Thai racer Munkong ‘Turbo’ Sathienthirakul will make his début in the TCR International Series and the TCR Asia Series this weekend, racing a fourth SEAT León for the team at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram.
Sathienthirakul, who is known as ‘Turbo’, has experience racing karts from the age of eight, before he took a sabbatical from racing in order to study for his undergraduate degree in Japan.
When he returned home, Turbo started to race in touring car competition locally, winning the 1500 cc class twice in 2010.
Although he took another break in order to secure his postgraduate degree, Turbo returned home in 2013 when he entered the S2000 class of the Thailand Super Series. Finishing second overall in the 2014 championship, Turbo is now turning his attentions to international touring car racing.
“I have always been interested in TCR Series ever since it started this year and I always wanted to be TCR driver,” explained Turbo. “This day has finally arrived and I am so proud to be joining a team which is as professional and successful as Craft-Bamboo Racing. They have really helped build up my confidence for my first international touring car race and I look forward to doing my very best with the team at my home circuit.”
Turbo will experience a TCR car for the first time in Friday testing, and Craft-Bamboo CEO Richard Coleman doesn’t expect that this will prove to be much of a hindrance for the Thai racer.
“We are happy to have Turbo join our team and complete our four car lineup,” said Coleman. “It’s his first time in a TCR car but I’m confident that he will get up to speed quickly as we have three experienced drivers alongside him.
“His local knowledge of the track should benefit the team and we look forward to a strong weekend.”