Summary of the go-kart controversy: “Nong Payu” won the go-kart championship but faced a protest over engine specifications, quickly becoming a heated issue at a youth racing venue. The incident took place at the TrueVisions – TOYOTA Junior Kart Championships 2026 at Bira Circuit, Chonburi Province, where the joy of a child's victory was halted by an official protest document.
The issue began with the problematic cylinder sleeve after the Cadet B race, when “Nong Payu,” beloved son of actress Araya A. Hargate and Chotiwisut, drove his kart to claim first place in an intense finish.
However, “Hi-So Por-Tanuphat Lerttaweewit,” manager of TNP Motorsport, whose son finished second, filed a protest with the race officials and the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand (RAAT).
Hi-So Por questioned the engine specifications, particularly the “cylinder sleeve” on Nong Payu’s kart, suggesting it was an older or different model that might offer a technical advantage, and called for inspection of all 21 karts on the track to ensure fairness.
The awards ceremony was halted; Nong Payu and his peers did not receive trophies on the podium that day, awaiting official technical verification results.
Hi-So Por stated through media and personal posts that the protest was not out of spite for losing but done as a team manager to uphold regulations so all children compete on an equal standard, also apologizing to other parents for the delay in the awards ceremony.
Nong Payu’s team countered with documentation and photos confirming that kart number 69 passed the official scrutineering by association officials 100% before the race, with the cylinder sleeve being an original factory part per the Homologation manual, with no hidden modifications or alterations.
The controversy extended beyond the track into the online world, sparking heated debates.
1. Perspectives from the racing community
Phai Lik, a Member of Parliament and motorsport insider, viewed technical protests as a “normal” part of global motorsports, but stressed the importance of managing the emotional impact on the children involved.
Mechanics explained that slight variations in go-kart engine production batches may occur, but as long as they fall within the association’s homologation guidelines, they comply with the rules.
2. Public and netizen reactions
Most public criticism targeted the protestor, seeing the protest as causing psychological harm to an 8-year-old who deserved to celebrate his victory, with some mocking the protestor by referencing past controversial incidents.
Support was expressed for “Nong Payu,” praising his sharp driving skills and dedicated training that showed on the track.