The Cadet class champion, the final class of the 2006 season has now finally been decided. The class winners are:

For a full list and image of all winners, check here.
The KAT announces the 2007 Thai Regulations has been slightly revised here

Birel News

Birel announces the line 100cc for gear-less categories which guaranteed several sporting successes for Birel, particularly in a National context where figures are the most important element for drivers. Read all about the latest Birel News here.

For further information contact XF Racing on 02 6301700.

KC Kart is presenting a superb introductory offer for the new childrens class MiniRok, the offer covers both excellent trade in offers as well as a fully organized trip to race in Italy for the winners of this class. The full offer can be found in both English and Thai here.

The Comer Importer announce that the new W125 engines are arriving around the 7th-10th January and that any Comer 60 or Puma driver can exchange their engine for a new W125 for a discounted price. The normal price is 48,000 for a new engine, but they will get 15,000 trade in for any W60, K60 or Puma engine that is complete and in working order, so they only pay 33,000 for a new engine. They need to contact Khun Prawina on 0860723103 to reserve one if they want to race this class. The trade in is limited to one engine per driver. The power output of this engine is similar to the Puma, but running costs are considerably cheaper.

The 2006 Macau Kart GP was just completed with a strong showing of our Thai drivers. Cutter secured a second place, Shogun won the Rotax Junior class with Ninja second and Top third. Shogun also managed 2nd in the 125 Open Junior category. Top is seen on the front row in several pictures and must have been running strong before dropping of... Pictures from the event can be found here and additional results and information can be found at the excellent web site of www.kartingmalaysia.com. Thanks to shootmoto.com for excellent pictures.

The SuperKart Thailand organizer Khun Kitti and track owner Khun Chanond is organizing a one of a kind kart endurance "Thank You" race at Bira Circuit in connection with the Champions Day arrangement on January 6th. The race will feature 3 classes; children in 60cc class, a 125 cc Junior class and seniors in a 125 cc class. 1 to 2 drivers is allowed per kart. Expect a thrilling motorsport day at Bira, with arrangement and festivities until late evening. More details about the kart endurance race can be found here in Thai and here in English.

The 2006 Champions Day Party & Champions Price Ceremony will this year be held at Bira International Circuit (on the car track side) on January 6th, 2006. The event will coincide with the "Thank you" kart endurance race (see separate information) and the "Super 1500" 4 hour car endurance race. Additional information can be found here in Thai and here in English. All is invited to this very exiting day and party at Bira.

Do you want to race in the 4 hour saloon car race at Bira ?
The Pizza Company Race Team has available seats in one of their 3 race cars to be fielded for this first and most challenging endurance race in Thailand ever. So, if you are looking for your big break into saloon car racing, with a professional team, this is it! Call Team Manager Thomas on 081 9291940 or raldorf@yahoo.com to secure yourself a fully prepared race in one of Thailand’s fastest race teams.

The 2007 Thailand National Championship Regulations are now complete in English and Thai. The CIK KF2 engine has now also been incorporated in the TAG engine list.

Jukka Koivistoinen

The KAT announces that Importers/dealers who wish to run new engines such as, SUPER ROK, X 30, SONIC TX 125, COMER 125, ITAL SYSTEM ML 47 (ANALOG) and KF SERIES in the Thailand National Championship 2007 need to bring these engines to test drive to find the balance weight based on the ROTAX MAX 165 kg standard. For additional information about this required and mandatory test please see KAT letter here.

The 2006 Thailand National Championship and Crown Prince Trophy winners are now announced by the KAT and RAAT (except for the Comer class which still is undecided pending petitions). A complete list for Champion, Runner Up and Second Runner Up for all National classes raced in 2006 can be found here. The trophies and prizes will be handed out during the RAAT Champions Day at Bira on January 6th, 2007.

Our congratulations to all the winners - well fought !

Pictures just in showing the layout and ground work ongoing at the new track in Saraburi can be found here.

The KAT announces that engine importers wishing to run their engines in 2007, must submit their engine homologation document to the KAT within 15 January, 2007.Failure to submit the homologation to the KAT will exclude the engine from running in 2007.

The 2007 Thailand National Championship Regulations are now complete and can be found here.

A couple of corrections to the KAT 2007 program. The first National Championship race has been changed to 25th of February, 2007 and the TAG Pro Junior weight limit will be 145 kg.

An error had snuck into the organizers Champions List for the Trulli Rok Junior class. This has now been corrected and is now as per below with Nanin Inpayung as the class Champion.

A complete list of all Champions, Runner Up's and 1st Runner Up's is here.

Our Congratulations to all the Champions !

A 2 hour Mini-Marathon "Thank You" Race has just been announced by SuperKart Thailand and Bira Circuit to be held on January 6th in connection with the Champions Day party to be held the same evening. ALL IS INVITED !

Additional details for the Mini Marathon can be found here in Thai and English.

Additional SuperKart 2007 details can be found here in Thai and English.

This brand new glossy Kart Racing Magazine is now fast approaching publishing for the first time here in Thailand. Anyone wishing to contribute with articles or place advertisement in the magazine should contact the www.kartracingguide.com or the editors asap:

Tom Yum Magazine, Media Reflex Co., Ltd.

486/79-80 Petchburi Soi 14

Ratchatevee Bangkok 10400

Tel: +66 [0] 2611 3213  x 25

Cell +66 [0] 7802 0645

Fax: +66 [0] 2611 3215

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSES IN 2007

1. SUPER CADET (YAMAHA)
Total weight 105 kg. Age from 8-12 years old

2. YAMAHA+YAMAHA SL
Total weight 130 kg. Age from 10 years old

3. TAG JUNIOR
Total weight 145 kg. Age from 12 -16 years old

4. CLUBMAN
Total weight 165 kg. Age from 35 years old up

5. TAG MASTER
Age from 35 years old up

6. TAG PRO & INTERCON A
TAG PRO Age from 16 years old
INTERCON A Age from 14 years old

The National Championship 2006 have now been completed. The official points scoring for all classes can be found below. The champion is calculated as the best 6 out of seven races.

