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225 teams compete in the Pattaya Petong Open 2004
Petong, a game that not many know about, was first
introduced into Thailand by HRH Princess Sri Nakharin Phra Barom
Rachachonanee, the Princess Mother. Since its introduction people of all
levels of society have adopted the game and schools all over Thailand are
encouraged to promote the sport in their list of sporting activities.
 The
heat of competition as players to get closest to the small target.
An official of Pattaya School No.2 says that, “Petong
has enjoyed rapid growth in its popularity in Pattaya and people of all ages
enjoy this sport. The game is easy to play and the rules are very easy to
follow, but the real reason that Petong has caught on here in Thailand is
because it was a sport that the Princess Mother enjoying playing very much.
We therefore play this sport in her loving memory.”
For the purpose of promoting sports in communities and
schools, the committee on tourism and sports indicated that Pattaya should
organize an annual competition that is open to everyone. The Pattaya Petong
Open 2004 thus took place on the grounds of Pattaya School No. 2 on July 23
and 24.
The competition was divided into 3 categories, 1) Triple
under 12 years team and under 15 years; 2) Open Doubles team for men and
women; 3) Doubles for men and women over 50 years of age.
Measuring
down to the last millimetre as to who wins the round in the final matches of
the Pattaya Petong Open 2004.
The two-day competition attracted 128 youth teams, 60
men’s teams, 16 women’s teams and 21 teams comprised of the elderly
totalling a delightful gathering of 225 teams.
After two action packed Petong days the winners were
declared. The winning prize of the Triple boys under 12 years team went to
the Hong Yang School, receiving a certificate and a cash prize of 1,200 baht
whilst the Triple under 12 years girls team from the same school won in that
category receiving the same prize. The under 15s boys winning prize went to
Chon Rasadorn-bumrung School and the girls under 15s was won by the students
of Wat Nong Yang both receiving certificates and a cash prize of 1,200 baht.
The Ratchanavee 3 team won the Men’s Open taking the winning trophy and
7,000 baht in cash whilst the Ratchanavee 1 team won the Women’s Open
trophy and 5,000 baht in cash. The final prize of 4,000 baht for the over
50s category was snatched by the veterans from Khumpol Naval Academy.
Somsak Singhchatchawan to defend
his Super Bantamweight title in Pattaya
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
One world and one regions title fights will hit center
ring in Pattaya next Friday as Somsak Singhchatchawal is due to defend his
Pacific Asian Boxing Association (PABA) Super Bantam weight title against
Indonesia’s Simpson Buta Buta on August 13. Terdsak ‘See Super Tech Yim’
will also defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Featherweight belt
against Jesar Alcazar from the Philippines in the 26lbs class from 4 p.m. at
the Mini Siam complex in Pattaya. The two title fights are headlining an
evening of Muay Thai and international boxing matches.
Local
pugilists will defend their respective titles when they jump into center
ring next Friday afternoon.
In a press conference last week at the Grand Sole Hotel
the upcoming tournament was announced by a panel dignitaries with the aim of
raising scholarships for children from Pattaya and Banglamung’s 36 schools
and promote the anti-drug message to the region’s youth.
The event is due to be broadcast live on both Sophon Cable TV and
national station, channel 7 from 4 p.m.
Rising Sun Hotel/Restaurant/
Bar Golf Society July’s Results
Thurs 1, Pattaya: G Cooney 36 pts
Tues 6, Navy: F Pilkington 39pts
Thurs 8, No Game, sare back!
