Reining in street racers/Bangkok, Thailand

[PeteSC]

Reining in street racers
Published on September 24, 2005

Bikers given the chance to show their stuff at designated venue to reduce hazard to other road users. More than 2,000 young motorcyclists who tear up Bangkok’s streets in nightly hair-raising races are expected to test their abilities at a safer venue on Sunday: the Quarter Mile race track in Pathum Thani Klong 5. The drag races are the brainchild of Social Development and Human Security Minister Watana Muangsook, who has been attempting to rein in the motorcyclist delinquents, who illegally ply the streets on bikes modified for increased speed and noise.

His aim is to move the capital’s motorcycle-racing gangs away from the city, where their antics regularly end in death to themselves as well as innocent bystanders.

Two at a time, the young racers will take part in drag races on a straight, 402-metre track. Each race, from start to finish is expected to take 30 seconds. The speed limit will be set at 120 kilometres per hour.

Watana’s attempts to bring some order to these young bikers has attracted big headlines, but he truly believes that if the government cannot stop these bikers from racing, it should at least let them race in a controlled and safe environment. His policy will be put to test this Sunday at the Quarter Mile.

Street-racing Bangkok youths have been a public disturbance for years, and many of the young men who race consider it a badge of honour to die in a race.

Pipat Maneetheerapong, 20, is a member of a gang of 30 riders who race illegally every Friday night along the Karnjanaphisek ring road outside Bangkok. He said he agrees with the minister’s attempt to do something about motorbike street racing.

“But people should understand us as speed-lovers,” he said. “We don’t want to create trouble for others. We’d be delighted to have a proper place to race. And the ones who prefer to continue annoying people on the public roads should probably face legal action,” he said.

Yet he and his friends are reluctant to join the races at Quarter Mile, largely because their parents have been alarmed by the negative reports in the media on this project.

But not everybody is pleased with the idea. One racer’s mother, who did not want her name used, said organising the races was not the way to solve the problem. “What will happen to the parents if their kids die in one of the races?” she said.

Senator Wallop Tangkananurak said the organised motorbike race was simply an effort to promote the sale of motorbike products or to promote the race track itself. He said the ministry should be responsible for any injuries or deaths.

Before hitting the track, every racer must sign a waiver releasing organisers from liability for injuries, loss of life or damage to property as a result of the races. Those who are younger than 15 must be accompanied by their parents, who have to sign a document allowing them to take part in the race.

Wattana said the race would emphasise safety measures while experts and motorcycle suppliers would be on hand to dispense advice on how to ride safely. Race-organiser Kongdej Meechamna, said the Quarter Mile had been designed to meet international safety standards.

“Drag racing is a safe sport. In eight years of experience in organising races, I’ve never encountered a serious injury,” he said. “And we’ll arrange for an ambulance and fire-fighting equipment to stand by, ready to respond within two minutes in the event of an accident.”

Kongdej said each racer had to wear protective gear including gloves, a helmet and boots. Sponsors will provide about a hundred motorcycles.

Those showing up with their own machines will have to have them inspected by technicians provided by the sponsors to ensure they are safe. Motorcycles that are noisier than 105 decibels will not be allowed to race.

Dr Atcha Saengvichit from Pattara Thonburi Hospital said the hospital had prepared first-aid kits and would provide medical personnel to treat any accident victims. The healthcare workers will also check each racer before they take to the track.

But Pipat does not think he will need them.

“I know about all the safety measures, but I’m ready to die in a race, because it’s a dignified way to go,” he said.

Hopefully it will not come to that this Sunday.

Each race, from start to finish is expected to take 30 seconds. The speed limit will be set at 120 kilometres per hour.

Wow!   That's enough excitement for anyone!  120 k's!  Zoom!
   That will keep  them off the streets!

[Red01]

I saw the speed limit, too... what is racing with a speed limit?
Granted, 120 Klicks (~75 mph) isn't that fast, but then most of the bikes in Thailand are little tiddlers, so they probably have a tough time getting up to 75.

For little bikes like that, maybe they should race 1/8 mile instead of 1/4. More people would get turns that way since you wouldn't have 30 second runs.