Total accumulation for all 7 races can be found here.

The best 6 out of 7 accumulation can be found here.

The qualifying, heat and race results for the weekends exiting races at Bira Circuit for the National Championship, Round 7 can be found here.

Shogun finished 25th in the Rotax Max Junior World Finals in Portugal.

After starting the 3rd heat from P1, Shogun experienced a rare start button problem (apparently it self engaged) and he was forced to DNF the heat. In the pre-final he is listed in 33 position, but are now all set for tomorrows final race. We hope Shogun has put the bad luck behind him and will storm through in the final. Additional pictures from Eikoms can be seen here, here, here, here and here .

It's on !

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND 7 AT BIRA !

The track is faster then ever and even the weather has been nice and chilly. Rumors have it that factory teams may be at Bira this weekend. Their reason for being here is at time of press unknown, could it be to scout out future Thai race aces for their factory teams ? You do not want to miss this superb final race of the season....

The KAT is announcing that after appeals were filed with the KAT/RAAT against the disqualification from kart 791 after National Round 6, the appeal has been accepted and kart 791 will have his points for winning the race reinstated. Although the crank shaft used was found to be illegal it was also found proven that several of these engines had been sold to unsuspecting customers. It would appear that the Comer factory should keep better track of its inventory. The rounded Komer crankshafts are now totally banned from all Komer races. Letters confirming the appeal can be found in Thai here and in English here.

In the first race heat (16/11) Shogun started from 2nd place and maintained his position till the end. In the 2nd heat he started from first place and finished the race on 7th. This should ensure him a nice starting position for the finals today. We will report as soon as we know the latest.

Reports are just in from Portugal, that Nanin Indra-Payoong (Shogun) qualified P2 for the finals of the Rotax Max Jr. grid. The field hosts the 72 best Junior Max karters in the world. The pole position was taken by an Italian pilot on the time 56.573, whereas Shoguns time was 56.579. The qualifier went on a wet track after an initial dry practice in Portugal. All fingers crossed for the Thai team's further progress through the finals.

Nanin Indra-Payoong (Shogun), will be representing Thailand in one of the World Class Kart Event. The 7th ROTAX MAX CHALLENGE GRAND FINALS 2006 which will take place in Viana do Castelo, PORTUGAL from 14th to 18th  November, 2006.  The ROTAX Grand Final will accompany the best 188 drivers from 46 countries and all 5 continents racing for victory in what is seen today as the biggest and most popular kart race series of the world. In the Junior MAX class, there will be 63 drivers from 37 countries, but only 4 countries from Asia which are Japan, Indonesia, India and Thailand, who will fight for the top podium places. TRULLI will provide 70 JT4 chassis in Junior max class for the initial year of their involvement in the ROTAX Grand Finals.

During the whole event both kart manufacturers will have a team of their best technicians to assist the drivers in helping to find the optimum chassis set-up for the Kartodromo Viana. We wish Shogun the best, luck and victory! 

The Karting Association of Thailand (KAT) is calling for tenders for the supply of tires for the 2007-2008 race season. The tender documents can be found below (Thai only).

The last race in the 2006 Toyota SuperKart series was completed with a superb event at Bira last weekend. The 6 race series saw a huge influx of young karters through the 2006 season. The organizers focus and support for Thailand's young and ambitious racers set an example to follow and promises well for the future of Thai motorsport.

The race organizer Khun Kitti, will for the 2007 series also be arranging the National Championship events, so look forward to a very exiting next year. The 2006 Toyota SuperKart points tally can be found here.

The final race of the 2006 season !

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND 7 AT BIRA !

The Thailand National Championship round 7 will be the last race for this exiting kart season. Originally planned for the Seacon Circuit in Bangkok, this event has now been moved to Bira as conditions at Seacon has become "too bumpy" for kart racing. The layout is expected to be similar to that of Round 6. Most class championship battles are by now settled, so this will be a race for fun, for glory of the day, for the season finale – so do come and enjoy this race weekend !

Weight restrictions for TAG Master/Novice can found here.
Letter for Round 7 from the KAT in English here.
Letter for Round 7 from the KAT in Thai here.
Event Schedule for Round 7 can be found here.

The points section after the Thailand National Championship Round 6 has now been updated and can be found here.

View a typical Thai race start on Video here. This one from Bira Circuit, National Championship Round 2 this year.

Video courtesy Michel Petrochenko

Expect low flyers at yet another sparkling event this coming weekend at Bira Circuit, where the SuperCar series coincides with the always exiting Toyota SuperKart series. More then 10 000 spectators was expected at Bira for the last event, so with the "good weather" season already upon us, expect a large turnout this weekend. The track layout is fast and sweeping with lap times around 50 seconds during early practice. See you at Bira !

Updated for everyone's information is the Komer K60 Fische for Asia that all engines should have been built to. All competitors should be advised that if they have a round crank for the W60/K60 they should remove it from their engines. This is not a standard item for the K or W engines. It is a performance modification and hence is illegal in our series as we do not allow any thing other than standard parts.

The Homologation document can be found here.

Phuket Gokart's has updated their website with a new and impressive design, featuring pictures and videos. The track boosts both hard surface and off road kart racing. Check out their new website here.

Johannes Tervo drove a blistering race last Sunday, storming up into the lead group of the hard fighting TAG Pro Junior class and competing for the lead. Suddenly though, Johannes disappeared from view - now we know why. Good fight Johannes and glad you walked away without a scratch ! Click on picture for larger view.

THE CZECH DRIVER FROM THE JOKA–ORION TEAM WINS THE MOST IMPORTANT CATEGORY OF THE VORTEX SINGLE BRAND. GREAT PERFORMANCE ALSO FROM SIMAS AND STEPHEN, WHO BOTH CLIMBED ON THE PODIUM IN THE JUNIOR AND SUPER ROK RESPECTIVELY.

Read all about the latest Birel news here.

