Newin Now Constructing Buriram Circuit

[webfact]

Newin now constructing Buriram Circuit
Kanittha Pantong
The Nation



Costing at least Bt2 billion, the German-designed project will stage top world racing events and include an auto test centre

BURIRAM: -- Throughout his political career, Newin Chidchob has been able to make headlines.

Now, the president of Buriram United is in the headlines once again, this time after announcing the construction of the Buriram International Circuit, which will cost at least Bt2 billion.

However, interest in this project does not lie only with the construction of the circuit. During a press conference held at the i-Mobile Thunder Castle stadium belonging to Buriram United, Newin announced that the complex would not only serve motor racing purposes, but would also include an auto and auto-parts testing centre.

"If I build only the circuit, it will cater only to motorsports. But Thailand is known as the 'Detroit of Asia' and is the centre for automobile as well as auto-parts production in this region. I can visualise the opportunity of building a testing centre along with this circuit," he said.

"Each year automobile and auto-parts companies spend a great deal of money sending their products for testing to Japan and many other countries. I think it's time that I use this opportunity to make it happen in Thailand as we prepare for the AEC (Asean Economic Community) that will take off in the near future," he added.

According to Newin, the exact amount of investment is still unknown, but it would cost at least Bt2 billion since it has to include various systems and technologies needed for automotive testing.

"If we have to invest in construction of a wind tunnel, testing tracks and laboratories, I will do it in order to have the equipment necessary for complete testing. However, the total budget may not reach Bt10 billion because today advancements mean that they may not have to be as costly as in the past - it depends on management. In the meantime, our working group must study how far we can go, and whether the project is worth the investment. But what we see today is that it is worthwhile and we will have foreign partners who will be responsible for 40 per cent of the total investment, while the rest will come from our family and partners in Thailand. We are confident of reaching the break-even point within five years of the official opening," Newin revealed.

The automotive testing centre will be built alongside the circuit.The project is expected to be completed in less than two years from now.

"The investment is targeted at turning Buriram into the country's top 5 tourist and sports destinations that is able to attract both local and foreign tourists," he added.

Important racing events will be staged at the circuit, and Buriram - as well as Thailand - is expected to get a considerable boost within the first five years. Newin said that as many as 1 million people are expected to visit and use the Buriram circuit.

"This will bring about as much as 300 per cent GDP growth for Buriram," he reckoned.

Newin said that apart from being a football fan, he is also a motorsport lover, especially motorcycle racing. However, there are no circuits in Thailand that are able to cater to world-class events, and this led him to decide to construct the new racing circuit.

Newin said he started talking with people who have knowledge in this area and searched for sponsors. He also contacted the world's No 1 circuit designer, Herman Tilke, who has designed many of the globe's top circuits, such as the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dabi, the Bahrain International Circuit and Spain's Catalunya Circuit.

"In terms of the circuit, the cost is approximately Bt2 billion [including Tilke's fee], which will come from sponsors and friends. The circuit will be built on a 796-rai plot of land behind the i-Mobile stadium. What I want to see most is for the Buriram International Circuit to become Asean's No 1 circuit that is certified by the FIA [Federation International de I'Automobile] and the FIM [Federation International de Motocyclisme], which are the governing bodies for automobile and motorcycle racing, and the main highlight is that spectators can see the whole circuit from the grandstand. The tickets must also be cheaper than other circuits in the world," he said, adding that the circuit will be capable of staging Moto GP, Superbike, Formula 3 or World Series events.

Newin expects that the circuit will be completed and ready for use by October 4 next year.

F1 NOT CONSIDERED

The Buriram United boss has made it clear that there are no plans to use this circuit for Fomula 1 racing "since it is not worthwhile". There are 40 Formula 1 circuits in the world, but only 19 are used each season, he pointed out.

"Although I think that when we do something we should go the fullest and even though I am crazy about F1, I am not stupid enough to organise the race because it is not worth the investment. I must also bear in mind my partners. For me, F1 is just something that Thais would want to see once in their lifetime. Another thing is that these days Formula 1 is adopting more and more street circuits, and large circuits are no longer required. So I will not invest in something that is not worth the investment.

"Meanwhile, the organisers of many events have approached us to use the circuit, but I have not given them any answers. I want the construction to be completed with FIA and FIM certification first before moving ahead with staging events," Newin clarified.

ONLY CIRCUIT IN THE WORLD WITH 100% VISIBLE TRACK

"The Buriram International Circuit will become the most complete racing circuit," project director Danaisiri Charnwittayarom said.