[PeteSC]

STREET LEGAL: Motorcycle racers roar within the law
Published on September 26, 2005

Government’s new drag strip proves to be hugely popular. In the suffocating Sunday afternoon heat at Bangkok Drag Avenue in Pathum Thani, eager motorcyclists as young as 11 years old stand by their speedy machines waiting for their turn on the runway, the roar of their engines barely drowning the thumping of their hearts.

All around, busy and colourful booths feed the appetite of the crowd for machines, modifications and accessories in the first government-sponsored drag bike race. They include big name manufacturers like Honda and Suzuki, strutting their stuff in a crowd of fanatical enthusiasts.

It is an overwhelming spectacle of amateurs and professionals; noise and colour.

Among the riders, Anuwat Noonnak, 20, and Chusak Changtong, 21, are amateur “drag bike” enthusiasts of the Panchai Team from Lop Buri. Anuwat has spent more than two months’ salary on his drag bike, preparing it just for this event.

“We feel this sort of venue makes racing safer for bikers like us, although it won’t necessarily reduce the number of illegitimate bikers on Bangkok’s streets,” Anuwat said. “But we commend the action taken by [Social Development and Human Security] Minister Watana Muangsook to make it happen.

Watana, who has faced a barrage of criticism over the government-sanctioned event, yesterday agreed that bringing bikers to the race circuit is not a practical solution to illegal racing on the streets.

“Organising an authorised race like this will not completely get illegal drag racers off the streets. But we should view it in a creative way at least. We can make use of mechanical know-how from racing enthusiasts to benefit the motorcycle industry,” he said after presiding over the opening ceremony.

Yesterday’s races drew about 500 bikes and an audience of thousands.

“Drag racing is a kind of sport and is actually safe, if a person knows the limitations of his machine and himself,” racer Anuwat said. “It is a passion of mine and I know the risks involved, but quitting drag racing is harder than quitting drugs.”

“We are amateurs,” Chusak said as he prepared his bike to be checked for the events. “Our only sponsors are our parents. With the little that we make, I feel that our profit from racing is a life-time experience.”

At the height of the races the highly-energised crowd cheers in support of close friends and family members.

Kachana Pimpat, 27, cheered her brothers on.

“I’ve been going around the country with them for years, seeing them compete,” she said. “Although safety is important, I never worry too much, because this is their passion and they know the risks they have to take. With a government-sponsored project like this one the events are bound to get safer with more facilities to meet the demands of racers.”

Alongside the amateurs are the more serious professionals, with their line-ups of sponsors. Most striking are the racers themselves. Apisit Tipoch, aka Chao Nuu Sakai, is only 15 years old. He has been competing for just over a year, and in that short time has earned one of the highest competitive rankings.

“I’m a little afraid of racing,” he admitted, sitting proudly on his 160cc Sonic-CBR, “but it becomes fun and I am slowly getting addicted to it. With safe tracks like this one it’s even more fun ... I mean, no one likes getting hurt.”

Apisit’s father, Manoch Tipoch, 32, owns an auto-shop in Bangkok. He was there as an adult chaperone and fan. He inspired his son to pursue a career in drag racing, a passion they both share.

“I worry about his safety,” Manoch said, “but when he’s down there at the starting point I’m more concerned about whether he’s going to win.

“That’s what we both care about.”

Kongdej Meechamna, chief organiser at Bangkok Drag Avenue, said the turn out of motorcycling enthusiasts was in the hundreds rather than the thousands expected by Wattana.

There were no accidents during the races, though organisers were well prepared to handle any emergencies.

An ambulance and police were standing by.

Despite the safety standards, Kongdej said participants were still required to sign a form accepting that the organisers had no legal responsibility in the case of accidents or injuries.

Parents had to sign on behalf of riders under 15.

Everyone at the event seemed supportive of Watana’s move to provide an alternative to the darker side of bike racing – youngsters howling through night-time traffic on the city’s streets.

Many said that by providing a legitimate racing venue, the minister had given motorcycle drag racers an opportunity to make their “sport” a more productive “family affair”.

