Yates, who recently finished third in the BMW Asian Open by beating several of the world's top golfers including Ernie Els, led from start to finish, clocking 23 mins 51.78 secs.

Finishing in second position was 18-year-old Rattavisit Srivichai, who was the Northern Region B1 division gymkhana champion in 2005, while Sutheerapong Somabutr was third. Finishing in fourth and fifth places were Alongkorn Yangyuen and Jinda Srisaensuchart.

Continuous rainfall had turned the 1.4-kilometre circuit into a slippery track, resulting in a large number of incidents. Four out of 30 Class C drivers did not finish the race, which was reduced from 30 to 25 laps.

Yates said it was a tough competition due to the slippery conditions as well as the high level of competitiveness.

"Many of the new drivers have little experience and sometimes it is difficult to pass them even with the blue flag being waved," he said, adding that some drivers are also too aggressive and do not follow safety instructions.

The race was also marred by jump starts, but organisers were unable to punish offenders due to lack of evidence such as video material.

Meanwhile in the Lady's Cup, Paleerat Panboonhom maintained her position from start to finish to win the 20-lap event in 19 mins, 35.51 secs, beating runner-up Puchisa Kulnichkittikorn by almost 20 seconds.

Tippawan Phurayab, Kaninnat Akkuankij and Kanchana Prakobpol finished in third to fifth positions.

In the Yaris One Make Race, for Class B drivers, pole-sitter Traithanit Chimtawan led all the way, despite hitting a wall at the halfway mark of the 25-lap race, with a time of 22 mins 13.43 secs. Kritach Vasurat was second, while Apichai Phankongchuen was third. Martin Stuvik was fourth and Suriya Chaikijsakol was fifth.

Pheet Leabcharoenrungchai was handed a yellow card for dangerous driving after he crashed into Amarin Nitiphon, resulting in both cars being unable to finish the race.

If he gets another yellow card, Pheet would have to miss out one race.

The winner of each earns 20 points, while runners-up get 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2 and 1 point respectively. After five races the driver with the most points will be crowned the champion.

Results (top three):

Toyota Vios One Make Race (25 laps): 1.Simon Yates 23:51.78; 2.Rattavisit Srivichai 23:55.34; 3.Sutheerapng Somabutr 23:57.78.

Lady's Cup (20 laps): 1.Paleerat Panboonhom 19:35.51; 2.Phuchisa Kulnichkittkorn 19:55.13; 3.Thipawan Phurayab 20:10.54.

Toyota Yaris One Make Race (25 laps): 1.Traithanit Chimtawan 22:13.43; 2.Kritach Vasurat 22:17.22; 3.Apichai; Pankongchuen 22:20.94.

The Nation

Chiang Mai