" The newest of Thailand’s four biggest tracks, the Korat Track located in Korat was the site of the recently concluded Korat Gymkhana 2010, an annual event that showcased the most skilled drivers in Thailand setting record times on a track that is anything but easy."

Now if Korat doesn’t sound familiar at all to you that’s because it’s a provincial town in Issan which is about 260km northeast of Bangkok. A little history of Korat: The town raised to fame during the reign of King Rama III, when an assistant governor’s wife called Khunying Mo led the villagers of Korat in a battle against Chao Anuwong from Vientiane who was apparently on his way to attack Bangkok. Khunying Mo's generalship led the villagers to victory. Now Khunying Mo is referred to as Thao Suranari and a monument to her stands at Chumphon Gate.

Bonanza Track
The Korat track is located near Khao Yai National Park in Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima. It’s the fourth of its kind in Thailand after Kaeng Krachan Racing Circuit in Phetchaburi, Bira International Race Circuit in Chon Buri, and Thailand Racing Circuit in Nakhon Pathom.

With a total distance of about 3km long, the track is one of the longest in the country and, like the one in Kaeng Krachan, usually plays host to local rather than international events. It is nestled in a scenic valley with the Bonanza Resort situated right beside it.

One important aspect of the Bonanza track are the run-off areas and facilities provided which are better placed than the one in Kaeng Krachan at attracting driving clubs whose membership includes affluent motorists, some of whom own upmarket resorts, private mansions or vineyards in its vicinity and, besides, Khao Yai is only a 90-minute drive from Bangkok.

So far the Bira Circuit is the only one in Thailand to have staged regional events. Sadly, it hasn't progressed beyond that to world-class competitions due largely to its aging facilities, a short track and minimal run-off areas, despite sitting next to a world-famous beach resort.

Gymkhana @ Korat Racing
The format for Korat Racing’s Gymkhana places1 car chasing the other car, the second car starts from 10m behind. After the first run they swap sides, the car with the fastest time after two runs, wins and progresses to the next round. The average lap time is about 52secs. There are various classes featuring 1500cc, 2000cc, Open and even 4x4 Trucks. There was even a drift demo by a local regular drifter and Vincent had an opportunity to ride shotgun!

With that said, do enjoy the pictures that follow as Wheels brings to you the highlights of the Korat Gymkhana in a picture log!

Jackson Toh, Editor

(click image to enlarge)

Pictures by Vincent Chua