SUPER KART THAILAND 2006 ROUND 6
4 - 5 NOVEMBER 2006, TIME 8.00 - 18.00 AT BIRA CIRCUIT PATTAYA
A letter from the organizers can be found here and Practice and Race program here

The Thailand National Championship Round 6 was contended by 71 karts and was completed in beautiful and sunny conditions. Points and pictures will be uploaded shortly. In the meantime all qualifying, heat and final results can be found here.

It is also announced that the gentleman who suffered a fit track side and was taken away from in the ambulance, was released from the hospital the same evening and is doing fine again.

Friday practice was off with a blistering pace. The late afternoon suddenly saw the temperature drop to 28 degrees Celsius, which again produced some awesome lap times. Jack did a 55.5 lap in TAG Pro, David a 56.4 in Clubman and Sandy a 56.3 in MiniMax to mention but a few of the many people practicing. We are looking forward to a nice and dry race weekend at Bira. Now come on up to Bira, all is welcome !

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND 6 AT BIRA !

The Thailand National Championship is on this coming weekend. Come on and join this race for an excellent and fairly technical race layout at the exiting Bira Circuit outside Pattaya. Remember though that only 95 Octane fuel from the Caltex gas station coming off from the motorway is approved for this race. Additional information for the race weekend can be found below. Expect a good turnout and very exiting races as the 2006 kart season draws close to its conclusion.

The organizers of the Thailand 24 Hour race is back on track with a 6 hour endurance race to be held at Bira Circuit on the 2-3 December.

Interested racers and teams can find additional information in Thai here, in English here and the registration form can be found here.

Top and Shogun joined the "Japan Rotax Max Festival", 2006 Celebration

Mizunami Lake Way (1.177 km) during October 6-8 was the venue of this event. It is considered one of the most challenging/famous kart track  in Japan, mainly due to its fast, hilly and twisty nature. The circuit accompanied around 150 karters over last weekend. 20 young energetic karters competed competitively in the junior class, of which most of them are top-gun in All Japan Championship. Friday free-practice was in wet condition from morning till late afternoon, however, official practice/racing on Saturday and Sunday went well in dry/windy atmosphere. Top qualified at 17th (47.487 sec), slightly down from expectation due to chassis problem while Shogun made it at 9th ( 47.083 sec/ pole position at 46.870). Top finished the final at 15th and Shogun at 13th. Another milestones in broadening the experiences for thai kids. View picture.

The Karting Association of Thailand (KAT) is pleased to announce the selection of Khun Poonpun Hiranvanichkul (Khun Deo) as the new incoming President starting from 2007.

Khun Deo is very well known both to the kart and car racing scene in Thailand and has been racing for many years. He takes an active and keen interest in the development of karting in Thailand and especially so for our many young kart racers.

We welcome Khun Deo as he now will start to take over the reigns of the KAT and look forward to both working and racing with our new President.

The next Thailand National Championship race is only a few weeks away and the KAT has just issued some very important information regarding the regulations for this race. The below letters is mandatory reading for everyone attending the race.

An outstanding event just completed at the KR circuit in Pattaya. Festival atmosphere was reported and the track was packed with racers, support crews and spectators. The race will be broadcast shortly on UBC Channel 36. The Points standing for the 2006 Toyota Superkart is now updated here.

Podium pictures can be found here and individual racers placing, qualifying, heat and final results can be found here

Vasin Sritrai wins the Yamaha Birel One Make Class !

XF racing announces the winner of the class and Vasin now gets to go to Japan to compete further in the All Japanese Series at the Mobara Circuit.

Read all about the latest Birel news here.

Once again Tin Sritrai, Thailand elite karter, will race in the ICA class for Birel Pacific Motorsport team in this top event of the karting season. Tin Tin will use the newest development Birel R31 with Tm engine and Vega tires for the event. During the last trials held on the French track, Birel teams were positively impressed by the efficiency of the last technical developments. This promises to be a high profile event and once again, Birel’s drivers will play a major part. We wish him well and a good race finish.

Bira Circuit announcement

Bira Circuit announces that now with the new control tower completed they are ready for the FIA CIK inspection scheduled for October. With the expected FIA CIK stamp of approval the Bira Circuit is all set to host international and CIK sanctioned race events at the beautiful circuit outside Pattaya.
The lines for the next National Championship are now up and will be the same as was used for the 24 Hour race, but in the opposite direction. Expect lap times around 55 seconds for the faster classes.

Rotax Max clarifications and promotions 2006

Due to rumors circulated lately and to inform its customers Rotax Thailand has published an open letter clarifying the current situation and further to promote the Rotax Max advantage for 2006 and beyond.

The open letter can be found here.

SUPER KART THAILAND 2006 ROUND 5
30 SEPTEMBER – 1 OCTOBER 2006, TIME 8.00 - 18.00
AT KR GOKART PATTAYA

Hmmmm, not quite sure who does what to whom here, but it does look like a bit close contact to me.. Click on thumbnail to view larger picture.

The KAT announces that for future National Championship races all fuel to be used for qualifying and races will be controlled. Fuel will be supplied on the track and calibrated against the electronic fuel testers. Any additives is then readily detected and will not be accepted. This will enable quick and easy fuel testing for all classes and ensure fair and proper racing. More information on this later.

The Points standing for the 2006 Toyota Superkart is now updated here.

Some additional podium pictures from last weekends race can be found here.

Several of Thailands leading junior drivers were today invited to test drive one of the BMW team's Formula BMW cars at Bira Circuit. Every single one of them came out after their test drives with a huge grin on their face. The testing was courtesy the BMW team and the hard work of Bira Circuit's Peter Klein. More pictures can be found here.

The race results from yesterday's SuperKart races can be found here.

Race report and points section will be updated shortly.

Another fantastic SuperKart Thailand race event has just been completed in warm, sunny and exiting conditions at the Bira Circuit. The long but very technical track set up demanded the most of the racers and allowed the aces to shine.On the left is Ninja on his way to a commanding victory in the Rok Junior Class. The race report and pictures is being sent from the organizers and will be updated shortly.

