When the season announcing Official Press Conference takes place that’s a sure sign that the new racing season almost upon us. And that really is the case as the ‘Press Conference 2016′ has just thrust Thailand Super Series (TSS) into the spotlights and the first racing weekend of year is now only ten days away.
For this edition a new high profile venue was chosen, a setting that was not just conducive to the attending media but also able to connect TSS with the wider Bangkok public as well as passing tourists so we could present exactly what we have to offer. And there was a lot of news to convey as the series gets even bigger, better and brighter for ‘Season 4’. The growth of the ‘New Era’ of Thai motorsport continues unabated.
Following directly on from the ‘Press Conference 2016’, TSS honoured its champions of the 2015 season, awarding the ionic glittering golden hued trophy modeled on the legendary ‘ERA’ racecar of Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh to those that had scaled the greatest heights in Thai motorsport.
The ‘Press Conference 2016’ and ‘Champions Night 2015’ weren’t just about outlining exciting new plans, dazzling trophies and prestigious awards, key ‘metal’ that makes up the grid was also on display, a cocktail of championship winners, firm fan favourites and exciting new state-of-the-art arrivals. In fact the array of stunning racecars, which perfectly reflected the strength and diversity of TSS, were arguably the biggest stars of the evening extravaganza and certainly popular with the many leisure visitors visiting the waterfront.
Finally, TCR has really become the talk of the town. First came the Honda Civic TCR. There were just two of the Japanese cars but they in instantly resonated on a scale that was unexpected. Then last Thursday morning the SEAT Léon Cup Racer TCR pitched up in Bangkok. They also caused quite a stir – and this time there were no less than six of them.
The sight of half a dozen fully factory built ‘body in white’ touring car racing machines lined up next to each other in a hot and dusty Lat Krabang shipping yard to a backdrop of 40-ft containers really signaled that the ‘TCR’ concept is now alive and kicking in Thailand and ready to burst onto the local scene in now just a week and a half’s time.
Press Conference 2016
When the season announcing Official Press Conference arrives that’s a sure sign that the new racing season is upon us. And that really is the case as the Press Conference 2016 took place last Wednesday and in fact the first race weekend of year is now just ten days away.
For this edition a new high profile venue was chosen, a setting that was not just conducive to the attending media but also able to connect TSS with the wider Bangkok public as well as passing international tourists so we could present exactly what we have to offer.
And from the setting on the banks of the Chao Phraya River it was clear that there are a lot of new and exciting new developments coming from TSS this year – on multiple fronts. That was the overriding theme of the ‘Press Conference 2016’ as TSS Vice President Preeda Tantemsapya explains. “We wanted to get across the changes, especially for Bangsaen, as we will reach FIA Grade 3 this year, we have done so much work towards this now, and also we touched on the new circuit in Sri Racha.”
Probably the biggest attention-grabbing highlight of the Press Conference this year was the official presentation of our newest category, TCR Thailand, which is seeing rapidly growing interest. The first TCR cars to arrive in Thailand, a pair of Honda Civics acquired by the TBN MK IHERE team have generated a lot of admiring glances since they were first pulled out of their shipping container back in March and now seen wrapped in the team’s new metallic blue, silvers and red colours for the first time the two new cars looked striking and caught the imagination of passers by in front of the Press Conference venue.
Then there were the SEATs. Two to be precise. The first arrivals had barely been unloaded than it was straight to the Press Conference and these Spanish factory built machines are equally as visually stunning. They lined up next to the Civics in a four strong display that was a non-stop focal point all afternoon and evening on the riverbank.
Presented to the media for the first time, TCR announced its arrival in no uncertain fashion. “Interest [in TCR] is growing,” says Khun Preeda. “Our goal is to first have an exciting new series, one that is for a new generation of car, and at a good price.”
What he was also keen to emphasise is just how TCR will provide a platform for Thai drivers to learn and develop in a car that they can then go on to use to race across Asia, and indeed across the world, and it’s a car that will be identical in specification to the machines they will be up against wherever they race; that’s a first for Thailand.
“It’s an affordable car and drivers can use it to progress and join TCR Asia Series or TCR International Series, or indeed series in many other countries [as this year thirteen national TCR championships will be launched],” Khun Preeda continued. “The car isn’t restricted to Thailand and you can take it out of Thailand and race without any modifications, even the tyres, so the experience learnt at home will set the drivers on their way to international level. TCR is a very recognised series so if a driver wants to explore an international career outside Thailand in the future now they can as TCR has a big reputation.”
