Thailand's first world-class racing circuit makes debut

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BURIRAM
Thailand's first world-class racing circuit makes debut
Phumpetch Roumjit
The Nation


Japanese Super GT cars roar past the grandstand at the Chang International Circuit at the weekend.

BANGKOK: -- A life-long dream of many motorsports fans in Thailand was fulfilled last weekend when Chang International Circuit (CIC), the first world-class racing track in the Kingdom, made its debut with the Japanese Super GT and wowed racing enthusiasts around the world.

A huge turnout defied the baking heat and humidity to witness a victory for Kazuki Nakajima and James Rossiter of Petronas Tom's RCF in the GT500. Kazuki Hoshino and Spain's Lucas Ordonez of Japanese NDDP Racing team took the GT300 honours.

The Thai-owned i-Mobile AAS team, helmed by Thai racer Vuttikorn Inthraphuvasak and Swiss driver Alexandre Imperatori, claimed the GT300 pole position in Saturday's qualifying but had to settle for seventh in the final race on Sunday after suffering an engine malfunction.

Behind the success of the CIC's debut was Tipco Asphalt, which was entrusted to lay the FIA Grade 1 racetrack. But the firm said the job was not easy.

Kasidis Chareancholwanich, director of the project, said the FIA Grade 1 track required a special ultra-smooth surface able to withstand the impact of high-performance cars while retaining grip to ensure safety at very high speeds.

This was the first time a Thai company had ever made an international racetrack, said Kasidis, adding that working with renowned race circuit designer Hermann Tilke was very challenging.

The success of CIC could be gauged by the presence of 130,000 spectators during the event.

Newin Chidchob, chairman of the CIC's advisory committee, said the circuit is of world class and passed the test conducted by the Japanese Super GT organisers. He also declared that the circuit would be expanded to accommodate 100,000 spectators within this year.

With the better-than-expected response from motorsport fans and tourists, Newin's dream of turning Buriram province into a sporting hub is coming to a fruition.

"In the next five years, Buriram will become one of the top cities in Thailand. Thanks to sports entertainment in Buriram and the many tourist attractions in Thailand, the country will be able to compete with China, Malaysia and Japan as the tourist destination and sports hub of the region," he said.

The CIC will also host several major races during the remainder of the year, including the Asian Le Mans Series 2014, Touring Car Series in Asia and the Asia Road Racing motorcycle event. Local races lined up for the circuit include the Thailand Super Series, Pro Racing Series Thailand Championship, Truevisions Bobby Hunter Super One Race, Honda One Make Race and Toyota Motorsport Festival.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/sports/Thailands-first-world-class-racing-circuit-makes-d-30245001.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-08

[JohnThailandJohn]

Very Cool!

[Suriya4]

It makes malaysia circuit looks like child's play. Soon f1 will dump kl and make mahathair looks like an idiot. F1 will have to come in all 4 fours begging to use newin's circuit instead.

[tomyummer]

Too bad it's only good enough for GT racing and not F1.

It was very challenging making a world class track smooth and impact resistant. Hopefully this technology and technique can be transferred to the public roads now?

[ramrod711]

I think it's fantastic for Thailand to have such a facility.

[bkkjames]

It makes malaysia circuit looks like child's play. Soon f1 will dump kl and make mahathair looks like an idiot. F1 will have to come in all 4 fours begging to use newin's circuit instead.

And fly back to Bangkok every night to their 5 star hotel...

[rametindallas]

Hooray for Newin! Hooray for Buri Ram! This is progress in the right direction and I wish the best for all. Buri Ram needs fewer farmer and more industry/tourism. This if very encouraging.

[ATF]

This circuit was supposed to be built between Bangkok and Chonburi alongside the 7 Motorway until Newin stuck his oar in and got it built in the ass end of beyond.

Who is going to drive 4.5 hrs to race in Buriram? It's the regular trackday guys that race every week who keep places like this going.

Another real live white elephant.

[Crazy chef 1]

with this new course Thailand could invent own racing categories such as: tuk tuks,motorbike taxi or mini van...think they practised already enough to make it a class on their own.

[Chang_paarp]

I would like to see the condition of the track in a year or two when some maintenance and upkeep is due.

[newermonkey]

Final death nail for Bira?

[klauskunkel]

They will adapt this for the Tour de France.

[ATF]

They will adapt this for the Tour de France.

Just give it a year or two and they'll be buffalo racing on it and the track will be lined with somtam sellers.

[Tatsujin]

Great. So is F1 coming to Thailand now like they promised it would next year?

[maoro]

how did 130,000 spectators fit in when the facility has to be expendede to accommodate 100,000???

[MickGC]

A great asset for Thailand and the N/E in particular, despite the predictable negative comments on here. Is also designed to accommodate the Moto GP. A job well done by all involved. http://www.bric.co.th/home/default.aspx

[ChrisY1]

It makes malaysia circuit looks like child's play. Soon f1 will dump kl and make mahathair looks like an idiot. F1 will have to come in all 4 fours begging to use newin's circuit instead.

I don't believe that F1 ever go begging for new venues.......

[IamNoone88]

i wonder if the toilets will be world class and well maintained? Always a sign of a job done well.

[khunjamesjohnson]

how did 130,000 spectators fit in when the facility has to be expendede to accommodate 100,000???

Didn't I read the place currently holds 50,000?

[mancub]

Good news for all those lovely Burriram ladies...if it becomes such a world class tourist destination, then they'll be able to "work from home" in future .

[jeffreybangkok]

It makes malaysia circuit looks like child's play. Soon f1 will dump kl and make mahathair looks like an idiot. F1 will have to come in all 4 fours begging to use newin's circuit instead.

This track is only suitable for GT not F1

[malt25]

how did 130,000 spectators fit in when the facility has to be expendede to accommodate 100,000???

Maybe like most race meetings it was conducted over 2 days.... you think ?

"position in Saturday's qualifying but had to settle for seventh in the final race on Sunday"

[monkey4u]

They will adapt this for the Tour de France.

Just give it a year or two and they'll be buffalo racing on it and the track will be lined with somtam sellers.

Love it

[malt25]

Very Cool!

"the baking heat and humidity" Sorry, I just couldn't resist. I do know what you mean & I agree.

Cheers..... Malt.

[godden]

Hope the surface holds up better than the thai roads, which seems to be about 12 months

[maoro]

how did 130,000 spectators fit in when the facility has to be expendede to accommodate 100,000???

Didn't I read the place currently holds 50,000?

The story said 130,000 spectators were present during the event

[monkey4u]

Silly me, I thought ALL roads in Thailand were race tracks

[mike324]

Final death nail for Bira?

I heard Bira will closed down in a couple of years, the land will be developed into a housing estate.

[bazmlb]

It makes malaysia circuit looks like child's play. Soon f1 will dump kl and make mahathair looks like an idiot. F1 will have to come in all 4 fours begging to use newin's circuit instead.

This track is only suitable for GT not F1

The track holds a FIA grade 1 license and all cars in this class are able to compete at the track, grade 1 includes F1

[Crazy chef 1]

I would like to see the condition of the track in a year or two when some maintenance and upkeep is due.

not needed- made in Thailand,last forever!