Another large national event at Bira, with a total of 84 racers this time. The event unfortunately became marred with fuel controversies as the KAT started full scale fuel testing. Many fuel samples were found suspect or unacceptable, yet due to the variations accepted from various fuel suppliers, no action was taken.The fuel supplies will now be calibrated and strict fuel testing should be expected.
The race and qualifying results can be found here
The updated 2006 points section can be found here

Next weekend will host the 5th Round of the Thai National Kart Championship. The venue is again our favorite Bira Circuit and the layout will be the same as was used for Round 3. Expect lap times on race day in the range 47 to 50 seconds, although practice times with little rubber down has been well above 50 seconds. The KAT is looking forward to a large event as the karting scene in Thailand is fats developing to its largest and most active level ever. See you at the track !

Pictures from last weekends 2006 SuperKart Round 3 can be found here.

Unfortunately no podium pictures due to battery problems in our eminent camera.

Thai Juniors Tonado, Top and Shogun, bannered up Thai Flags in Suzuka over last weekend. They joined the All Japan Championship/Rotax Max Challenge 2006. More than 200 Japan first-class karters in total, and 33 karters raced in Junior class. Both Top and Shogun did a fantastic job. Top qualified 19th, prefinal at 26th and finished the final at 12th, while Shogun qualified at 13th, prefinal at 10th and finished the final at 7th. details of the race results can be found here. Pictures from Japan can be found here.

Fsport are urgently seeking photographs of team 19 at the Thailand 24hr endurance race last July. In particular, there was a photographer that posted photographs just outside 'race control' at the end of the race. The team took the contact details (and lost them). Also; anyone with video footage including team 19 and coverage (however small) of the children who were gathered at the 1st corner after the start straight. We will pay for any usable photos and film.
We are attempting to put together a DVD for the children's charity to raise further donations. Please contact Ian Donaldson on; ian1208@yahoo.com

Another superb race weekend at Bira with a total of 83 karts competing in the blistering heat. The combination of the fast developing Bira Circuit and Khun Kitti's excellent race management makes the SuperKart series a truly exiting and entertaining race format. Again, it was the exhilarating and large Comer classes that provided both exiting and thrilling races with numerous overtaking's. The race results can be found here, the points section, pictures and report will be updated somewhat delayed this time, due to a trip abroad for the kartthai.com staff.

All is set for another magical race weekend at Bira with the SuperKart race. The layout is very fast and all but one corner is sweepers. Grandstands, tents and hospitality grounds are now coming up so expect yet another fun weekend combining both intense on track racing and fun events off track. Judging by the number of karts practicing last weekend, it is likely this again could be a record event. Have a good race and fun weekend !

The next National Championship race will again be held at the Bira track on August 19-20, 2006. News letter from the KAT can be found below, detailing qualifying format, tires, etc. It is also announced that full fuel testing will finally be applied for this race and a special focus will be on scruteneering for the Komer class.

The 2006 Rotax Max Challenge points have now been updated for the four first races of the season and can be found here.

Birel announces that 6 times World Karting Champion Mike Wilson will be joining the Birel management team.

Prawina Stewart announces that she is now the appointed distributor in Thailand for Comer Italy. The new distributor promises good discounts and a special focus on supporting Thailands young Comer class. Contact here for additional details.

XF Racing Co., Ltd is now appointed by IAME S.p.a as the authorized/sole distributor of IAME in Thailand. XF Racing Co., Ltd. will offer engines, parts and services for both Parilla and Komet engines. The good news is from now XF Racing will have full stock of parts and also give out the limited manufacturer warranty for 6 months on every engine that is purchase from XF Racing Co., Ltd.  XF Racing Co., Ltd. has sent technicians to Italy to attend training in technical practice for IAME engine. This will ensure the proper maintenance and make sure that engines will perform at their highest standard.
For additional information about Parilla engines and services please feel free to contact XF Racing Co., Ltd. at 01 659 7730 (khun M)

The Superkart Thailand 2006 race organizer K. C. Kart Thailand (TYKE Cup) has updated the race program for the August 5-6 weekend's race. The practice, qualifying and race program can be found on the below link.

The next race will be the TYKE Cup race at the Bira Circuit on August 5 & 6. Important practice and race meeting information has been provided by the organizers below:

Team Kiwi Say Thanks, read their message here.

Pictures from the weekend's 4th National Championship round have now been updated and can be found here.

Points standing after today's 4th National Championship round in Klaeng, Rayong has been updated here. Pictures and race comments from the rather wet race meeting will be updated shortly.

Who was he, Thailand's until date only Formula 1 racer ? Read up on the Hall of Fame's Prince Bira, we have accumulated pictures, stories and a part of the life of the famous Prince. Prince Bira was once known for single handedly placing the country of Siam on the world map. In 1939 he was planning the first ever Formula 1 event to be held in Thailand. Read more and be fascinated by the man, the prince and the racer and his lifelong dedication to motorsport. >>here<<

Rumors has it that Thai ace driver Jack Lemvard is heading to Beijing for early testing for the Asian Formula Renault Championship next year. The Formula Renault is beside the F3 series arguably the best entry level to Formula 1. Knowing Jack he will not leave a single chicane uncut on his way up the formula ladder. We will keep you posted on Jack's progress. With an increasing number of Thai drivers making their mark internationally, it will only be a question of time before Thailand again will have a racer in Formula 1. Just you wait and see...

The CIK-FIA will take advantage of the introduction on 1st January 2007 of the new generation of so-called “long life” 125 cc engines to rename its Karting categories, in order for the public at large to have better understanding of their hierarchy. The future 125cc direct drive kart categories will be known as KF1, KF2, KF3 and KF4. Read the full CIK document here.

Fsport would like to congratulate all the teams that made it to the finish. We were astounded at the speed of some drivers and teams. The camaraderie, and welcoming help from the Thai people who endeavored to make our charity entry a huge success. Fsport have raised over 1.4 million Baht for our charities in Thailand. Thank you! Click on picture for large view.

Below you can find links to the race program for the coming National Championship race in Klaeng, Rayong. Also read up on the latest announcement from the KAT regarding tire regulations.

