roundabout’ section. “Around the roundabout area, which is now numbered Turn 14 and 15, we’ve got a new runoff arrangement with concrete barriers which reduces the amount of apex kerbs to stop people launching off that,” the Australian explains. “We’ve done some work on line marking the track limits to provide better definition also.”

The final new runoff added for 2015 was at Laem Tan Cape, the sharp lefthander and scene of many accidents in the past. This corner received major attention in multiple areas, not just in improving safety but also speeding up removal of cars with a dedicated crane being located on the inside.

“For the new runoff at Turn 18, TSS worked with the local municipality to get some of the land there to provide a runoff that’s much safer,” says Khun Simon. “Part of that work involved building a walkway for the patrons and everybody was very serious about making it all work. We’ve also relocated the overpass to provide better access and away from the back of that runoff.”

The high-speed rundown from the Cape to Pit In/Out, the iconic chase down the side of the beach, saw improved detailed safety measures activated as well as new barriers located on the inside coming out of Turn 18.

“Then you come down to the pit entry area, which is now Turn 21 and 22, and we’ve got a new arrangement for cars entering the pits in terms of track limits and delineation from the racing line so we avoid speed differential issues with the cars that are continuing on and those that want to pit,” he says. “We also introduced some tyre buffers there and better protection for the marshals standing at the end of the pitlane and a tyre buffer on the very exit of that double apex which is Turn 22.”

All these changes have been elements required for FIA homologation and in turn optimise conditions for both competitors and trackside safety staff. That also extends to the swathe of new access gates that were incorporated this year to maximise safety while allowing ease of access for local residents.

The first (and major stage) of the upgrades has seen Khun Simon, the TSS team and local stakeholders working together throughout last year to ensure the major elements were in place in time for the ninth edition. “Apart from the deskbound work I’ve been in and out of Bangsaen on four occasions plus meetings in Bangkok to work closely with TSS using their local knowledge of Bangsaen plus the needs of the area combined with what has become the intended design,” says Khun Simon.

“Understanding their needs and the needs of the area, understanding the categories of not only what they have now but those they wish to pursue with the addition of an FIA licence,” he adds. “All those things are important considerations to make sure we meet their objectives.”

But, reckons Khun Simon, it’s been a relatively smooth process as everyone has pulling in the same direction. “Right from the top, right the way through, everyone is keen, eager [and] committed, there’s no doubt TSS has a love affair with this race and on improving it,” he says. “I’ve had countless conversations about things and the response has always been the same, what we need to do, you just tell us. This isn’t a one year journey by any means because even beyond getting a licence there are other improvements that just keep evolving to raise its standard, its safety, its enjoyment for people and even in those meetings there’s a lot of conversation on how to make those things integrate with off track activities to make a better event.”

With the major heavy lifting done, the advice and input from the FIA inspection has clarified the additional improvements that need to be made in preparation for a second inspection at this year’s event that everyone hopes will allow recommendation of FIA Grade 3 homologation to be granted.

“There’s still plenty of work to do,” admits Khun Preeda. “But we are on schedule, the FIA inspection put us on course to complete the project with the target being to achieve status for the tenth anniversary edition of the speed festival.”

Bangsaen Thailand Speed Festival: Super Pickup Report

Truck racing enjoyed something of a revival last season as the regulations were rejigged to allow the latest-generation of production pickup trucks, which have in terms of their powertrains evolved so dramatically when compared to the previous breed, to be integrated into Super Pickup in a competitive and evenly balanced manner.

With the smoke that was used to be synonymous with truck racing long consigned to the dustbin and a new eco compliant era of zero emission regulations already drafted in, this is a category that had faded somewhat over recent years but has now been reborn.

Adding to the mix was the arrival last season of the Krating Daeng Team, this leading Thai racing outfit bringing its exemplary standards and superb presentational finishing to Super Pickup for the first time, instantly pushing up existing standards across the grid. Having one of the ‘big hitters’ from the TSS paddock take a very close interest in pickup racing provided a much-needed shot in the arm.

It was a robust year and one that, as usual, wrapped up on the streets of Bangsaen where pickup racing always connects with the seaside audience and is certainly one of the most popular disciplines on the bumper programme.

The destiny of the truck title went right to the wire too as teammates Khun Songsak Kornsirisuepsakun and Khun Jaras Jaengkamolkulchai led the points’ standings going into Bangsaen. It looked to be almost a formality though for Khun Songsak as he had a useful 23 point cushion at the top of the classification and had topped the standings all season.

