With a big smile and an even bigger presence & ability, the 24-year-old Thai has stolen the hearts of the Thai people. Next up: superstardom.
Back in 2000 Nelson Mandela said “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.” And sport has few more inspiring, stirring stories than that of a talented, hungry young person who stretches the limits of their field, Thailand’s Somkiat Chantra (Kong) is certainly doing all of the above.
Last month at the Motegi Twin Ring Circuit in Japan in the 14th of 20 Moto2 World Championship rounds, the IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia rider (No.35) completed his masterclass and crowned his dominance during Practice and Qualifying into an equally emphatic race victory in the Japanese Moto2. A class above throughout the weekend, the Thai rolled out a crushing lights-to-flag victory in Sunday’s all-important race to ensure a rare clean sweep of the entire race weekend; top times in all three Practice sessions, pole position, fastest race lap and race victory. This was Kong’s second win after becoming Thailand’s first Grand Prix winner, winning at the Pertamina Grand Prix Indonesian last season.
Somkiat Chantra, Moto2 race, Japanese MotoGP, 1 October 2023.Work to Succeed
“I’m so happy, it’s been almost a year since my Indonesian victory and this win takes my points score for this season to 114 putting me in 6th place and just over 40 points from the top two places.”
“Working with the team we planned my riding style, adjusting some safety systems/tires in line with what we expected in Japan and I really worked hard studying the racetrack preparing for all eventualities. Prior to QP1 and 2 you have 45 mins to test the track (the golden period) – we utilized this time rehearsing every turn and all 14 corners on the track especially the 11th which is brutal and on a downhill slope. Breaking at the critical time was key and this gave us an advantage over riders.”
“After qualifying in pole on the Saturday I was super-excited in fact I could barely sleep but when Sunday came and it was time to compete, I managed to calm myself drawing on encouragement and support from all my family and friends – this is the power I believe to great success.”
How it all Started – Road to MotoGP
Kong who was born and raised in Pattaya Chonburi was around racing from a young age with his family running racing/motorsport businesses and taking inspiration from family members (Bank and Boom Kusiri – Race Car Drivers) that love of the racetrack began but with bikes and at the age of 9 his ‘Road to MotoGP’ began at the AP Honda Racing Academy Thailand. From there the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup followed and he became the first Champion from Thailand back in 2016, the year after he moved up to the Moto3 Junior World Championship, before his Grand Prix debut came as a Moto3 wildcard at his home event at Buriram in 2018. He took an impressive ninth place and put his first points on the board.
In 2019, Kong’s first season as a full-time Grand Prix rider saw him move straight into the Moto2 World Championship with Idemitsu Honda Team Asia, he had an impressive first season and then like many over thing’s was slightly interrupted due to the global Covid Pandemic.
In 2022 Kong made history at the Indonesian GP, the number 35 rider pulled a gap on the field and dominated all the way to the flag, becoming Thailand’s first ever Grand Prix winner and in 2023 he followed that up by once again making history in Japan.
Krungsri Auto
Krungsri Auto have also became a Sponsor for Somkiat (Kong) with a new bike design and pattern for the Buriam race in October. The special bike for the Thailand Grand Prix with new colours and patterns featuring Hanuman. Hanuman symbolizes both strength and victory and is one of the leading characters in the Thai Ramakian story which is one of the most famous pieces of Thai literature and plays an integral role in Thai culture.
Race to the Dream
Somkiat has something special, even with his young age, the right attitude, the right mentality, he is friendly, open and approachable. I love how understated he is, I love how immensely humble he is even stating his favourite food is still Pad Kra Pao and his favourite times are travelling with family and friends camping and experiencing life.
The fans are also so close to his heart and something he never takes for granted.
“I would like to send a message to my fans and supporters, you inspire me to success and victory and to win every championship, thank you.” Somkiat Chantra
Focus and teamwork are top of his agenda and the Race to the Dream.
27 – 29 October, 2023 at the Chang International Circuit, Buriram is Kong’s home race to follow IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia https://www.facebook.com/HondaRacingTeamTH