Race program/schedule can be found here
KAT tire regulation announcement in Thai here
KAT tire regulation announcement in English here

Less than 2 weeks to go for the next National Championship race, this time it is the Klaeng Circuit in the middle of Thailand's Orchid gardens, Rayong. The circuit is relatively long, winding and fairly technical. Great resort hotels, like the Novotel and many others promises for a pleasant Rayong holiday for the "support" crew as well. Check here for more location information.

Tired, wet and with some aches here and there, but the race is completed and all teams finished the somewhat challenging Thailand 24 Hour race. Pictures and comments can be found here.

2006 Rotax Max Challenge Points

The Rotax max Challenge points section has been updated with the round 3 scores and can be found here.

Team MAI is a Thai configured team sponsored by the MAI (Market for Alternative Investment). This is the Thailand center for investment and listing in small to medium sized companies and offers great investment possibilities in the countries booming industries. The MAI is a keen motorsport sponsor and only a few weeks ago were one of the main sponsors for the Bang Saen Street Race. You can find more information on good Thai investments at www.mai.or.th or read up on the team here.

The latest event schedule/program is now just out and can be seen here

A list of participating teams can be found here

The first 16 or so, very international teams, were seen practicing at Bira yesterday. The large 4 stroke karts were thundering around the track which was set up in in a fairly fast lay out. Teams from all around the world had already arrived in Thailand and the pit lane definitely had a more international flair to it then it normally does. The next on the program will be the scheduled practice and team qualifying to be held this Thursday 29/6. Pick the team to cheer for, early favorites could maybe be the all superstar girl team ?

The five man F'sport team is made up of experienced (but mature) racers from Scotland. They have raised for charities to date £5,000 (350,000 bht) and expect much, much more. 150 children from the orphanage and Camillian centre are coming to watch the race as their guests over the race weekend. They are also entertaining some of the kids at the Elephant and Buffalo show! The F'sport team would like to wish all competitors a competitive race and the best of luck, Scottish style! If anyone would like to see a profile of the race team or contribute to the charity, they can visit www.fsportkarting.com

Multiple Thai National Kart Champion Thomas Raldorf blasted through the rainy Bira track to take Victory in the Toyota Vios One Make Race this last weekend. Thomas brought on his experience from years in karting to find the quickest (and grippiest) line around the track to beat "unbeatable" fellow karter Jack Lemvard to the finish. Read more about Thomas at his website here.

Follow the exiting race weekend at the SuperCar Thailand website here, featuring presentations and results for the saloon car racing in Thailand.

TV coverage from the Bang Saen street race will be on Channel 11 on the 17th of June at 17:30.

Interested in racing the 2006 Macau Kart Grand Prix? The organizers are preparing for this years event and additional information and contact details can be found here on the Kartsport New Zealand's excellent website.

Photo Credit: Mikko Nassi/Shootmoto.com

The Bang Saen street race turned into a hugely successful event, with TV crews, politicians, racers and spectators in a very well organized festival like event in honor of the Kings 60th year accession celebration. The racing was incredibly strong and very exiting and with the beautiful scenery of Bang Saen as a backdrop, this was a truly fantastic and one of a kind event. Just like in the "big brother" Monte Carlo, it was all about shaving the barriers on this tight and winding track. All honors to Khun Kitti for not just organizing such a large event, but even for coming up with such a superb idea. Now we just hope this can be a yearly event, that should really make 2007 something to look forward to !

Thailand is all set to host a number of international race events in June, from the hugely anticipated Bang Saen kart street race, to the very popular SuperCar Thailand race series, to conclude the month with the very international and star studded Thailand 24 Hour kart endurance race event.

Important changes and updates are just out from the race organizers, if you are taking part, make sure you read the information.

The Swedish prince Carl Philip just attended a kart race in Sweden and in spite of the above slight "outing" eventually went on to finish 7th in the race final.

The story is making its rounds in Scandinavian papers and can be seen here.

Thai kart ace Tin Sritrai has already been in Japan for several days, testing and preparing for the coming weekends World Cup. Racing with full support from the very professional Birel factory team, Tin-Tin has got it all to win now.

The attendance list for both the Formula A and the ICA reads a veritable who's-who in the world of kart racing. Our roving reporter Khun F is on a flight to Japan right now and has promised to keep us up to date with fresh reports from the battle.

Fingers crossed and best of luck Tin-Tin ! Read the full Birel report here.

Photo Credit: Mikko Nassi/Shootmoto.com

Due to the enormous interest for the street race from both local and international karters, the organizers is setting up one additional class. The new class will be a TAG Pro/165 kg based class and again open only to 10 drivers. If you are amongst the many keen on racing in this extraordinary event, you do not want to waste many nanoseconds before contacting Khun kitti with your application form.

The Bang Saen street race organizer announces that there are no more "special price" offer for tires for the race. Tires are though still available at the normal price. Below are further information relating to the two events:

Finally, a lifetime in the waiting and here it is: Thailand's first kart street race in modern times is only a little over 3 weeks away on the 10-11 of June, 2006. In celebration of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne 60 years ago, the beach front tourist mekka Saensook Municipality, Bang Saen in cooperation with KC Kart Thailand is putting on this awesome event. The event is expected to draw over 20 000 spectators along the beach road circuit.

There will be only 5 classes and each class will be limited to 10 karts, so if YOU want to take part you better hurry and contact Khun Kitti with your application form at email kc_kart@hotmail.com. Additional event details and promotions, including free hotel rooms can be found here.

Rumors has it that a Thai driver has been selected to test drive for the all winning Birel Factory Team. Apparently final testing will be held in Japan shortly before selection for the team. Birel factory drivers has won just about every major event in Europe this year and is considered "the" place to be for advancement in the sport and further up the ranking to Formula classes. More on this as we learn about it.....

Following misunderstandings in the last weekends race, where a karter found himself DQ'd due to carburetor mix-ups, Rotax Max Thailand clarifies as follows:

The following 2 combinations of floats and idle jets are legal:
Floats marked with "gr 5.2" and idle jet stamped "30" and idle jet insert stamped "30".
or
Floats marked with "gr 3.6 " and idle jet stamped "60" and idle jet insert stamped "60".