Tues 13, Phoenix: no comp, matchplay
Thurs 15, Navy: G Cooney 37 pts
Tues 20, Pattaya: Matt 34pts
Thurs 22, Bangpra :Peter Hoyle 36 pts, G Cooney 32 pts
Tues 27, Pattaya: Darren Nixon 38pts, Roger 35 pts
Thurs 29, Green Valley: Paul Sibley 36pts, Matt 35pts
Roger’s back! Good month for Gerry. Quiet month, but numbers still up
on last year. For further infor contact the organiser, Matt Anderson on 09
247 6673 or rmail: [email protected] Arrive 10.30-Leave 11a.m. Soi
Yamato (13/1) Tel. 038 710 610
Swan song three-peat for Rod
PSC Golf from McAlister’s Bar & Grill
Murphy’s Law came into the picture
on Friday the 30th as the group were teeing off on the Lakes course at
Phoenix when a phone call was received asking “where is everyone?” If
instructions can be misinterpreted, mislaid, mistaken or plain forgotten
then blame it on Murphy. It so happens that five of the twenty-four golfers
scheduled to play Phoenix had turned up at Century Bang Chang, nothing new
to us! Having already checked in at Century the five stray golfers decided
to carry on there anyway with plans to assemble at McAlister’s after the
round. They may have had an ulterior motive in getting prepared to the PSC
Tri-Nations Scramble next month, which will take place at Century.  Don
McAlister (center) happily congratulates winner Rod Perrin (right) and
offers condolences to Joe St. Laurent.
The group that sensibly turned up at the prescribed
venue was greeted with the usual finely prepared golf course with quick
greens and lush fairways. A pleasant breeze came up to keep our nerves
cool for the round and thoroughly enjoy the beautiful vistas from
Phoenix.
Left-handed Aussie Rod Perrin, on the eve of his
departure for a visit down under, showed that he hasn’t lost his stuff
by placing first for the third successive outing. Rod’s 44 points was
more than enough to win with Carl Baumann finally finding his form to
place second with a good posting of 40 points. In third place with a
mere 39 points, Bob Benda showed us that the day predominantly belonged
to the lefties.
A fine spread greeted all the golfers at McAlister’s and we were
reunited with the stray group that found their way to Century instead of
Phoenix. Don McAlister was on hand to greet everyone and congratulate
the day’s winner as well as welcome back Joe St. Laurent who joined us
while on one of his flying visits from Canada. Golf in Canada must be
different to golf in Thailand for Joe as he managed to hold the cellar
position on his first game here.
Derek Brook finds his way at Bangpakong
PSC golf from Bobby Joe’s 60s Bar
Tuesday July 27 Bangpakong Stableford
If you want to walk around a flat, long, relatively
forgiving course, then you can do a lot worse than take on this course. Of
course, built close to the local river, the course does tend to be a little
windy at times, but the fairways are grassy and fine for old legs to walk
on, and the greens are fast and true.
 Bobby
stopping winner, Derek Brook, from fading away
After the normal free breakfast at Bobby’s, it was
aboard the transport for the long haul to Bangpakong, which despite the
distance is a far better drive than, say, the drive to Noble Place. That is
if you do not get lost, it seems like I have my title back as ‘The most
likely to’, I will make certain next time to take the correct ‘pay
motorway’. However, we did enjoy seeing the countryside, and my navigator
will be back soon.
So to the first tee and the ‘ever patient!’ Max and
Bob were waiting with the patience of Job as we dashed up and got away.
There must be something about rushing, as the first nine slipped by in only
38 shots and it was then a question of hanging in there. However said, this
is a long tough course, and it does tend to favour the big hitters, until
the wind blows, and if you are playing well it is a pleasure to play.
Max
with the Technical winners
Sat in the Restaurant, most had a little snack and some
liquid refreshment before returning to Pattaya. The food here is pretty good
and it is a good place to eat. Naturally the drive back went pretty well,
once bitten twice shy, as the motorway was quickly found, and being Tuesday,
the trip back went nice and smooth. Indeed we arrived back at the 60s Bar
just as the food was on it’s way out, so all could top up.
Bobby was then talked into doing the presentation to the
winner, Derek Brook, being such a shy chap it is always difficult to make
him step forward. T.T.F.N
Winner: Derek Brook
Near Pins: Homicide Hank, Bob Noble, Derek Brook and Bob Lawrence.
The Tin Man wins at last!