[PeteSC]

Road racing `more fun' than a proper circuit

Drag track launch fails to draw teens



ANJIRA ASSAVANONDA
Bangkok Drag Avenue opened yesterday, as Social Development and Human Security Minister Watana Muangsook forged ahead with his controversial idea to draw young motorcycle racers away from the city's streets. Critics were concerned that encouraging the youngsters to head for the race track would put their lives at risk.

But many illegal street racers were unimpressed anyway, complaining the organised track events lacked the thrill of the streets. Few took part.

Bangkok Drag Avenue is a professional race circuit located in Pathum Thani.

Mr Watana said yesterday's event was aimed at drawing the attention of speed-loving teenagers, to give them the chance of experiencing track racing and meet the race organisers.

``This is to let them know they already have places where they can show off, instead of causing a nuisance to people on the streets,'' he said.

The ministry would also work with schools and colleges to help the youngsters gain valuable skills in modifying engines. Then they could channel their abilities to benefit society.

Critics fear Mr Watana is placing the lives of the youngsters at risk.

``Racing is a risky activity that could kill or injure them. Why not think of something else that is more creative?'' said Dejudom Drairit, chairman of the Law Society. Who would be responsible if there were fatalities, he asked.

While hundreds of people flocked to Bangkok Drag Avenue yesterday, it is far too soon to hail the campaign as a success.

Of the 181 racers who registered, most were from professional racing camps. There were very few illegal street racers.

Of the group of 30 or so young racers attending technical colleges who had earlier discussed the idea with Mr Watana, only eight turned up at the track.

One of the students said many of his friends were not able to come because they were prevented from doing so by their parents.

``Many of us hadn't told our parents what we do on the streets at night.

``When newspapers filed reports about us, some parents found out and this got us into trouble.

``Today I had to sneak out after my mother left the house,'' he said.

The youngster did not take part in yesterday's racing as he said his motorcycle was not ready, but he found it interesting and safer than speeding on the streets.

``It's much better here, with a bigger audience and career prospects to become a professional.

``There's no police chasing after us, and we can use protective gear to save our lives. Racing on the streets only leads to accidents and deaths,'' he said.

The track was opened for practice at 9am, while Mr Watana arrived to open the racing about 2.30pm. Each racer was informed of the rules and told what they had to prepare before entering the race.

Racers had to take their motorcycles for a safety check before taking part in a race, while each participant had to wear a helmet, a padded racing suit, gloves and special footwear with ankle protection.

Race organiser Kongdej Meechamna said the track was up to standard, measuring 402m in length and 18m wide. Two motorcyclists competed in each race and competitors had to wait for a starting light.

Off-track practice was strictly forbidden.

``There's a lot of difference between a professional racer and an illegal road racer,'' Mr Kongdej said.

``Teenagers will learn this if they get the chance to race on a proper track. Despite the many rules, a track race has charm, excitement and safety, of course. Those who are professional racers would never leave the track and go racing on the streets.''

However, teenagers involved in illegal street racing had a different idea.

Suparerk Saetang, 18, said he still found street racing more exciting.

``Racing on the track means there are so many rules to follow. It's safer but not exciting.

``In a street race, we don't have to wear gloves, helmets or a racing suit. Many riders can race at the same time and that's more fun,'' said Mr Suparerk, who attended the track for the first time.

Location is another consideration, he said. Bangkok Drag Avenue is far from the city centre, and that makes the site less attractive than places like Rama III and Rama IX roads, which Mr Suparerk said were his favourite racing venues.

In addition, a track race requires both entry and registration fees, adding up to more than 200 baht.

``It would be more attractive if we could enter the race free of charge. Besides, I don't like racing in the daytime. It's hot and sweaty,'' he said.

[turbo-bob]

I saw the speed limit, too... what is racing with a speed limit?
Granted, 120 Klicks (~75 mph) isn't that fast, but then most of the bikes in Thailand are little tiddlers, so they probably have a tough time getting up to 75.

For little bikes like that, maybe they should race 1/8 mile instead of 1/4. More people would get turns that way since you wouldn't have 30 second runs.

Thata faster than running the bulls in spain - "maybe safer too"