Por Tanuphat Lertthaweewit Husband Benz Prikthai posted a lengthy explanation about the reasons for filing a protest regarding the go-kart race results in the CADET B category for 8-9 year oldsyears old, affirmingthat this is not about refusing to accept defeat but about reclaiming justice for his son.
"When an 8–9-year-old competition may not be governed by the same rules, how can we call this a fair race?
I want to clarify why I filed a protest in the TrueVisions Championship 2026 Cadet B go-kart race, so everyone following the event understands what happened and why I decided to request an investigation.
Yesterday, my 8-year-old son, MacLaren, competed and performed well.
He placed 2nd in the 8–9 age category,
and 3rd overall.
The race was exciting and close; the kids all drove at their best, overtaking fiercely up to the final lap.
I sincerely congratulate the first-place child and their parents because every kid drove well, and I believe every family invested time, money, and effort in their child. But after the race, I encountered something I could not ignore.
In the evening, I learned that the winning kart used an IAME X30 Water Swift 60cc engine with older spec parts, different from the engines used by other cars. Among 21 competing karts, only one had this difference.
I am not questioning whether that child is skilled—I acknowledge he is very talented.
The question is whether all karts are truly competing under the same technical rules and standards?
The Cadet B category is designed for beginner youth racers aged about 8–9, with strict rules controlling engines and equipment to limit modifications and ensure fairness.
This includes specifications for engines, exhausts, clutches, and other parts.
Finding that one kart’s engine differs raises key questions:
1. Were those engine parts authorized under this event’s rules?
Only engines of the same model and year, provided by the event that year, should be allowed.
2. If it was an older spec differing from the standard engine, why was it permitted in the race?
3. What criteria did the engine inspectors use toexamine and approve the kart?4. Were all 21 karts inspected under the same standards?
.
Because of this, as manager of TNP Motorsport, I exercised my right to protest and requested an investigation into the race and engine inspection process by the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand, following the prescribed procedures.
I did not protest because my son lost; I can accept defeat if everyone competes under the same rules.
But as a father, I cannot accept my son racing while some karts may be allowed to use specs or equipment differing from what others must follow.
Children aged 8–9 should not have to face questions about unequal engines.
Kids should focus on practicing, driving seriously, and competing their best.
Adults—organizers, mechanics, and officials—must ensure the competition is fair and transparent.
I want to emphasize this protest is not an accusation against any child racer or parent but a request for the authorities to verify and clarify whether those parts comply with the rules. If they do, I will accept the findings supported by clear evidence.
But if parts are found to violate the rules, I want equal enforcement of regulations.
I apologize to all parents and children affected by this protest that caused the award ceremony to be delayed.
I understand every family looks forward to that moment.
But I believe winning trophies is less important than every child having confidence that their competition was truly fair.
I do not want to cause trouble, ruin the race atmosphere, or damage anyone’s reputation. I just want a clear answer: if 21 kids compete in the same category, why shouldn’t all be inspected under the same rules?
Because if we don’t uphold rules starting from youth competitions, how can we teach the next generation to respect rules at higher levels?
I am not demanding my son win. I demand that my son and all children have equal rights to compete. That is the full reason I filed this protest. Rules must be rules, applied equally to everyone."
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“Nong Payu”’s mechanic team immediately responded with evidence after being accused of engine cheating by rivals.
“Nong Payu” took first place to win the go-kart championship, but his result is now under protest, awaiting association review.