PSC Golf from The Three Sisters
Twenty-one of the usual suspects gathered for the Monday
game at Siam Country Club, but this time without Herbie Ishinaga or
‘Fast’ Eddie Kristianson, both hospitalised. Hopefully they will soon
be back to good health and playing with us.
 Kevin
Wilson (left) and Alan Pearce (right)
This week’s winner was at long last, Alan Pearce, the
man with more metal in his legs than Douglas Bader, shooting 85 off the
sticks including 10 pars to record his best ever score and 45 stableford
points. Nobody got anywhere remotely near this total, but the chasing pack
included Bill Key and Gerry Carpenter on 39 points, with Bill getting the
nod on countback.
Further back came Jerry Lien on 38 points and Carl
Bauman, Paul Kinner and Douggie Powell all with 37 points. Chris John gets
an honourable mention with 36 points because in the absence of Herbie, he
had to write the report!
Holding up the bottom was Kevin ‘Bloody’ Wilson with a meagre 24
points. Kevin has been away from golf for a while following the theft of
his clubs and a recent visitor from Dubai was positive that our man had
passed away. Obviously the reports of his demise in England had been
greatly exaggerated, but he did attract a few cries of “Dead Man
Walking” on his round. Jim Tully managed to snatch 2 points on the last
hole to lift himself above his customary position.
Well Done Ben!
PSC golf from the Bunker
On Monday July 26, The Boys from The Bunker went to Burapa Golf Course
for a Medal competition. Playing C & D courses off the white tees, there
were many golfer’s thankful for this as it was their first trip to Burapa.
None more so than Ben Findon, playing off 25 handicap who had the round of
his life returning to the clubhouse with a score of 63 Net to walk away with
the first prize!
Ben has only been playing golf now for a year and his
game is getting better and better, mainly his pitching and chipping around
the greens. In second place was Mitch Malone with 69 Net followed by three
players in third place, John Preddy, Keith Smithson and Jim Payne all with
71 Net.
Nearest the Pins went to Keith Smithson, who came closest
on two of the par three’s with Jim Payne claiming one of the others and a
fourth going begging! Poor Dicky Barbie was awarded The Bunker Banana Booby
prize for his last place.
Yes ‘Siam’ back says Jim!
On Thursday July 29, The Boys From The Bunker visited
Siam Country Club for a Stableford competition. Jim Payne, continuing his
run of fine form, took advantage of the absence of Keith Smithson to run
away with first prize returning with 39 stableford points (his handicap will
soon be tumbling down). In second place came Ben Findon, also currently
playing well and completing
a very satisfactory weeks golf, with 36 stableford
points, edging out Mick Ramshaw who fought his way back to the clubhouse
with 35 points and who seems to be struggling to come to terms with his
reduced handicap of 21!
Only two Nearest the Pins were claimed, both by the
deadly Jim Payne who proudly announced, “Yes, Siam back”! And finally
the Bananas were presented to Vic Simmonds who struggled all day but managed
to get back to the Bunker Bar with a smile on his face.
Next month The Bunker will be holding their annual Golf
Championship competition with plenty of trophies and prizes up for grabs -
all golfer’s with valid handicaps are welcome to play - Watch This Space!
Don’t forget, you can get the latest golf schedules for
The Bunker Boys and information about all other sporting activities at The
Bunker Bar by visiting the website @ www.bunkerboysgolf.com.
PSC golf from the Cafe Kronborg
Monday July 26 Plutaluang Royal Thai Navy
Course Stableford
The East and North layouts were host for a stableford
competition in two Flights, A Flight 0 to 19 and B Flight 20 and upwards.
 B
Flight winner Pete King with 36 stableford points.
On the day, Gerhard Schulz took the A Flight with 39
points, Perry McNeely was second on a countback on 37 points over Ralf Zwick
in third. Aussie Peter King took the B Flight with 36 points ahead of Henk
De Bock in second with 34 points and in third was Neville Good with 33
points beating Pete Galle on countback.
