Go‑Kart Champion Protest Sparks Parts Dispute in Thai Race
Ya Motor Service’s Ya challenged the legitimacy of the engine part used by go‑kart champion Nong Phayu in the TrueVisions Championship 2026 Cadet B class, arguing that rules require the original part to be presented for inspection before any replacement. He accused officials of allowing a non‑standard part that gives an unfair advantage, while refusing to let competitors swap even insignificant components like the battery. The dispute highlights tensions over equipment rules in Thailand’s youth motorsport scene.
The incident stems from the TrueVisions Championship 2026 Cadet B go‑kart race, after a protest was filed against the victory of “Nong Phayu” who claimed first place, requesting an inspection of whether the engine used complied with the rules. On October 15, 2069, Ya Motor Service, also known as Ya Service, a renowned Thai motorsport mechanic, posted on the Ya Motor Sport Facebook page: “I’d like to ask, if it’s not stronger, why change it? According to the rules, if you want to replace the part you must present the old one for inspection and file a request with the officials. If it’s truly broken and cannot be repaired, the officials may allow you to obtain a new part from the organizer, provided it is the same version that came with the package.” He explained that the old version is no longer sold by the organizer and has not been permitted for use in the Cadet B class for years; earlier, some parents and mechanics had asked the organizer whether it could be used, and the answer was no—only parts from the official package are allowed. The Cadet B rules already state that only the spark plug, seat, and fuel line may be freely chosen; everything else must be stock. He then questioned why the battery, which only starts the engine and does not affect power, cannot be swapped even though it’s not part of the official package, while the engine cuff that directly influences engine performance can be changed. He added, “Stop dodging the issue and own up like a man. Honestly, the part you’re using—if it’s truly the Cadet A version—wouldn’t be allowed, yet the officials cleared it. And the large‑lettered cuff isn’t the only version; do the other versions have the same port angle as the new one? I don’t know, but the one you’re using definitely gives you an advantage.” He concluded that even if the old engine isn’t as powerful, combining it with a new one would make a difference, but that doesn’t matter because this is a beginner‑level one‑make race. He warned that if he ever breaks the rules and faces a protest, he could say, “Losing and then making excuses—there’s no such thing as equality.