He was also clear that ‘internationalisation’ is a two way street, TSS wants to appeal to more drivers and teams abroad to come and race here just as it wants to help our drivers and teams to race abroad. TCR will check those boxes off perfectly, he reckons, and the signs are already there that this strategy is going to flow.
The new world-class circuit in Sri Racha is going to play its part in the mix. “We didn’t focus on it too much as it’s not part of this year’s plans, but we hope that the new track as well as the FIA Grade 3 for Bangsaen will help the good momentum that is growing in Thai motorsport,” Khun Preeda says. “We are getting a lot more recognition from international level drivers, not only are people becoming more aware of Thai motorsport, but with everything we’re doing they are becoming aware that we have a level playing field, especially with TCR adding to that mix, they see how we are balancing everything.”
He also pointed out the international series that have joined up with the TSS programme. “Porsche Carrera Cup Asia is coming for the second year, that’s a boost and it shows we are on the right track and can deliver a good partnership while the Caterham series will join us for the first time at the Bira round,” Khun Preeda notes. “With the new track and FIA Grade 3 for Bangsaen we can really push our international goals and these will both provide a very good foundation.”
Thailand’s headlining category, Super Car Class 2-GTM (to be renamed Super Car GTM this year) is going from strength to strength and the cutting edge machines that fill out the grid resonate with everybody and that was the same story at the Press Conference.
The video presentation put in context its strength and also gave a nod towards this year when GTM will get bigger, better, brighter and stronger. There is a real narrative to tell about GTM for 2016 with so many stars and stunning cars. Young hotshot Khun Kantasak Kusiri delivered on his promise last year and won the Drivers’ title so he has to start as the favorite as Singha Motorsport Team Thailand seek out an unprecedented three crowns on the trot.
Looking to wrest away the youngster’s crown will be an array of top drivers such as Khun Craig Corliss, he was Vice Champion last year and has recently sent his unique Holden back to Australia for a complete rebuild, while don’t count out Khun Kantasak’s teammate Khun Voravud Bhirombhakdi, the 2014 champion, who made an impressive late run last year.
There are plenty of dark horses too, Khun Sarun Sereethoranakul has got his hands on a potent Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo LP620-2 and quite where that car will fit in is anyone’s guess, B-Quik Racing will double its Audi R8 LMS Cup lineup with entries for Henk J. Kiks and Daniel Bilski, they’re sure to be right in the mix, and look out for the factory Toyota team, they will field their top class drivers in improved cars.
Meanwhile there will be even more Porsche 991s arriving this year, Khun Aekarat Discharoen and Khun Pitsanu Sirimongkolkasem, who both have experience of the car behind them last year, will lead the charge of the Stuttgart cars.
There will also be split to create PRO-AM and AM classes and that’s certainly going to help the new rookies coming into the series. That the premier class is set to big bigger, more exciting and more spectacular this year was the clear message coming out of Tuesday’s Press Conference.
Champions Night 2015
Following directly on from the Press Conference 2016, TSS honoured its champions of the 2015 season, awarding the ionic glittering golden hued trophy modeled on the legendary ‘ERA’ racecar of Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh to those that had scaled the greatest heights in Thai motorsport.
The deep red sunset that enveloped the Chao Phraya River superbly set the occasion off and as the early evening darkness rolled across Bangkok that signaled it was time for the Champions Night 2015 to kick off.
Winning a title in Thailand Super Series and being awarded the iconic gold trophy is the most cherished prize in Thai motorsport – and one that demands the biggest and toughest challenge of team and driver and an indomitable spirit to push well beyond the normal limits of competition to seize victory. Each champion is utterly worthy and each has proven themselves to be made of something a little bit special. Each team that wins the trophy has proven that it has skill, expertise and depth as well as an unconquerable spirit.
Only the best of the best ever step up to collect this trophy and as they filed onto the stage, one by one, there were many stunning performances from the previous year to reflect upon. Khun Kantasak Kusiri lifted the 2015 Super Car Class 2-GTM trophy after a season that had seen this youthful hotshot really come of age; he’s a driver that in terms of skill and ability can cast his talents far from Thai shores in the future and by beating the most competitive field in Thai motorsport history to the title he stated his intention to become one of our greats in no uncertain terms. Thanks to Khun Kantasak’s points’ haul and the consistently high scoring of his teammate, Khun Voravud, Singha Motorsport Team Thailand made it a clean sweep by bagging the Teams’ title.
