Although the situation may seem to be tense in the heart of Bangkok with demonstrations in front of the Government office and the subsequent declaration of state of emergency, the Asian Festival Of Speed will still go on at Bira Circuit in Pattaya as scheduled this weekend.
The event is set to host three Series, the Asian Touring Car Series (ATCS), the ATCS 1500Max Challenge (1500Max) and the guest series, Formula Asia 2.0, alongside a few Thai based club races that are participating as supporting events.
The AFOS Bira will also be the season ender for the ATCS and the 1500Max with the Championship trophies being handed out to the overall winners for both Series.
“Despite the unrest and the state of emergency posed in Bangkok, we are confident that the situation in the other parts of Thailand is stable and have decided to go ahead with the scheduled event. Although the turnout is lower than expected as some may be uncomfortable with the situation after the travel advisories were given out, we have also received a lot of support from the other drivers and teams who would like to show their gratitude for the country that is hosting the event” said David Sonenscher, CEO of Motorsport Asia.
“All of us involved would also like to show our support to this beautiful country and its people by hosting this event. We hope for the best for Thailand and also hope that the matter will be resolved swiftly and peacefully” he concluded.
This marks the second time that the Asian Festival Of Speed has visited Thailand this season and this time, both the ATCS and the 1500Max current Championship leaders are looking forward to lifting the Championship trophies at this weekend’s outing.
Thailand’s Golden-boy of Racing, Jack Lemvard has already secured his ATCS title win during the last outing when he once again dominated the weekend races. Although Lemvard was only introduced to touring car races this year, he has already made his mark in Asia and abroad when he became the first Thai to win the ADAC Procar Series in Germany last week.
But in Division 2, the title chase has been a little but closer with Malaysian touring car driver, Eric Yeo and the Hong Kong race legend, Danny Stacy Chau having had close battles throughout the season. The challenge is still open between the duo with Yeo currently in the lead with 124 points, a 15 points lead from Danny Chau.
As for the 1500Max, youngster and newcomer to touring cars, Syafiq Ali has claimed the lead in the Championship ahead of his teacher and Proton Axle Racing teammate, Faidzil Alang. The fight still remains close between the duo as they are only separated by three points.
The AFOS will be held from Friday, 5th September with the Official Practice Sessions followed by the Qualifying sessions and race 1 for Formula Asia and ATCS on Saturday, 6th September. The event will draw to a close on Sunday, 7th September.