Any other combination or mix is not allowed and will lead to disqualification.

If you are in doubt of your carburetor, check with Rotax Max Thailand, contact info here.

IMPORTANT: Please note that the third round of the 2006 Toyota Youth Kart Challenge Cup has been postponed to the 6th of August. This as not to coincide with the M.A.I. Bangsaen Superkart street race.

Please note that the Bira Circuit will be closed from this week until completion of resurfacing and upgrades. The track is expected back in service from early June. We will keep you updated on the progress

You may find additional information on the Bira website here.

Today's race was a repeat of yesterdays qualy, with dry morning and heavy rain in the afternoon. The many exiting races saw amongst other a Finnish invasion of the TAG Master class, with no less then 3 Fins on the top of the podium. A total of 71 karts attended the event.

Race pictures can be found here and the updated points section here.

Today's qualifying for the 3rd round of the Thailand National Championship was an all wet affair, as the skies opened for a real shower just before qualifying started. When the Komer's went on track as the first qualifiers, there were still so much water on the track that the engines kept stalling in the worst flooded areas. Godsend for some, disaster for others, tomorrow promises for mixed up grids and an exiting race day. Stay tuned...

The points for the TYKE Cup, second round has just been updated and can be found here.

More Bira racing ! The next National Championship race is this coming weekend. This time the new Bira track will be raced in reverse, so again a completely new track for everyone to race at. As usual expect a long track, but the fast sweeping nature of the track should again allow for fascinating racing with good overtaking opportunities. All is welcome to race at this wonderful venue. If you are new to kart racing in Thailand, you should know that all race registrations can be made on track before the qualifying on Saturday. For more Bira Circuit information check the Bira web site here.

If you race in the Rotax MiniMax or Rotax Junior class you could win a trip to Japan.

The 2006 Rotax Max Challenge points have now been updated for the two first races of the season and can be found here.

Several very nice new drivers websites are now up, keep them coming. This makes for good exposure both for drivers and sponsors alike.

Check out these cool web sites:

Siraphop Viwattanateepa (Benz) - Yamaha

Sandy Nicholas Stuvik - Rotax MiniMax

Thomas Raldorf - Clubman

The Bira Circuit has just informed us that they will postpone resurfacing the track until after the next National Championship round on May 13-14. This in order to allow enough time for the pre race practice, which now will be open every day until the race weekend. You are welcome to practice from dusk till dawn, every day !

The 2nd round of the Italian Open Championship once again confirmed Birel’s position at the top of every category. The event was sponsored by the Italian Karting Federation and is in all likelihood the most important bench test for outlining the participants’ skills in view of....

Read all about the latest Birel news here.

On Saturday night, it was raining; thus, we began the warm up lap with rain tires. Shogun posted the 2nd best time. In Japan, there are only 2 heats; Pre-final and Final. The minimum weight was 128 kg for Mini Max and Steve’s weight was perfect about 1-2 kg above minimum....

Read the race report and see the pictures from Japan here.

The next National Race is fast coming up, only a little over 2 weeks to go. Again we are going to be blasting around the super fast new Bira Circuit.

An official letter for Round 3 has just been issued by the KAT. The Thai version can be found here and the English version here.

First update is just back from the Thai drivers over in Japan at the Kota Circuit for the Japanese Rotax Max race. At a refreshing temperature of just 11º C. Nanin and Steve posted MiniMax times of 49.5 and 50.2 respectively on the 1085 meter long fast sweeping track. The Thai team boasts of superb food and seems to be enjoying themselves tremendously. Pictures from today's activities can be seen here.

The new Technical Regulations for the Toyota Youth Kart Challenge Cup, is now out in English and can be found here.

New Technical Regulations for the Toyota Youth Kart Challenge Cup, in Thai, has been published by the organizers of this race series. The Regulations can be found here.

She was wet, hot and challenging as always, but with her new lines for the upcoming second round of the TYKE Challenge Cup on 30 April, the Bira Circuit certainly has something for everyone. The new race configuration is extremely fast and with the exception of just one corner, you will find yourself fast flowing from one sweeping corner to another one - never letting go of the gas. Awesome! TAG Pro Jr posted times of 47.87 and Clubman/TAG Pro in the mid 47 second bracket.

The kartthai.com will be down for the next couple of days, while the webeditor goes of here to play with these little babies. Report to follow, see you soon!

The second winner of a sponsored trip to race at the famous Koda track in Japan was Nanin (kart 277). All YOU need to do to qualify for a professional race meeting with the Asian elite in Japan is to race in the National Championship in either the Rotax Max MiniMax class or Rotax Pro Jr. class and you are automatically in the draw for this fantastic, chance of a life time trip.

Please note that the second round of the 2006 Toyota Youth Kart Challenge Cup has been moved to the 30th of April and will be held at Bira Circuit.

At 43 degrees Celsius the second round of the National Championship in Khorat last weekend turned out to be quite an endurance race. Enough liquid to dry out a medium sized lake was consumed, but when the dust finally settled this turned out to be a great event. 78 karts were present, a new record for this northern track. The new Green Vega's turned out to be very fast for some and challenging for others. The points section has been updated here, but is temporary pending protests. Pictures from the races can be found here.

One of the many teams confirmed for the Thailand 24 Hour race in June/July will be racing for charity. The team, traveling down from the UK, is racing funds in support of the Camillian Centre and the Pattaya Childrens Orphanage and have raised over 200,000 bht for these good causes. They are seeking more contributions and asks everyone to visit their web site www.justgiving.com/thailand24hr to learn more about their venture. The team will also contribute their prize money and prizes for the same charity.

The Pizza Company sponsored James Grunwell made an impressive start to the Formula BMW championship at Sepang this weekend. Qualifying on pole position for one race and on second for the other, he secured a second place and sixth and is now third overall in the Asian championship.

Click here for more information.

Just one week left before one of the best races on the Thai kart-race calendar. There are still rooms available at some of the hotels so make sure you get your booking in asap. There will still be more hotels available in Khorat City, but it is then a 30 minute drive to the circuit.

Click here for more information.