Czech superstar Khun Tomáš Enge won the 2015 Super Car Class 1-GT3 title and in doing so became the first ever former Formula 1 driver to claim a trophy in Thailand, that his prize was modeled on a car raced by Prince Bira, Thailand’s first (and so far only) Formula 1 driver, meant there was a fitting symbolism in the occasion, a small convergence of the dots of Thai racing history. As an extra footnote Khun Tomáš now competes around the world with a Thai racing licence. His efforts also helped Reiter Vattana Motorsport romp to the Teams’ title.
The 2015 Super Car Class 3-GTC title went to Khun Grant Supaphong while his winning streak also helped Krating Daeng Racing Team by NSports to wrap up the Teams’ title. Khun Grant turned in some faultless drives and overcame a sometimes-fragile Mitsubishi Evo X to nab his title. In fact the Krating Daeng Racing Team went on to win three Teams’ titles last year, as well as in Class 3-GTC, they also came out on top in Super Pickup Class C and Super Eco, making it a clean sweep for the team in the three categories they raced in last year.
Meanwhile a canny and neat season long effort from Khun Pasarit Phromsombat saw the RMI Racing team driver’ walk off with the Super 2000 title, the second year in succession he has picked up the ‘ERA’ styled trophy. Singha Cosmo TT Motorsport took the overall Teams’ title in the touring car class and in fact TT Motorsport swept up all three Teams’ crowns in Super 2000 (Class 1 Overall, Class B & Class 2).
Veteran truck racer Khun Jaras Jaengkamolkulchai returned to Super Pickup last year and it was a superb comeback as he clinched the overall title while Khun Nuttapong Lertlumprasertkul added his name to the record books by winning the last ever Super 1500 title overall. Khun Chattraphol Jiemvijid was a model of consistency throughout 2015 and that helped him to secure the Super Production crown while in Super Eco consistency was once more the key to the title, this time honours went to Khun Konpichit Toyingcharoen.
TSS also awards a ‘Rising Star’ trophy across all the categories (excluding Super Car Class 1-GT3 and Class 2-GTM) to reward drivers that have improved year on year, the ones that have really caught the eye over the previous season as they make their way up the racing ladder.
The chosen winners for 2015 were Khun Kraingkrai Woraratanatham (Super Car Class 3-GTC), Khun Issares Chirapongsananurak (Super 2000), Khun Ekasit Namsaengpa (Super Pickup), Khun Chalemnpong Funna (Super 1500) and Khun Anusorn Asiralertsiri (Super Production), while in Super Eco, the literal breeding ground for the ‘stars of the future’ several names also stood out last year: Khun Radeevarn Svavasu, Khun Tosaphol Phamyai, Khun Jakraphan Davee, Khun Surachai Luiprasert and Khun Sittron Phromsombat and they were all also honoured for their efforts.
It was a perfect evening with the champions being rewarded to an idyllic backdrop of the Chao Phraya River waterfront on the one side and bookended by the venue’s distinctive 6-metre high ‘Sky’ Ferris wheel. “It was a nice event, I think everyone enjoyed it,” says Khun Preeda. “The view of the river was spectacular, especially the sunset and the fireworks, so people recognise that in the photos of the event that they see in Thailand and across the world.
“I think people will see the Bangkok river backdrop and see that we have interesting types of cars on display, modern, current cars such as the TCR Honda and SEAT, and people will recognise what we are achieving here with motorsport,” he continued. “It was a nice change of atmosphere and for next year we will look again for a similar style venue that gives something special to the occasion.
All star racecar line up
The Press Conference 2016 and Champions Day 2015 weren’t just about exciting new plans, dazzling trophies and prestigious awards, the key ‘metal’ that makes up the grid was also on show, a cocktail of championship winners, fan favourites and exciting new arrivals. In fact the diverse array of stunning state-of-the-art racecars were arguably the biggest stars of the evening extravaganza.
