Country's top bike racer Ratthapark moves into coaching role
Ratthapark "Feem" Wilairot's racing career is effectively over, with talented rider Thitipong Warokorn drafted in by AP Honda as his MotoGP replacement. Ratthapark will take a coaching role at the Thai Honda Gresini Racing Moto2 team for the rest of th
AP Honda president Chiaki Kato believes the 25-year-old Feem, with vast experience on the top-flight circuit, will do a great job in his new role as a mentor.
“Our original goal was to elevate the standard of Thai motorcycle sports to the international level. Our dream was to see a Thai rider compete in a world-class race one day and have the Thai flag flying high on the podium.
“That’s why we founded the Honda Racing School. Our quest is to search for talented youngsters and turn them into stars. Ratthapark, who has performed exceptionally in both domestic and international competitions, became the first Thai racer to compete in the World Grand Prix.
“Feem has competed in 250cc division for three years and Moto2 for four years. He is the pride and joy of the country. He not only represented Thailand at the world-class level but also has been a source of inspiration to a new generation of racers, who want to improve themselves and follow in his footsteps.” The Japanese boss is also convinced that Ratthapark’s promotion to a coaching role came at the “right” time in his career.
“Feem has gained priceless experience from racing in countless races. He has a close family with a wife and a young son. Now it is time to make another big move. Honda would like to thank Ratthapark for his devotion, determination, and dedication over the years in building the fame of the country.
“And we also would like to congratulate him for lifting his own standards and accepting the new challenge as a world-class rider coach. With his experience, Honda believes Ratthapark is the best [person] to coach and guide the team’s new racers.”
Kato expressed confidence that Thitipong, or “TingNote”, another product of the Honda Racing School, was good enough to step up onto the world stage.
“With his excellent performance in national and regional competitions, I am confident that Thitipong is now ready for a new challenge at the world-class level. With support and useful guidance from Ratthapark, he has, without a doubt, a chance to become the next star of the country.”
Ratthapark and Thitipong will work together for the first time in the Moto2 race at the Indianapolis Grand Prix in the United States on August 18.
