We Got Exclusive Access to One of the World’s Most Unique FIA Grade 1 Tracks

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We Got Exclusive Access to One of the World's Most Unique FIA Grade 1 Tracks

As a motoring enthusiast who has been around the block a few times, I must say that my recent experience at the HCD track day was nothing short of exhilarating! From the moment I stepped onto the circuit, I could feel the electricity in the air – a palpable energy born of shared passion for all things automotive.

During the last week of July, our adventure took us to a premier FIA track in northeastern Thailand, where we spent both day and night racing. This unique event was organized by the automotive community HCD Thailand, offering participants a variety of speed demons, from nimble sports cars such as the Caterham 7 to powerful machines like the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. The attendees ranged from ardent enthusiasts to skilled professional drivers, creating an exhilarating and instructive atmosphere.

Although situated a 200-mile distance from Bangkok, the event at Buriram’s Chang International Circuit attracted over 130 participants and more than 80 distinct vehicles. Yosathorn “Bon” Silapabanleng, one of HCD’s co-founders and organizer of the track day, mentioned that their events hadn’t always been this substantial. They originally stemmed from a small online group chat consisting of around seven individuals on social media.

Silapabanleng, a commercial furniture magnate and passionate automotive enthusiast, shared that he loves to track his cars and would often ask his friends to join. What started off small is now a regular occurrence for the group of over 170 members, with roughly four track days organized a year.

As a gamer, let me share an extraordinary experience: For the first time ever, our gaming group managed to book a top-tier FIA Grade 1 track, Chang International Circuit, for not just one but two sessions – day and night! Normally, this circuit is fully reserved way ahead, but we pulled it off. This track might be underestimated globally in the motorsport scene, but trust me, it’s worth acknowledging. Designed by the acclaimed German architect Hermann Tilke in 2014, it’s one of the rare tracks that meet both FIM and FIA standards, making it a versatile venue for car and motorcycle events.

Apart from that, this track plays host to significant motor racing events such as MotoGP (Thailand Grand Prix), World Superbike Championship, and Asian Le Mans Series. To put its dimensions into perspective, it spans approximately 4.554 kilometers or about 2.830 miles, with a total of 12 bends. One particular bend, turn 9, tends to surprise many, including us, due to its unique layout. The circuit offers a mix of long straights and tight corners, making it both challenging and thrilling for drivers and racers. Notably, the venue can comfortably hold up to 100,000 spectators, with seating for around 50,000 in the grandstands and additional space across various areas along the track.

Discussing further about his enthusiasm for motorsports with Hypedrive, Silapabanleng expressed, “I’ve had a soft spot for automobiles ever since my childhood. I used to watch Formula One races, including the iconic events like Le Mans and the Carrera Cup. My affection for sports cars has always leaned towards Porsche 911s due to their rich racing history.”

Although Silapabanleng possesses a substantial number of cars, he doesn’t consider himself a collector in the traditional sense. Instead, he enjoys “letting loose” with all his Porsches. If asked to define his passion, he would call himself a Porsche devotee, and among his current favorites are his 1988 3.2 Club Sport, 2016 911R, and 2011 997.2 GT3. His ultimate goal is to own at least one car from each generation of the 911, seeking to explore the unique driving experiences offered by each model in his dream collection.

“Enable drivers of all skills to experience the performance capabilities of their cars.”

As a gamer, I’d say this about the HCD track day: It’s all about getting us, drivers of varying skill levels, behind the wheel to truly test our cars’ performance limits in the safest environment possible. That safety comes from well-designed run-off areas, skilled medical staff on standby, and knowledgeable driving instructors ready to guide us. The goal here is to pick up advanced driving techniques that we can apply in everyday driving for a smoother, safer ride.

Silapabanleng expressed his enthusiasm for following his vehicles and connecting with others who share the same interest. He prefers casual gatherings that allow for friendly interactions and a laid-back ambiance.

Approximately 80 cars graced the event, with a significant majority being Porsches, numbering over 30 units. Next in line were 13 BMWs, 12 Toyotas, and 4 McLarens. Among the standout vehicles were a 997 Cup Car, 992 GT3RS, 911R, 987 Gemballa, McLaren 765LT, Lotus Cup 260, and numerous others.