Representing Super Car Class 2-GTM were four machines that ooze potential, the 2015 Drivers’ championship winning Ferrari 458 Challenge of Khun Kantasak (seen in its updated livery for 2016 for the first time), the brand new Huracán Super Trofeo LP620-2 that Khun Sarun Sereethoranakul will race this year, his outgoing Porsche 997 GT3 Cup, which will be used by his brother Khun Saravut for his Super Car rookie year (and also debuting in its new livery) and the broadly similar ‘997’ of Khun Naputt Assakul, which was driven by his Painkiller Racing teammate Khun Paul Kanjanapas last year and has now changed hands within the team.
Finally the ultra aggressive Nissan GT-R R35, a car that’s unquestionably very popular with race fans, wrapped up the line up from Class 2-GTM. Meanwhile, Super Car Class 1-GT3 was represented by more title winners in the shape of the big black championship title grabbing Camaro GT3 of Khun Tomáš Enge and the ‘widebody’ runner up Lamborghini Gallardo Extenso R-EX of Khun Chonsawat Asavahame.
Class 3-GTC saw the Porsche 997 GT3 Cup of Khun Sontaya and the Mazda RX-8 of Khun Pete Thongchua on show. The rotary powered racecar carried Khun Pete to the runners up spot and it sported heavily revised aerodynamics all round for the 2016 season as well as a new and eye-catching hue of green.
There were plenty of other title winning cars while Khun Pasarit, who received the Super 2000 crown during the evening, brought his brand new and very pretty Honda CR-Z that he will race in the new Super Compact category this year. The Super Pickup title wining Chevrolet Colorado of Khun Jaras denoted his instantly successful return to the truck category while the Super Production and Super Eco classes showed off the championship winners, the RMI Honda Jazz of Khun Chattraphol and the little Krating Daeng-livered Suzuki swift of Khun Konpichit, respectively. Finally, this year Super 1500 makes way for the new Super Compact category after a long run and one car that’s swiftly moving from one category to the other is the Ford Fiesta of Khun Kajornsak Na Songkhla, it was also on display and sported an updated front clip.
Six appeal
First came the Honda Civic TCR. There were just two of them but they caused quite a stir. Then last Thursday morning came the SEAT Léon Cup Racer TCR. They also caused quite a stir – and there were no less than six of them.
The sight of half a dozen fully factory built ‘body in white’ touring car racing machines lined up next to each other in a dusty Lat Krabang shipping yard to a backdrop of 40-ft containers really signalled that the ‘TCR’ concept is now alive and kicking in Thailand and ready to burst onto the local scene in now just a week and a half’s time.
The six new Spanish machines have been split up between four teams; Krating Daeng has acquired three of the Léon Cup Racers, while Vattana Motorsport, Singha Motorsport Team Thailand and Racing Spirit have one apiece.
Last year TCR International Series delivered on its promise, close-up racing just the way touring car fans expect it, all wrapped in a cost effective and low maintenance package. The Leon Cup Racer proved to the benchmark, comfortably winning the Drivers’ and Teams’ titles, while this year the MY2016 version been upgraded all round and it’s picked up where it left off at the end of last year, currently the SEAT Sport-built car is leading the Drivers’ and Teams’ points classifications.
So it’s the safe option, a proven winner and that quickly leads to the drivers. The six perfectly equally balanced cars will all have proven stars names behind the wheel and that’s going to lead to some sensational racing.
For the season opener Thai fans are set to enjoy a real treat as the gladiators go head-to-head in battle. And the first two names to leap out of the page are Khun Carlo Van Dam and Khun Jack Lemvard, who will line up for Singha Motorsport Team Thailand and Vattana Motorsport respectively. That clash already has set the tongues wagging before the cars have even turned a wheel. Separating those two in terms of skill and talent isn’t going to be easy, but there are rarely dead heats in motorsport.
Then come Khun Grant Supaphong and Khun Chen Jian Hong for Krating Daeng Racing Team, as well as a couple of scheduled outings this year for Khun ‘Kiki’ Sak Nana in the team’s third entry. That’s three drivers that, just like Khun Carlo and Khun Jack, aren’t interested in second places.
It all means the SEATs will have a coterie of top drivers with top teams to support them when TCR Thailand kicks off the weekend after next and the ‘new generation’ of touring car racing seems set to live up to all the hype.
However, that ultra explosive mix of drivers that are getting ready to slip into the racing cockpits all seemed a pretty disconnected prospect when the six new SEAT racecars were one by one pushed out of their containers and lined up on the yard’s blisteringly hot asphalt apron ready to be taken away to their respective team’s bases. But on that sunny morning that’s exactly where the growing hype started.