Brilliant Minds – 'Nong Kor' Rising Star in Motorsports Opens the World of Go-Kart Engineering
Motorsports expert Phakorn Thientong and professional racers led a go-kart engineering workshop at Chonburi Technical College, teaching vocational students practical automotive skills needed for careers in Thailand's Eastern Economic Corrid
The Tracklab Youth group, led by motorsports expert Phakorn Thientong ("Nong Kor"), alongside TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand racer Narresam Abhiwat ("Nexki"), Nexkart Racing team members, and the Formula Student vehicle development team ExceedAE, is creating a new phenomenon in Thai education. They serve as main speakers and key drivers of the "Go-Kart Industry Career & Technical Workshop 2026," sharing advanced automotive engineering knowledge and national-level racing experience with vocational students. The initiative aims to develop technical personnel for target industries in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
Dr. Peerphong Pansoda, director of Chonburi Technical College, designated Vice-Academic Director Santhipracha Donchum to chair the opening ceremony welcoming Pirul Viriyaprakop, director of Chonburi Vocational College, alongside faculty and over 70 students from mechanical and electric vehicle (EV) departments at Tew Sorn Conference Room.
Go-kart racing is used as a learning model because the sport encompasses foundational engineering covering mechanics, physics of motion, and electronic control systems—skills transferable to advanced industries.
The workshop includes lectures on "The Path to Professional Racing" sharing preparation, field skills, and real competition experience, plus "Behind the Professional Racing Team" explaining team structure, mechanic roles, and race operations.
Phakorn Thientong ("Nong Kor"), 2025 ROK Cup Thailand runner-up and TrackLab Youth leader, emphasized that today's learning represents concrete STEM Education application. He stressed that go-kart racing isn't merely about speed but involves calculating acceleration, G-force, and engineering system stability. He hopes the workshop inspires students toward international careers as Race Engineers or Mechanic Specialists.
Additionally, Peeriyuth Thongtum, automotive engineering lecturer at Siam University's Faculty of Engineering, delivered an academic presentation on "Racing Car Engineering and Physics: Performance Principles and Setup," diving deep into aerodynamics and powertrain systems. Narresam Abhiwat and Watin Thakanha shared experiences working under international safety standards.
An electric vehicle (EV) department student representative noted that witnessing the role of Data Analysts and millimeter-precise race car setup revealed that modern automotive careers must integrate information technology and applied physics knowledge, motivating them to develop into high-skilled workers aligned with EEC objectives.