However Khun Jaras had strong form coming into the season closer as he had won both the previous two races, held at Bira Circuit, and in the first race in Bangsaen he made it three wins in row while a late race tumble down the leaderboard by Khun Songsak netted the title race leader only 10 points and closed the championship gap down to 13 points overnight. In fact luck did play into Khun Jaras’ hands as the early race leader Khun Waris Onyarab retired on the fifth lap and then Khun Songsak, who then assumed the lead, fell away with just two laps of the race remaining to allow Khun Jaras to nab maximum points.

Khun Jaras followed that win up with P2 in the second race and with Khun Songsak dropping to the back of the field at the start before finally retiring on the tenth lap and picking up no points Khun Jaras had completely turned the tables. The 15 points Khun Jaras collected for P2 turned round his 13 point overnight deficit. This Thai racing veteran, who has enjoyed so much success in top level truck racing over the years, returned to Super Pickup last season after a couple of years away and he couldn’t have played it any better.

There were a lot more stars than just these two though and Race 1 really turned up the spotlights on a newcomer to truck racing, Khun Philip Massoud. It seems hard to imagine that the Australian only started racing last year – and trucks certainly aren’t the easiest way to getting the ball rolling. However he’s looked fast all year long, and already had a class win to his name, that coming in Buriram back in July, and he capped the year off with double Class C victory in Bangsaen.

In the first race Khun Philip strode to Class C victory, but much more sensationally he mixed it up with the experienced pros and finished second overall; in fact he was just a couple of seconds adrift of the race winner, Khun Jaras. And it didn’t stop there for the Krating Daeng team as Khun Songkran Yamamura in the second Krating Daeng Isuzu D-Max took the Class C runners up spot as well as third place overall.

In the second race Khun Philip made it two class wins out of two to finish the year with three class wins while Khun Songkran was again runner up. That means in its debut year in trucks – with two racing rookies – the Krating Daeng drivers claimed five class wins and four runners up spots between them.

Khun Philip will be back in Super Pickup this year and expect him to be gunning for the title. He’s also carrying on something of an ‘Australian tradition’ in Super Pickup. It’s a category that’s very rarely attracted foreign drivers but another Australian, Khun Michael Freeman, was a regular winner for many years and in fact his Innovation Motorsport concern virtually crushed the life out of truck racing with its incessant winning. But Khun Michael has since switched to Super Production and now in comes another Australian. A tradition continues.

Meanwhile, with an unbroken run of podium finishes up to Bangsaen, which included two wins, Khun Peerawat Pajeeyachart had already done enough to be able to cruise on his way to the Class C title. Thanks to their efforts in Bangsaen Khun Philip and Khun Songkran move up to second and third places in the Class C final standings while Khun Wuttichai Solgosoom took fourth place.

In Class B Khun Aekaluck Nakkerd had almost wrapped up the title with an impressive four wins from six races coming into Bangsaen and while he stuttered in the first race in terms of points he bagged the runners up spot in the second race and that was quite enough for him to comfortably seal the ‘middle’ class crown.

It was also a superb weekend for Khun Nuthaporn Namjuk as he took his first class win of the year and with a P2 finish in the other race that gave him the runners up spot in Class B. Khun Nuthaporn switched brands this year, pensioning off the Toyota that he had campaigned for many years and it was a decision that really paid off as he also finished fourth in the overall championship standings. For a change too he emerged from the week in Bangsaen with a less ‘in the wars’ looking truck than has often been the case.

2016 calendar is finalised

With the official confirmation last week of the dates for this year’s 10th Bangsaen Thailand Speed Festival the final pieces of the TSS 2016 calendar have been slotted into place. ‘Season 4’ of TSS will thus closely follow the successful pattern of last year, four rounds split across three circuits, with a few tweaks to refine and calendar.

The season will start once again at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, on 19-22 May, this time the opener takes place a week later than last year. Once again it’s straight back to the North Eastern FIA Grade 1 racetrack for the second round of the year, on 7-10 July. The return trip has been brought forward three weeks to optimise the spread of the calendar dates and will again incorporate the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia on the support programme.

Then it’s back to the historic ‘Home of Thai Motorsport’, Pattaya’s Bira International Circuit, on 8-11 September, for the penultimate round of the year.

The prestigious Bangsaen Thailand Speed Festival will take place on the last weekend of November for a second consecutive year; this time it will be on 22-27 November. It will be the 10th Anniversary Edition of the famous street race and a truly spectacular event will be in store.

Meanwhile, the inaugural ‘TCR Thailand’ championship will see four double headers within the support programme across the four TSS rounds, but will also enjoy two additional rounds, joining up with TCR Asia Series during its visit to Buriram on 10-12 June for a full TCR Thailand points scoring race before it’s back to the North East on 26-28 August when it joins with TCR International Series for its visit here. That means TCR Thailand 2016 will comprise of six rounds and twelve races during its debut season.