Naquib Azlan (right) and Mitchell Cheah after winning the GT4 class in Buriram, Thailand.
PETALING JAYA: Rising racers Naquib Azlan and Mitchell Cheah rode their way to victory after clinching the GT4 class title in the Thailand Super Series over the weekend at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram.
The Wing Hin Motorsports racers, who entered the final round at the top of the standings, drove superbly at the circuit to celebrate a double podium finish and clinch the GT Class Championship. Although Mitchell crossed the finish line in first place during Race 1, he received a 15-second penalty, which dropped them to second place and gave Kmik Karnasuta-Kantandhee Kusiri the race win as Daniel Bilski-Hayden Haikal took third.
But Race 2 was perfect for Naquib and Mitchell as they charged through the pack from fourth place to take the race win and championship, as Bilski-Hayden took second, while Sathapond Veerachure-Iaro Razanakoto rounded off the podium.
"I’m lost for words. It was a very long season and a lot of hard work," said Naquib.
"A big thanks to the team. We never gave up despite having many hard moments, Bangsean being one of them.
"Here, with the penalties, we never gave up so this win is to them and to Malaysia." During the second round of the championship in Bangsean, Naquib, who was in second place in Race 2, suffered a brake failure, and the car crashed into the barriers at high speed.
Thankfully, 25-year-old Naquib walked away from the crash with no injuries.