"We have already signed a contract for the design and development of the circuit, and have appointed the adviser for the construction. We chose Mr Tilke as he has vast experience in designing circuits for Formula 1 as well as Moto GP. He has designed more than 60 circuits around the world, 15 of which host Formula 1 races. One of our requirements is that you should be able to see the whole circuit from the grandstand," he said.

The Buriram Circuit will be the only circuit in Thailand to receive FIA Category 2 certification, which means that it will be able to host F3, GT1, GT2 and GT3 events. It is also expected to be approved by the FIM for staging Moto GP or Superbike World Championship events.

"We will continue to work with Tilke GmbH & Co in order to attract major events as much

as possible. In addition, the facility will be able to cater to the Thai auto industry, and in future we can serve the whole Asean auto industry by having an integrated testing service for automobiles, motorcycles and other products relating to the automobile sector," he said.

The Buriram Circuit has a track length of approximately 4 kilometres with 16 corners and is a modern high-speed circuit that is suitable for racing vehicles, Danaisiri said, adding that it has a capacity for 50,000 spectators.

While Buriram hadn't in the past been a major city for tourism or sports, serving only as a "pass-through" city, Newin has turned it into a major attraction, first with the football stadium and now moving on into motorsports and the auto industry.


-- The Nation 2013-03-08

[smutcakes]

Be interested where the finances for this are coming from in Thailand.

I hope he has done his contingencies on domestic market, as I cannot see people getting of an international flight and driving 6 hours to get to Buriram which has limited infrastructure as it is.

He would be better of building an airport as well- if he is serious about getting proper races their, or better still spend the 2 billion on better infrastructure of Buriram for the people he obviously loves so much:)

Hopefully this guy will eventually end up sharing a cell with Kamnan Poh the Silpa Archa family and alike.

[cardholder]

Be interested where the finances for this are coming from in Thailand.

I hope he has done his contingencies on domestic market, as I cannot see people getting of an international flight and driving 6 hours to get to Buriram which has limited infrastructure as it is.

He would be better of building an airport as well- if he is serious about getting proper races their, or better still spend the 2 billion on better infrastructure of Buriram for the people he obviously loves so much:)

Hopefully this guy will eventually end up sharing a cell with Kamnan Poh the Silpa Archa family and alike.

Don't worry smut, this guy has got his head screwed on.

Any particular reason why you would like to see him imprisoned ?

[Payboy]

Very soon coming to Buriram, King Power shopping plaza with a runway in the parking lot.

[EyesWideOpen]

Buriram....... It's not just for rice anymore.

[Pimay1]

I wonder if any of Newin's funds are a result of the 1.44 billion Baht rubber sapling scam?

[chainarong]

Nice if it happens, I emphasize happens.

[Katipo]

Putting aside the usual cynicism, Thailand needs more of these large development projects outside of Bangkok (as long as they don't screw over the environment). For too long has Thailand been a one city country.

[Thai at Heart]

Love the "f1" is a waste of time so i won't build it, forgetting of course, its buriram

[DocN]

Go Isan!

[Pimay1]

Go Isan!

You betcha.

[siampolee]

Smutcakes. post # 2

Be interested where the finances for this are coming from in Thailand.

Pimay has quoted a source, and of course let's not forget the ''advances'' that were forthcoming from the B.B.C. to Newin and his other fifteen mates in 1997.

[AlanL1275]

Now, what major airport is this near.

Surely it will convenient, as Impact Arena is.

[GrantSmith]

Got to give him some credit though, at least he didn't go sprouting the big 'H' word when describing his ambitious plan..

[hellodolly]

For the life of me I can not fathom the resistance to a project of this magnitude.

So what if you don't like Newin why punish Thailand for that.

Not only a sports attraction but a attraction for manufactures.

A win win for Thailand and as has been pointed out it won't be flooded out.

The attitude of some people just amazes me.

[dknslowly]

Finally!! A decent circuit is truly needed in Thailand. Motorsports are huge in Thailand (and growing) but there aren't enough decent tracks, especially ones that are large and well designed. My only disappointment will be the number of years it will take to get it to opening. One thing you do have to commend K. Newin on - he makes a plan and sticks to it provided the numbers stack up. He did it for football, I hope he does it for racing.

[alant]

Be interested where the finances for this are coming from in Thailand.

I hope he has done his contingencies on domestic market, as I cannot see people getting of an international flight and driving 6 hours to get to Buriram which has limited infrastructure as it is.

He would be better of building an airport as well- if he is serious about getting proper races their, or better still spend the 2 billion on better infrastructure of Buriram for the people he obviously loves so much:)

Hopefully this guy will eventually end up sharing a cell with Kamnan Poh the Silpa Archa family and alike.

looks like there is a runway included on the artist impression, it would not surprise me if this chap does this, very deep pockets.