The Thailand 24 Hour race, 29th June to 2nd of July, is set to be one of the largest international events ever held in Thailand. Numerous teams from all over the world has already confirmed their participation for this endurance race. Each team will consist of a group of 5 to 8 drivers.

Lots of prices up for grabs and $ 12 000 cash for the winning team !

Click here for more information or to register.

It is on again ! The Monte Carlo of Thailand race: Khorat. The next race on the schedule is the Thailand National Championship, second round at the Sathorn Circuit in Khorat. This is one of the races where the whole family can enjoy a wonderful weekend in this gateway city to the great Isaan. High on the Isaan plains this race track is a thrill to race and a definite drivers circuit. One of the fastest sweeping corners on the calendar comes immediately after the long strait and is known to reward the daring driver. This comes before the track again disappears out into the pineapple fields. Don't miss it!

See you in Khorat !

Click here for location /track info. Khorat Hotels (near Sathorn Circuit):

Updated information about the Koda Track in Japan, where some fast and some lucky Rotax Max MiniMax and Junior drivers will get to go on a trip sponsored by the Rotax Max distributor in Thailand. Sponsored trips are also on hand to Italy and to the World Championships.

Click here for more information, pictures and links.

Last weekends 2006 Toyota Youth Kart Challenge Cup points and results has been updated and can be found here.

Pictures from the RAAT Champions Day and Gala at Motorsportland 27 February, 2006 has been updated and can be seen here.

Intercon A Thailand Champion, Tin Sritrai and Tag Pro Thailand Champion, Parut Penpayap received the illustrious Crown Prince's Trophy.

A total of 77 karts were on hand for the many races at Bira circuit today. Hot and sunny the challenge lay almost as much in the temperature as in the other competitors, definitely favoring the fittest. Again the children classes saw pleasantly many entries, promising well for the future of Thai karting and motorsport. Yet again a very well organized event and a pleasant race at the new Bira Circuit. Pictures from today's races can be found here. Race results will be updated as soon as received from the organizers.

TV broadcast times for all of the 2006 Toyota Youth Kart Challenge Cup races can be found here. Every race is broadcast on UBC Channel 36, Asian Multisport with 3 x 1 hour programming for each race event.

The season defining European Winter Cup has just been raced in Lonato, Italy and the Birel drivers won all classes (JICA, ICA and FA) in a show of total domination. Read more about the Birel News here.

Contact information to the Birel dealer in Thailand can be found here and Birel international here.

The KAT is pleased to announce that the Royal Palace has allowed The Crown Prince's Trophy for the winners of the Clubman and TAG Master class in 2006.

The English Sporting regulations has now been completed and can be found here (bear in mind that this is a translated document and the Thai edition here has precedence).

Kart 189 (Clubman) has been excluded for 3 months for rough driving.

Judging by the huge amounts of karts practicing at Bira last week the coming weekends Toyota SuperKart Challenge could be another record event. The organizer, Khun Kitti, is known for organizing excellent racing events with fantastic prizes. The Bira Circuit has been fully geared for this weekends race in anticipation of a large crowd of both racers and spectators. Now, off to race city Pattaya !

Individual race times, lap charts and results from the last race are as always updated on My Laps.com. The Thailand National Championship, Round 1 will be broadcast nationwide on UBC at the following times:

UBC SuperSport Action (Channel 36) - Kart Thailand Championship 2006
11:30	18/ 02/ 2006
02:00	19/ 02/ 2006
17:30	19/ 02/ 2006

The official web site of the Bira Circuit has been updated and their new and exiting information can be seen here.

The first race of the 2006 Toyota Youth Kart Experience is coming up next at Bira Circuit. Scheduled for the 25 - 26 of February, the Saturday Practice and Sunday Race Schedule can be found here.

The National Championship points section has been updated with race results from Bira and can be found here. All results are temporary until confirmed by the KAT/RAAT. Due to translations, some names may be misspelled (which we regret), if so please email us the correct english spelling together with class and kart number.

James Grunwell is to race under a scholarship in the 2006 Formula BMW. James' press release can be seen here and his website/blog can be seen here.

Hot! Fast! Intense! Que words for this weekends first National Race at Bira Circuit. 107 kart racers were at Bira this weekend together with a large number of onlookers, continuous UBC TV coverage and celebrities. The KAT, RAAT and the new Bira Circuit proved their full capability in handling a large scale karting event. The many and large classes catered something for everyone and the trophies at the end of the day marked the sweet victory for the fastest contenders. Pictures can be found here, results are being prepared and will be updated shortly.

The first official practice day on the brand new Bira Circuit and only 3 days to go for the first National Championship race of the 2006 season. The circuit was absolutely awesome to drive, smooth and as always extremely challenging with its fast sweeping corners. Laptimes started early in the day well above a minute for the faster classes and by the end of the day even MiniMax karts were down to mid 59 second lap times. The freshly painted kerbs and landscaping really contributes in making the CIK-FIA approved track both safe and very nice looking. Only 3 days to the first race of the season, now off to Pattaya for the races !

Preparations at the Bira Track is now going on at 24 hour basis to have the track ready for the first National championship. We have though just been informed that the track will only be available for practice as of the 2nd of February to allow ample time for the fresh kerb side paint to dry.

KAT Hall of Fame

Who on the Thailand National kart race grid has raced with F1 greats like Nicky Lauda, Jackie Stewart, James Hunt, Piers Courage, Frank Williams, Jochen Mass to mention but a few ?

Check here to read the amazing story of Eddie Jacobsson's racing career.

2006 Children Classes

This year there will be 4 children classes to choose from in National races:

Yamaha Update

Birel announces that engineers from Yamaha Japan will be at the Seacon Track in Bangkok this coming Saturday until Tuesday (28-31/1-06) to assist with checking and tuning of Yamaha engines. It is possible that Yamaha engines will be sealed this year and if so this can also be done at Seacon. So, if you are racing in Yamaha this year, you should take you and your engine to Seacon. For additional information you can contact XF Racing on 02 6301700

Site Update

The used kart section has been updated with many new offers, including a Presidential kart! If you are looking to buy a used kart, hurry before the season starts and they are all gone! Check here for many great offers.

