Naquib Azlan and Mitchell Cheah from Malaysia secured their first ever race win in the Super Compact division of the Thailand Super Series with a remarkable last corner overtaking maneuver to beat the race leader to the chequered flag by just a front bumper’s length.
Qualifying 9th fastest, Cheah, who started the race for the pair, patiently mounted his challenge, showcasing his skill and determination, before making his way to the front of the pack in the thrilling 1-hour race at the picturesque 4.554km Chang International Circuit. Throughout the race, the atmosphere was electric, with fans cheering wildly as the cars navigated the twists and turns of the track. The final stint was driven by Naquib, who chased down race leader Ayrton Achitaphon with relentless speed and focus, pushing his limits lap after lap. The tension was palpable as he closed the gap, but despite his best efforts, he was unable to overtake until the very corner in the run-up to the chequered flag, creating an exhilarating finish that left everyone on the edge of their seats.
“This has been what we have been working towards and to finally win is testament to all the hard work the team has put in throughout the season. The race win is also extremely special considering the team worked throughout the night to repair a damaged car sustained during yesterday’s qualifying session,” said Cheah.
Pulling double duty, team mate Naquib then immediately jumped into the Wing Hin Motorsports Toyota GR Supra GT-4 to prepare for the qualifying session alongside fellow young Malaysian Amer Harris. With the pressure building and expectations high, both drivers focused intently on their performance, strategizing each turn and optimizing their speed to gain an advantage. As the clock ticked down, they put their skills to the test, unleashing the full potential of their car. In a remarkable display of talent and teamwork, both drivers went on the clock to record the fastest times of the session, ultimately claiming double pole positions for Race 1 and Race 2, much to the delight of their supporters and the team’s management.
“Although it is our first full season competing in the Thailand Super Series, we’ve been competitive throughout the season and we’ve been on the podium on several occasions but never managing to win a race. Frankly it has been a season of learning for us especially in the company of so many competitive and more experienced teams. This race win in Super Compact, especially in the manner in which it was won – at the very last corner – makes up for all the hard work and will lay a strong foundation for the team moving forward,” said Wing Hin Motorsports Team Manager K. C. Chua.