At the racetrack, we had an exhilarating experience with multiple high-speed laps in cars such as the 992 GT3 RS, Caterham 7, and even a rare 964 C2 Cabriolet, one of just two air-cooled vehicles participating in that track day. During one lap, we had the thrill of riding with instructor and Aston Martin racer Tar Ananthorn in a 997 Cup Car, zooming past other powerful machines like the McLaren 765LT, Porsche 992 GT3 RS, and others, reaching speeds over 150 mph or 240 km/h.

Apart from connecting with Don Vatanatham, a member of Toyota Gazoo Racing Team Thailand who’s also a skilled race car driver, we seized the opportunity to get his insights on the HCD track day. Remarkably, he emphasized that events such as this one are particularly enjoyable for him due to the diverse array of vehicles and witnessing them being skillfully driven.

“The tranquil sounds and breathtaking scenery are simply delightful. Moreover, witnessing owners pushing their cars to their limits, from classic models like Peugeot 205s and BMW E30s, all the way up to luxury brands such as McLarens and Porsches, never fails to bring a smile to my face. It’s even more astonishing when they surprise themselves with their skills. But what truly makes me happy is being part of this community, surrounded by people who share the same passion for these vehicles as I do, and who appreciate the same things I do.”

“If in doubt, go flat out!”

At the event, Vatanatham was both an active participant and one of the main driving instructors. He assisted drivers in understanding their vehicle’s constraints and handling issues that might occur. Notably, he often pointed out a common mistake among novice track drivers: rushing into turns too early, which can result in losing the advantage at the exit. He suggested a late apex instead, explaining that it offers a wider exit, stating “This technique is beneficial not just on the track, but also on the road, as you never know what lies ahead. A late apex ensures your car has already straightened out by the corner’s exit, allowing it to turn more if needed. As they say, slow in fast out.”

Instead of the previous statement, Vatanatham additionally discussed his enthusiasm for racing, likening it to a meditative experience. He explained that when he races, it’s as if he enters his own realm, leaving behind all other distractions. Inside his mind, there are no thoughts, just the repetitive actions of accelerating, braking, and turning. In times of uncertainty, his advice is simple: “If in doubt, go full speed ahead!”

During the day-to-night track race, there were long breaks between laps that offered ample opportunities for relaxation. The guests were kept entertained with an unending supply of coffee, a buffet dinner, and racing simulators. These pauses allowed us to explore numerous impressive vehicles and network with prominent figures in the automotive industry such as Sihabutr “Tenn” Xoomsai from Thailand’s top Porsche magazine Das Treffen, Marisa & Rungroj of the 911 Assistant showroom, Warren Adulayavichitr from performance tuner Autowerks Asia, and many others.

“Always room to grow”

As a passionate enthusiast, I must share my fascination with our conversation with Xoomsai from Das Treffen. Despite his esteemed background in space exploration and automotive culture in Thailand, what truly captivated me was his eagerness to learn from instructors, underscoring his belief that growth is an ongoing journey. Moreover, he reminisced about the 997 Cup Car drive as the highlight of the event, potentially one of the most memorable experiences of his life.

During our chat with the 911 operator, we sought to grasp their deep affection for Porsche and what sets a vehicle apart from merely being a means of transportation from one place to another. They expressed that it’s not just about the car’s personality fitting them, but also its emphasis on simplicity combined with exceptional performance – a blend of design mastery. They particularly appreciate air-cooled cars for their distinctiveness and superior quality, considering them artistic creations from an epoch before mass production.

As someone who has spent countless hours behind the wheel of various automobiles throughout my life, I can confidently say that there is a distinct difference between simply driving a car and truly connecting with one. For me, this connection is most profound when it comes to air-cooled vehicles.

As a car enthusiast, I’m all about mastering the art of driving and pushing my vehicle’s boundaries safely. It’s like forming a bond with a steed, only this time it’s a sleek machine that takes us on thrilling journeys through uncharted territories. Just as horses once aided us in our travels and discoveries, cars now serve as our modern-day companions, eager to help us traverse the world, one adventure at a time. I wholeheartedly concur with this sentiment!

As I dive into the electrifying world of Hypedrive, every whiz by of speeding vehicles and the tangy scent of fuel and tires leaves an indelible mark on my gaming memories. Experience the pulse-pounding thrill for yourself; check out our latest video showcasing the adrenaline rush of HCD.

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2024-08-04 15:26