2017 Federal Vessel Asia Cross Country Rally, since the start on August 14, race through West, North, East of Thailand, from jungle to flat land, finally the last of the SS, will bring all participants back to ayuttaya history park for the race finish ceremony.

The last SS with just 80km short distance, however may just be the hardest short SS thinkable. From sharp rocks, deep ruts, high speed section, and some dangerous wet section, where even a slight of breaking may put you on a slide down the hill. Lots of course out, miss course drama, transmission failure and tire burst, by not being careful and skill, the chance of big position shuffle was very likely.

However, this year Asia cross country Rally with both 2 & 4 wheels 100% participants finish, its a record on it on. The other toughest part are co drivers and riders navigating through the complicated the harsh jungle forest to reach each finish.

Todays with the special Furukawa Battary sponsored FB award, for the top 3 finishes on both 2 & 4 wheels. The receptionist for 2 wheels are as follows; 1st place #2 Yoshio IKEMACHI (JPN・KTM 350 EXC-F), 2nd place #1 Jakkrit CHAWTALE (THA・KTM 350 EXC-F), 3rd position #7 Pruchayar CHAIYASOTHI (THA・HUSQVARNA).

4 wheels 1st position #115 Paitoon THAMMASIRIKUL (Tha) / Somkiat NOICHAD (Tha)(Isuzu D-Max), 2nd position #119 Jaras JEANGKAMOLKULCHAI (Tha) / Kittisak KLINCHAN (Tha)(Isuzu D-Max), 3rd position #101 Nutthaphon ANGRITTHANON (Tha) / Peerapong SOMBUTWONG (Tha)(Isuzu D-Max). A very special prize was given to Lody NATASHA from Indonesia #126 Isuzu D-Max finished 9th place with very impressive time.

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The overall finish ranking 1 st position #1 Jakkrit CHAWTALE (THA), 2nd #2 Yoshio IKEMACHI (JPN), 3rd#3 Tadao EZURE (JPN), surprisedly same ranking as last year.

4 wheels overall finish, 1st place #101 Nutthaphon ANGRITTHANON (THA) / Peerapong SOMBUTWONG (THA) (Isuzu D-Max), 2rd position #102 Tadamitsu NIIHORI (JPN) / Chupong CHAIWAN (THA) (Toyota Hilux REVO), 3rd position #119 Jaras JEANGKAMOLKULCHAI (THA) / Kittisak KLINCHAN (THA) (Toyota Hilux REVO）. "Toyota Cross Country Team Thailand" is their second year to challenge AXCR, last year they also finished 2nd, looks like that we will have to wait for another year, to see the challenges continue where they left off.
The former GP rider Takuma Aoki, Racing on modified Toyota Fortuner, finished in 6th place respectfully.

In the T1G (Gasoline) class, 3 year undefeated champion #109 Kenjiro SHINOZUKA (JPN) / Eiji CHIBA (JPN). The popularity of Suzuki Jimmy entry are increasing, this year with 3 Jimmy able to fit into one shipping container, it sure help reduce the cost for each team, we hope to see increase numbers of entry in this class, and make the race even more exciting.

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First side car entry #151 Rising Sun Racing & Team Iwamoto Masahito WATANABE (JPN) / Tetsuo IWAMOTO (JPN) (URAL Gear Up), faced multiple mechanical challenges, not only in the road section, but also in the actual SS section. They not only prove the side car class can conquered the distance, but also shows they can actually have a great time doing so, we hope to see an increase of entry for next year.

Finish ceremony started around 16:00 at the historic park, where the air started to cool, and every single participant all crosses the finishing line, with high pride and accomplishment, follow by cheers and memorable photo op.
Awards ceremony was held at the official hotel ball room, the hardships and the rivalry from the race, all replaced by cheers of drinks, handshakes, smiles, hugs and lots more group photos.

2 wheels team awards goes to "Team FB International" #2 Yoshio IKEMACHI, #3 Tadao EZURE, #5 Sumaetee TRAKULCHAI (THA), Follow by "Team FURUKAWA BATTERY INDONESIA" #11 Rudy POA (IDN), #30 Kadex Yuli RAMAYADI (IDN).

4 wheels team awards goes to "Toyota Cross Country Team Thailand" #102 Tadamitsu NIIHORI (JPN), #119 Jaras JEANGKAMOLKULCHAI (THA) follow in 2nd place "The Land Transport Association of Thailand Isuzu Singha Team" #101 Nutthaphon ANGRITTHANON (THA), #103 Wongwirot PALAWAT (THA), #107 Sirichai SRICHAROENSILP (THA). 3rd place "TATA Motors Team Thailand Insinght". 4th place "IRONMAN SAKEO KING OFF ROAD", 5th place "Team Monchi".

This year with 2 wheels close battle, 4 wheels Isuzu and Toyota heads off, TATA team gaining more traction and experience, and side car complete the race, and every one complete the race. We look forward in 2018, where everyone can all come back together, challenge machine, self, new course and each other once more.

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