Go-Kart Expert Defends Race Results After Pre-Event Inspection
Phatthanadet Asasapkrit, a well‑known automotive commentator, defended the outcome of a recent go‑kart race, saying the pre‑race inspection and sealing made any later accusations of cheating unfounded. He expressed sympathy for the young competitors and their parents, criticizing social media users for turning the matter into pointless gossip. He explained that only external checks are done before the race, with detailed engine inspections reserved for after‑race protests or top‑finishers.
Phatthanadet Asasapkrit explained that pre‑race inspection only looks at visible external parts and applies seals or marks to prevent tampering; a full internal check of every entry is impractical when there are dozens or hundreds of karts, so detailed examinations of components such as pistons, cylinder heads, rods and crankshafts are carried out only after the race, usually when a protest is filed or as stipulated by the rules for top finishers. He noted that if a violation is found among the leading karts, rankings may be adjusted, but cars that have already left the venue cannot be re‑checked, which some competitors try to exploit. Some events now inspect only when a protest is made, or weigh the kart and driver together after the race. Because the cylinder head is internal, a visual pre‑race check cannot reveal a problem, and opening it before the race would risk damaging a competitor’s engine if it turns out to be legal.
