Spotlight

Need for speed

By Ubonwan Pongpat

Thai teen races to stardom

Born into a racing family, Ratthapark Wilairot (Film) is a rising star in the world of motorcycle racing. The eldest son of champion motorcyclist Christmas Wilairot, Film broke into the elite world of international motorcycle racing with an outstanding performance at the 2006 Road Racing Championship in Japan.

The 19-year-old, who has been officially named to represent the kingdom by the Sports Authority of Thailand, is the first Thai in racing history to qualify to compete in a full season of World Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing, widely known as MotoGP. The fifth Grand Prix of the season finished last month in France, and Film is currently ranked 15th in the 250cc division standings.

YOUNG ENTHUSIAST

• Did you know •

Motorcycles used in MotoGP are specially built racing bikes that are not available on the market or allowed on public roads.

Film�s enthusiasm for the sport started when he was just a toddler. Following his father to racetrack, the curious boy fell in love with the fast-paced world of motor sports.

�Because I didn�t have a babysitter, my mom took me and my two siblings to almost every race my dad participated in. It�s how I learned to love the speed,� he said.

With racing in his blood, it�s not surprising that Film started riding motorcycles at the age of 8.

�My dad fully supported me when I told him I wanted to try riding a motorcycle. He took me to the Honda Racing School, where he worked as a coach,� Film said. �The school started with very basic things � driving techniques, sitting techniques and braking techniques.�

PROUD PRIZES

After two years� training at the school, Film made his debut on the track in 1998, when he stood on the podium as a 50cc motocross racing champion.

After that, he showed no sign of slowing down. Film made his name in numerous races and won many Thai championships, like the One-Make Race events in the 110cc, 112cc, 125cc and 150cc bike categories.

Among the accolades he�s earned, the feat he takes most pride in is being ranked 10th out of 32 riders in the World Grand Prix 2006 in Japan. That accomplishment is what qualified him for a place in the full season of MotoGP racing this year.

�I�m so excited about stepping onto the international stage,� he said. �One of my goals was to join the World Grand Prix. It�s hard to believe that I made it. Now my ultimate goal is to be a champion in this competition. I�d like to bring honour back home.�

Not only is this Film�s first year in international competition, it�s also a chance for him to race against his idol, five-time world champion Valentino Rossi. Film said that he�s amazed that he has the chance to race on the same track as his hero.

�Rossi is my all-time favourite racer. I�ve looked up to him since I was a kid,� he said. �I like the way he talks and the way he races. Nothing would make me happier than to beat him in this competition.�

TOP FORM

To keep in top form, racers must stay fit and healthy. So when he isn�t on the race track, Film spends most of his time in the gym.

To ensure that his mind is sharp and steady, he always meditates for 10 to 15 minutes and worships the Goddess Kuan Im before getting on his bike.

�Meditation before the race helps me stay cool and calm,� Film said. �When I�m racing, I don�t think about the trophy or award. There�s not really much going through my head. I focus on the moment.�

MAKING SACRIFICES

After 11 years of racing, Film is still a rookie with his best years ahead of him. But getting to this stage required making huge sacrifices.

Film�s childhood was a lot different from most people�s. While his friends whiled away weekends in shops and cinemas, Film spent his time revving up engines.

�To tell the truth, I was a bit upset that I didn�t have as much time to go out as my friends did. But now I think it was really worth it,� he said.

STREET DANGER

Because of all the reckless motorcyclists who race around streets and annoy people, most Thais don�t think too highly of motorcycle racing. Film wants to encourage people who love speed to try racing on a track instead of on the street.

�It�s a lot safer on the track because you have good protection,� he said. �Don�t risk your lives racing around the street. Come to the track. If you�re good, you can make a lot of money and become famous.�

	standings (n): a list of people, teams, etc. showing their positions in a sports competition toddler (n): a child who has only recently learned to walk podium (n): a small platform that a person stands on when giving a speech or accepting a prize, etc. motocross (n): the sport of racing motorcycles over rough ground accolade (n): praise or an award for an achievement that people admire qualify (v): to reach the standard of ability or knowledge needed to do a particular job, activity, etc. look up to somebody (phrasal v): to admire or respect somebody sacrifice (n): the fact of giving up something important or valuable to you in order to get or do something that seems more important reckless (adj): showing a lack of care about danger and the possible results of your actions