[harrycallahan]

I see a drag strip. Top fuels crap all over circuit racing.

[ratcatcher]

Be interested where the finances for this are coming from in Thailand.

I hope he has done his contingencies on domestic market, as I cannot see people getting of an international flight and driving 6 hours to get to Buriram which has limited infrastructure as it is.

He would be better of building an airport as well- if he is serious about getting proper races their, or better still spend the 2 billion on better infrastructure of Buriram for the people he obviously loves so much:)

Hopefully this guy will eventually end up sharing a cell with Kamnan Poh the Silpa Archa family and alike.

looks like there is a runway included on the artist impression, it would not surprise me if this chap does this, very deep pockets.

Could be a runway for private aircraft OR a drag strip. (That's where dragsters race for the more Pattaya oriented members )

[harrycallahan]

A runway with adjacent grandstands at one end. Riiiiggghhhttt.........

And that building won't get in the way either.

[cambtek]

Looks like a good project to me if he can finance it. And so many middle class cambodians just across the border.

[cardholder]

Looks like a good project to me if he can finance it. And so many middle class cambodians just across the border.

They rarely get past the casinos

[Totster]

Be interested where the finances for this are coming from in Thailand.

I hope he has done his contingencies on domestic market, as I cannot see people getting of an international flight and driving 6 hours to get to Buriram which has limited infrastructure as it is.

He would be better of building an airport as well- if he is serious about getting proper races their, or better still spend the 2 billion on better infrastructure of Buriram for the people he obviously loves so much:)

Hopefully this guy will eventually end up sharing a cell with Kamnan Poh the Silpa Archa family and alike.

looks like there is a runway included on the artist impression, it would not surprise me if this chap does this, very deep pockets.

Could be a runway for private aircraft OR a drag strip. (That's where dragsters race for the more Pattaya oriented members )

Buriram already has an airport...

http://goo.gl/maps/Czqc7

totster

edit/ added link

Edited March 8, 2013 by Totster

[IMHO]

Here's my favorite pic of the new track:

Source: http://motortrivia.com/2013/motorsport-thai-001/217-buriram-circuit/buriram-international-circuit-2013.html

[NanLaew]

Be interested where the finances for this are coming from in Thailand.

I hope he has done his contingencies on domestic market, as I cannot see people getting of an international flight and driving 6 hours to get to Buriram which has limited infrastructure as it is.

He would be better of building an airport as well- if he is serious about getting proper races their, or better still spend the 2 billion on better infrastructure of Buriram for the people he obviously loves so much:)

Hopefully this guy will eventually end up sharing a cell with Kamnan Poh the Silpa Archa family and alike.

looks like there is a runway included on the artist impression, it would not surprise me if this chap does this, very deep pockets.

That isn't a runway. That is a 'quarter mile' straight way for drag racing and speed testing.

Buriram airport... now that would be an interesting solution.

[capt_canada42]

Be interested where the finances for this are coming from in Thailand.

I hope he has done his contingencies on domestic market, as I cannot see people getting of an international flight and driving 6 hours to get to Buriram which has limited infrastructure as it is.

He would be better of building an airport as well- if he is serious about getting proper races their, or better still spend the 2 billion on better infrastructure of Buriram for the people he obviously loves so much:)

Hopefully this guy will eventually end up sharing a cell with Kamnan Poh the Silpa Archa family and alike.

Man talk about bitter and rude what's your problem Smut or are you perfect, you know about the old saying people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones !!

Grow up !

[cardholder]

Be interested where the finances for this are coming from in Thailand.

I hope he has done his contingencies on domestic market, as I cannot see people getting of an international flight and driving 6 hours to get to Buriram which has limited infrastructure as it is.

He would be better of building an airport as well- if he is serious about getting proper races their, or better still spend the 2 billion on better infrastructure of Buriram for the people he obviously loves so much:)

Hopefully this guy will eventually end up sharing a cell with Kamnan Poh the Silpa Archa family and alike.

looks like there is a runway included on the artist impression, it would not surprise me if this chap does this, very deep pockets.

That isn't a runway. That is a 'quarter mile' straight way for drag racing and speed testing.

Buriram airport... now that would be an interesting solution.

.. as opposed to the one at Satuk ?

[DLock]

I actually like the idea and the fact that he has balls to do it.

Also like that he didn't use F1 as a reason...and his logic was pretty sound in my opinion.

Good Luck to him if he can pull it off.

[tragickingdom]

Newin is suffering from megalomania and nobody is asking where he got the money from. Let me guess it is something over which his mentor ordered the killing of hundreds.

[Rimmer]

A post in very poor taste has been removed also a number of quoted replies to it.

Please do NOT reply to such posts but use the report button