Go-Kart Champion Stripped After Illegal Engine, Rival Wins
Thailand’s motorsport authorities stripped young kart racer Nong Phayu of his round‑three victory after finding his engine did not comply with the one‑design rule. The win was awarded to fellow competitor Nong McLaren, who moves to first place. DT Motorsport confirmed that Phayu will skip the upcoming APMC2026 Asian race.
Following the protest, the Royal Thai Motorsport Association issued order number 823/69 dated 16 October 2026, instructing organizers to adjust the race results and points for the Cadet‑B class (ages 8‑9) at round three. Consequently, Nong Phayu was re‑classified as Not Classified, dropping him from first place, while Nong McLaren was moved up to claim the round‑three win. The event organizers said they would fully comply with the association’s directive. The association concluded that Nong Phayu’s kart engine did not meet the regulatory specifications.