BIREL AMONG CLASS’S 100 MASTERPIECES

Every year, the prestigious Italian monthly Class publishes a special issue on the 100 products and services that have distinguished themselves by their technology, innovation and design. For the first time the 2005 edition will include, besides such glamorous products and names as Ferrari, BMW, famous airlines, banks and dreamlike hotels, also a kart: the Birel M32-ST world champion with Francesco Laudato. ...read more.

Champions Day

Pictures from yesterdays Champions Day event at Yes-Indeed in Bangkok has been updated and can be found in the pictures section here.

Practice and pit Booking for the National Race, 4-5 February

The track will open for practice on 1st Feb 06. Rental of storage containers and tents will also be available on the same day. For more information or advance reservation please contact Patt on 01-242-5318.

New Bira tested !

The new Bira track was thoroughly tested by a number of teams today. After resurfacing the track is enormously fun to race and very smooth. Although a little slippery still, the track is now on schedule for completion for the next National race.

Pictures from the track today can be found in the pictures section here.

2006 Schedule changes - Important !

As lightning from clear skies, we have just been informed of a major change to this years schedule. The Rotax Max Challenge will be merged into the National Championship and be run on the same dates/venues. Consequently you may need to update your racing plans again. The Rotax Thailand web site details how the Rotax Max classes now will be run.

The updated Racing Schedule can be found here.

2006 Technical Regulations

The KAT has just published the complete 2006 Technical Regulations for the Thai National Championship. Translation is now underway and an English version should be available shortly.

2006 Technical Regulations, Thai version can be found here.

2006 Regulations

The KAT has just published the 2006 race/class regulations, with relevant information for all drivers and teams taking part in the Thai National Championship. Here is also a letter to all KAT members from the President of the KAT (Thai version) (English version).

2006 Regulations, Thai version can be found here.

2006 Regulations, English version can be found here

2006 Yamaha Class - News

Birel will in cooperation with Yamaha Japan be flying in professional Yamaha mechanics from Japan to help oversee both set-up of engines and to ensure proper post race scruteneering of this class. It is emphasizes that only 100% original Yamaha engines, without any retro/un-original parts will be allowed. It is further announced that the Yamaha this year can be fitted with a new adjustable timing system. This can be mounted on old engines at a limited cost. The objective is to make the Yamaha class a fair and challenging series for Thailands young drivers. For further information contact XF Racing on 02 6301700.

Birel 2006 Promotion - Free Japan Race, Frames and engines

Birel has just launched their 2006 campaign with a promotion that could take a young driver all the way to F1. Introducing the Birel TIA "one-make-race" which will be run together with the National Yamaha class, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed drivers with these frames stand to win incredible offers. Starting with an all paid Japan Yamaha SSS race, which could take you all the way to the Toyota Youth Development program and Toyota F1 testing! For details of the Birel 2006 offer check here. For additional information about the Birel TIA frame click here.

Pond takes second in Macao 2005 GP

Suwapak "Pond" Koutong secured 2nd place in the ICA final in Macao GP. What must have been one of the best international achievements of the Thai racers in 2005, Pond secured the place after being in the lead group throughout the race week. Pond was only beaten in this race by Kris Haase, son of the Haase Kart founder and former World Champion Jorn Haase. Congratulations to another one of Thailands "Stars of Tomorrow". A larger podium picture can be found here.

G-Tec 2006 Promotion - Free kart frames

G-Tec announces that the highest placed driver in the National Championships 06 using a G-Tec chassis will receive a new complete chassis. There will be 2 categories, the first will fall into junior and will cover the 3 new junior classes and the comer class and the second category will be senior which will basically cover all other classes. At the end of the 06 season we should have two winners both of which will receive a chassis.

kartthai.com renovation

As you will have noticed we have revamped the site, to try to make it somewhat more organized and easy to maneuver. All previous links can now be found in the Site Map window. Another new feature will be the Driver Info section, available to all registered KAT drivers. Send us your info. We hope this site is of service to you and should you have any questions, comments, or heaven forbid, complaints please email us here.

Italkart 2006 Promotion - Free Macao race weekend

Italkart has just released their 2006 promotion, offering an all paid Macao Kart Grand Prix race package for 3 drivers racing on Italkart chassis in the Thai National Championship.

Additional promotion details can be found here.

Site Update

The tentative 2006 race series/classes has been updated and can be found here. Final list will be presented after the Champions Day.

Used karts section has been updated here.

The next race National Championship 1 at New Bira 4-5 Feb. 06

The first race of the 2006 season will be the National Championship Race to be held at the brand new Bira Cirquit. The track owner is doing a fantastic job in turning this track into on of Asia's premier CIK-FIA approved kart tracks. The layout will be as was tested a few weeks ago, in an approx. 1330 meter configuration which saw times down towards the 60 second mark for the fastest kart classes. Click here for larger map.

2006 Thailand National Championship Program

Updated information from the Karting Association of Thailand is now available. 2006 regulations will be presented at the Champions Day.

Thai version can be found here.

English version can be found here.

2006 Rotax Max Challenge Program

Updated information and 2006 offers for the upcoming Rotax Max Challenge series can be found at www.rotax-thailand.com

Many new prospects and opportunities for sponsored races in both Italy and Japan, as well as tempting old engine trade-in offers. Check it out!

2006 Toyota Youth SuperKart Challenge Program

Updated information from the organizer, Khun Kitti is now available. Possibilities for sponsored races in Italy for the winners.

Thai version can be found here.

English version can be found here.

2005 Champions Parade

RAAT CHAMPIONS' DAY
This is your invitation to the presentation of all 2005 Champions and runner up's who will receive their trophies during the RAAT gala, called Champions Day. The Champions Day will be on January 17th (Tuesday) from 18.00 pm onwards and price giving will be from 18.45 pm (sharp) at YES IN DEED Pub and Restaurant at Kaseat Nawamintr Road in Bangkok.All drivers are invited we have reserved 250 seats for Karts. FREE FOOD / DRINK !