Minpoly Takes R15 Crown at Yamaha Moto Challenge Round 2
Athiraj Tangchu from Minpoly Polytechnic won the R15 class at Round 2 of the Yamaha Moto Challenge, edging out pole-sitter Nonthaworrtorn by 0.060 seconds in a thrilling six-lap battle at Chang International Circuit in Buriram.
Thai Yamaha Motor is promoting out-of-classroom learning through vocational motorsport with the YAMAHA Moto Challenge 2026 Season 11, an 11-year-running championship. Round 2 was held alongside the YAMAHA Championship 2026 at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, with the YAMAHA AEROX 155 class making its season debut.
In the R15 class, qualifying was competitive as Nonthaworrtorn Anupongpichati from Eastern Technology College secured pole position, while Athiraj Tangchu from Minpoly Polytechnic started from grid 2. First-round champion Nopakorn Petchsri from Donbosco Don Bosco Technical College started from mid-grid.
When the lights dropped, Nonthaworrtorn took the lead with Athiraj applying pressure. The two riders battled fiercely throughout all six laps, exchanging positions nearly every corner. Entering the final turn, Athiraj executed a strong exit from turn 12, crossed the finish line first, and claimed round 2 victory by a razor-thin margin of just 0.060 seconds over Nonthaworrtorn. Giovanni Maransa from Thatphanum Technology College claimed third, followed by Thanapohn Kunboran and Thitikorn Nuenglao in fourth and fifth.
In the YAMAHA AEROX 155 class, making its season opener, 12 educational institutions competed with the New YAMAHA AEROX SP featuring the YECVT system, allowing riders to select driving modes and shift systems for enhanced acceleration. Thanatip Sangsudd from Pakdee Commerce and Technology College executed a masterful performance, using downshifts for acceleration advantages from the race start to take a commanding victory in 2 minutes 40.372 seconds. Pathanpong Nonkaew finished second, 3.756 seconds behind, while Thanakrit Kotlumlai took third.
The YAMAHA Moto Challenge 2026 Season 11 will return for round 3 on August 8-9, 2026 at Thailand Circuit in Nakhon Pathom Province.
