GWM becomes the first Chinese automotive brand to enter the Thai market by launching the GWM EK Group Racing Team and fielding the TANK 300 to compete in the tough Asia Cross Country Rally 2026 (AXCR 2026), engaging in an international rally competition.
Mr. Wuttikorn Suriyachantananon, Vice President of Marketing at GWM (Thailand), said this marks another significant step for GWM in motorsports. We have joined forces with EK Group, a key partner in Eastern Thailand, to establish the GWM EK Group Racing Team.
They will officially enter the GWM TANK 300 into the Asia Cross Country Rally 2026 (AXCR 2026) to test the vehicle’s performance, durability, and toughness. This historic move makes GWM the first Chinese car brand in Thailand to compete in this prestigious Asian cross-country rally.
GWM’s participation in AXCR 2026 signals a new brand stance on regional and global motorsport stages. The competition serves as a proving ground for GWM’s technology, engineering, and manufacturing quality under the most demanding real-world conditions. The cross-country route covers over 2,000 kilometers across six days, from 10–15 August 2026 GMT+7, starting in Pattaya and passing through Prachinburi, Nakhon Sawan, Kamphaeng Phet, to finish in Phitsanulok. The course features deep mud, rugged terrain, gravel, and challenging landscapes in all dimensions.
AXCR 2026: The proving ground for GWM TANK 300 and new-generation diesel technology.
GWM is widely recognized for its leadership in electric vehicles and new energy vehicles (xEV). Entering AXCR 2026 underscores its expertise in high-performance diesel powertrains and engine technology developed over more than 20 years. This reflects GWM’s brand philosophy of All Scenarios – All Powertrains – All Users, aiming to develop products suited to all operating conditions, powertrain types, and user groups comprehensively.
At the heart of this mission is the GWM TANK 300, a world-class off-road vehicle embodying the brand’s rugged identity under the Boxy & Off-Road Iconic concept. It is well-regarded by users both in Thailand and internationally. GWM has chosen the diesel engine version of the TANK 300 for competition.
The TANK 300 will compete in the T2 category (Cross-Country Production Car), which requires race vehicles to remain as close as possible to production models. This will clearly demonstrate that the vehicle’s engineering foundation, chassis structure, powertrain, and durability—used by customers daily—can confidently endure one of Asia’s most demanding race courses.
GWM EK Group Racing Team: Combining global technology with local expertise.
Competing as GWM EK Group Racing Team reflects the strategic collaboration between GWM (Thailand) and EK Group. This partnership integrates GWM’s advanced automotive technology with EK Group’s strong local market understanding, operational readiness, and passion for sports and motorsports in Eastern Thailand. EK Group is a significant automotive partner in this region.
Founded in 1997, EK Group has partnered with GWM since 2021. It currently operates six showrooms and service centers covering Rayong, Chanthaburi, Chonburi, and Bangkok. This collaboration leverages each party’s strengths to build a racing team ready to prove the brand’s capabilities on the track and elevate GWM’s profile in regional sports marketing and motorsports.
Unveiling a champion-level driver lineup and deploying two GWM TANK 300 vehicles to the race.
On this occasion, GWM EK Group Racing Team officially introduced its driver and navigator lineup and will enter two GWM TANK 300s in the AXCR 2026. The team combines extensive experience, precision, and solid cross-country rally knowledge.
Race car 1: GWM TANK 300, number 114.
Olan Sarasirirat (Driver), a cross-country and endurance racer with over 21 years of experience, holds an FIA Grade A international license. He has competed in world marathon events and won the T2 FIA championship at the China Grand Rally Desert 2016, as well as participated in the Dongchuan Debris Flow International Off-Road Rally 2019.
Somkiat Noijad (Navigator) has extensive rally experience, formerly organizing pre-rally events and winning the overall AXCR championship in 2011. His expertise in reading unpredictable routes is a key strength for the team.
Race car 2: GWM TANK 300, number 128.
Toval Tharawansan (Driver) is a prominent figure in ASEAN motorsports with over 37 years of experience. He raced for factory teams of leading rally brands in the 1990s and 2000s and was the overall AXCR champion in 2000.
Chappawit Julsantirat (Navigator) is a promising young navigator, the Thailand Rally Raid Annual Champion 2025, with a consistent top national performance and sharp, modern strategic planning.
By combining veteran driving experience, champion navigators, and a meticulously prepared support team, GWM EK Group Racing Team is ready to tackle a race demanding skill, precision, toughness, and decision-making under pressure across more than 2,000 kilometers.
Introducing the GWM TANK 300 race car built to T2 regulations.
Alongside the official team launch, GWM unveiled the TANK 300 race version specially modified for AXCR 2026. The modifications comply with FIA safety standards and T2 category rules, while retaining as much of the production car’s original structure as possible. Interior parts like carpets, headliners, and flammable materials have been removed as permitted.
A roll cage and essential safety equipment have been installed for competition. Key components such as the powertrain, exhaust, turbocharger, and cooling systems remain standard. Suspension adjustments are limited to shock absorbers in factory mounting positions, and braking systems must retain original standards except for brake pads and lines, which may be adjusted under the rules.
Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with necessary gear to handle challenging course obstacles, including Mud Terrain tires, a winch, recovery kits, and other essential equipment. Most parts are sourced from local suppliers or stores in Thailand, and the modifications are carried out by Thai technicians and local partners, showcasing the technical team's deep understanding of vehicle architecture and extensive motorsport experience.