Fast, furious, wheel smokin’ Lao driver claims Thai drift title

Whatever your chosen endeavour, it’s not easy to be successful in every contest. Winners know they must work hard for many years to develop their skills to reach their targets and dreams.
One such individual who has dedicated himself to his chosen field over a long period is Lao racing driver Sonethep Phommathep (Sern), a 26-year-old resident of Donnoun village in Xaythany district, Vientiane.

Mr Sonethep Phommathep (Sern) ready for action on the track.

Sern recently made his family and Lao sports fans proud after winning the C class race of the PTT Station Bric Drift Attack 2018, which took place in Thailand last month.
Sonethep’s love of drift racing convinced him to enter the highly competitive world of motor sport. With steely determination, he studied every aspect of the sport and bought a racing car with the aim of becoming the best drift racer at the big contest in Thailand. 
After his C class win in Thailand, he has received a great deal of interest and praise from Lao people on social media, quickly raising him to local celebrity status.
Sonethep told Vientiane Times recently that he felt particularly pleased and proud of his win last month because PTT Station Bric Drift Attack 2018 attracted the best racing drivers from around the world.
“I’ve liked car racing since I was a child. I started to study drifting by watching videos on YouTube to learn the techniques the best racing drivers from many countries used in competition.  I then got the opportunity to learn first-hand from a Thai expert at four race events who taught me the moves to become a top racing driver,” he added.
His first step before entering any races was to buy himself a suitable car. Then his Thai friend entered him in his first competitive event in Khon Kaen province, Thailand, last year followed by other races in that country.
Sern explained that his victory in the PTT Station Bric Drift Attack 2018 was especially satisfying as it featured the best drivers from Thailand, Laos, China, Austria, France, Malaysia, Myanmar and Japan, the home of drifting.
Last month’s event, like other drift races, included the three classes of A, B, C. His C class win capped a meteoric rise in the sport with his first podium finish coming in the DC 2018 Round 2 Drift Competition at Mitpon Stadium, Thailand, where he came third.
Sonethep’s secret to success is his meticulous preparation and he practises on the track of his Thai friend before every contest. It hasn’t been all plain sailing but when any major problem has arisen he has received encouragement from his wife, son and parents to persevere.
He said this latest win is testimony to his persistence and drift abilities on the track to become the best racing driver in Laos.
Sonethep expressed his heartfelt thanks to his family and Mr Thanusack Phommachack, who have supported him in every contest.
He gave a special shout out to local motorsport fans who have expressed such pride in his abilities and achievements on the track. This generous support gave him the courage and determination to carry on and keep developing his skills.
Lao racing fans can follow Sern at Facebook: Sonethep Phommathep.

By Viengdavanh Banphahaksa
(Latest Update January 04, 2019)