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Published on August 13, 2007

Ayoung boy grips the steering wheel of his go-kart tighter. His knuckles inside the racing gloves turn white. The snow slowly trickles down and falls on the visor of his racing helmet. This is unknown territory for him, a field where he has never battled before. The go-karts scream side by side on the starting grid. The lights turn green - and he's off.

It's been almost a year since that event took place at a track in Europe, but 13-year-old Nanin Indra-payoong (nickname: Shogun), one of Thailand's budding stars in the motor-sport industry, remembers every moment vividly.

With 75 trophies, 17 international races and 25 podium finishes, Nanin definitely is out to make an impact. Much has changed, however, in the little time that's passed, and Nanin has matured by the day with his international experience. That day in Europe ended without the completion of the race, but Nanin has come a long way just the same.

Having begun go-karting at the tender age of eight, Nanin was rocketed into the industry with the UBC Toyota Junior Go-kart training held in 2003, organised with the help of Kachorn Chiaravanont.

Although Nanin managed second place in the event, his career didn't leap ahead. At subsequent meets he always ended up in fourth or fifth place - until being picked up by Mongkol Sathienthirakul, one of Thailand's top former racers.

"After getting a proper mentor, things changed dramatically for me," Nani says. "From being fourth or fifth the whole time I moved onto the podium.

"Khun Mongkol really helped me focus on my driving and eliminated mistakes I commonly made. I used to always turn around to look at the racer behind me and it would disrupt my concentration. I don't do that anymore.

"Then there is the greater understanding of the car that I've gained, which helps me convey my ideas better to the mechanics," Nanin adds.

Most of his inspiration comes from his father, Pakpoom Indra-Payoong, who has constantly supported him and is also his manager.

Among his most memorable victories was the 2006 Rotax Max World Cup final in Portugal. Nanin qualified second out of 63 racers from around the world - quite an achievement considering that the only other Asian presence was from Japan and Indonesia.

Even though he snagged second place in the first heat, Nanin was unable to complete the race due to an engine failure.

His other moment of glory came in Macau, also last year, where he won his first international championship.

Nanin is currently one of the two racers whom the Sports Authority of Thailand has chosen to represent the country internationally.

All these achievements come from the dedication of both father and son, who spend almost every weekend on the go-kart track at either Saraburi or Pattaya. For the past six weeks Nanin has been constantly racing, either in Thailand or overseas.

"The go-kart industry is still small in Thailand," Pakpoom says, "mainly due to shortage of tracks. Even jet-ski racing is more popular, because the meets can be held anywhere there's water.

"As a result of this the budding Thai go-kart racers need more exposure, rather than the bland competition they get within the country. This is why we've decided to focus on Japan this year. We practise and race in Suzuka, where more international races are held and better drivers come to race and practise. In the future we plan to move into Europe for more exposure."

Although he passionately encourages his son to race and manages the team, Pakpoom adds that go-kart racing does not have to mean heavy competition. Weekends are spent amid family activities at the track and new friends are made. Go-karting is also a team sport that helps the father-son relationship.

"Most importantly, I've seen Nanin grow. There was a time when, at the end of the race, he would blame some other racer, or other times be over-excited about a race he won. Now his reactions are more subdued, and I think this is mainly because he's come to accept failure and victory as a part of life. He now comes out and hangs out with his fellow racers in a completely friendly manner. It's a clear sign of sportsman spirit."

Father and son have a dream of later moving on to higher levels and are considering Formula BMW or Formula Toyota. But the lack of momentum in the Thai motor-sport industry is definitely a problem.

Analysts believe it is likely only to reach its full potential in another five to 10 years. The emergence of events like the Toyota Vios One and Honda Jazz One "make races" have attracted more spectators, although there's still a long way to go before Thailand can match Japan.

 

Vijo Varghese

 The Nation