Chariya, a college student, clocked 1:17.114 in the Class B qualifiers, while Lemvard, who leads the standings with 55 points and has a 15-point lead over Sunij Srisaensuchart (40 pts), clocked 1:17.436 for his hot lap at the 2.4-km circuit.

If Sunij wins today's race, Lemvard needs to only finish in sixth place to secure this year's championship.

Prince Navabhan Yugala will start in fourth position today after clocking 1:18.211, while Peet Leabcharoenrungchai takes grid position number five with a lap time of 1:18.375.

Starting from sixth to 10th positions are: pro golfer and third leg winner Simon Yates (1:18.491), Alongkorn Yangyuen (1:18.583), fourth-leg winner Sunij Srisaensuchart (1:19.126), Trai Chimtawan (1:19.144) and Martin Stuvik (1:19.722).

Kingsley Wijayasinha, the motoring editor at The Nation, takes grid position number 11 after clocking 1:19.851 followed by drift champion Sutheerapong Somabutr (1:20.812), Issarapong Nitiphon (1:21.031), Jeff Bukamier (1:21.594), Phuchisa Kulnichkittikorn (1:21.598), iTV anchorman Jirayu Huangsub (1:21.834), Acharaphorn Phanpanich (1:22.458), Prutipong Leelahanant (1:22.462), Paleerat Panboonhom (1:22.553), Thippawan Phurayab (1:23.830), Kanin Yuwansiri (1:23.963), Bunthoon Narongrakdech (1:24.100), Jeremy Liau (1:24.309), actress Suphaksorn Chaimongkol (1:24.666) and Paul Kenny (1:24.831).

Meanwhile, in the Toyota Yaris One Make Race contested by Class B racers, the battle will be between points leader Manat Kulapalanont (52) and Noppadol Prakobpol (47). The top two finishers in the points standings in the Yaris race will quality for the Toyota Vitz One Make Race in Japan, which is part of the Toyota Motor Sport Festival later this month at the Fuji Speedway.

Yesterday Manat, who has never won a race but finished second twice, third once and fourth once, qualified in fifth position with a lap time of 1:18.811, while Noppadol took third place with 1:18.682.

The Nation

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