Tempest in a go-kart as engine debate turns mean

Karting body urges social media critics to stay on topic and keep children out of it

Children have been caught in the crosshairs of a controversy that arose after a go-karting race in Chon Buri, prompting the body that governs the sport to urge those making comments to leave the young racers out of it.

The Royal Automobile Association of Thailand (RAAT) said it found that the engine used by a mechanic for a young kart racer did not comply with regulations at the recent Super Kart Thailand Championship.

The finding follows a protest lodged by a parent of an eight-year-old racer over engine specifications in the Cadet B category, sparking debate in the youth motorsport community and drawing wider public attention, mainly because the boys involved are children of Thai celebrities.

The RAAT on Thursday said that people wanting to debate should stick to discussing technical compliance rather than the children’s performance.

The race took place on Sunday at the Bira Circuit in Chon Buri. The Cadet B category is a youth karting division where racers are typically aged eight to nine.

Young racer “Payu” overtook “Mclaren” to cross the finish line first. However, he did not receive the winner’s trophy or appear on the podium after a protest called for an inspection of his No. 69 kart, particularly its cylinder block.

The cylinder block houses the cylinder in which the piston moves and combustion takes place. Its design and dimensions can affect engine performance.

Payu’s team, DT Motorsports, had defended its position in the dispute.

RAAT president Prutirat Rattanakul Serireongrith addresses the controversy over engine specifications at a media briefing on Thursday. (Screenshot)

At a media briefing on Thursday, RAAT president Prutirat Rattanakul Serireongrith said protests were a normal part of motorsport. However, he acknowledged that the organisers had made mistakes in communicating information on the day of the race.

Mr Prutirat said protests should first be resolved at the circuit, with the RAAT serving as the final avenue of appeal for those who disagree with a ruling. The review in this case took time because several committee members had to be consulted before a conclusion could be reached, he said.

The RAAT’s review of documents and technical specifications found that the engine in question, an IAME X30 Water Swift 60cc, had a cylinder block that did not meet the specifications stipulated in the technical regulations.

However, Mr Prutirat stressed that the dispute concerned technical compliance, not the performance of the young drivers.

The controversy has attracted widespread attention online and created “drama” across Thai social media, with people from various fields joining the debate.

“These children are only eight or nine years old, and every one of them is dedicated to racing,” said Mr Prutirat, who is a multi-sports athlete himself, urging the public to support the young competitors rather than allow the controversy to discourage them from continuing in the sport.

He also urged the public to consider the impact of further criticism on the children’s mental well-being and avoid directing comments at the young racers or their parents.

The RAAT will submit its findings to the race organisers for the official results to be announced, he said.