Thursday July 29
Siam Country Club
Monthly Mug/ Stroke
The day was fine, the golf course in pretty good
condition, greens as good as I have seen them for a long time, fairways had
a bit of grass on, surely the course was there for the taking?
 Nev
Goode, B Flight winner.
The estimates of the winning score, with so many capable
golfers playing, was certainly in the middle sixties, but they were to be
proved wrong.
A good bunch had turned up at The Cafe Kronborg early in
the morning for the short trip to Siam, along Siam Road, which is in it’s
usual mess, and into the fine grounds of the Siam C.C. Booking in at Siam
C.C. is one of the easier courses to book in, so it was not long until we
stood on the first tee, working out who would turn up at the course.
 Mike
Gerrard, A Flight winner.
Order of play set, Dave and his group set off and lead a
fine pace, allowing all to get around quickly on a quiet day for the course.
Back in the Siam C.C. restaurant as the scores came in,
it was obvious that this was to be a day of high scores, and anyone who came
in with a sub-par net round, would be in with a shout. Indeed with all the
scores in, no one in the A Flight, 0 to 16, had broken net par, and only
three in the B Flight, 17 upward had beaten par, and not by much.
 Bjarne
presents The Mug to Henk De Bock.
The presentation was, as is usual for The Mug, back at
the Cafe Kronborg. The A Flight was won by Mike Gerrard with a net 72 ahead
of Derek Brook in second with a net 74 and Rick Evans in third with a net
76.
In the B Flight we had all the ‘stars’, with the
winner being Neville Goode with a net 70, ahead of Allen Cole with a net 71
in second and Ralf Zwick in third with a net 74 on countback over Alan
Pearce
 Papa
Ray finally finds a ‘bird’ and Dave tries to chat her up.
So to the Monthly Mug, and this was won with the only sub
net 70 of the day when Henk De Bock came in with a fine net 69.
Monthly Mug winner: Henk De Bock
A Flight winner: Mike Gerrard; Second: Derek Brook;
Third: Rick Evans
B Flight winner: Nev Goode; Second: Allen Cole; Third:
Ralf Zwick
Near Pins: Rick Evans, Bob Rasmussen, Bill Platt, Gerry Carpenter
Bailey, Kennedy & Seely winners in Diana July Open
Amidst a host of countback scores, Arthur Bailey, Tai
Kennedy and Mike Seely came out winners in the Diana Seniors & Ladies
Open at Pattaya Country Club on Thursday July 29.
 (l-r)
Mike Seely, Tai Kennedy and Arthur Bailey came out winners in the July Diana
Seniors & Ladies Open at Pattaya Country Club.
Tai Kennedy continued her current excellent form with a
42 points stableford score and gross 89 off her 23 handicap to win the
Ladies trophy. Prodigious length off the tee reached many of the greens in
regulation and, with some more work on the short game, a mid-teens handicap
might not be far away. Ladies runner-up was Lamud Chaidara in a count-back
with Banjob Franklin.
The Seniors produced a three-way count back from 41
stableford points, the winner being Mike Seely playing off 21. The runner-up
spot was won by Bill Macey in a count-back with Vincent Smyth, tying on the
back-nine, but a clear winner on the back six.
Still more count-backs in the Super Seniors with the
inevitable Arthur Bailey, playing off 23, returning 39 points that were good
enough to win. Keith Avery and Dave Earthrowl both came in with 37 points
with Keith carding one point more on the back nine to take the runners-up
prize.
The good scores by many players reflected the fine
weather conditions and the generally good state of the course.
Technical winners of the near pins were George Meigh,
Jack Moseley, and John Hughes claiming two. George Meigh had the longest
putt on #9 and Ken McCarty on #18.
Excellent restaurant service at Pattaya Country Club
settled everyone in for the prize presentations, preceded by the customary
welcome to ‘first timers’ Pete & Jenny O’Donnell, John Clements,
Geoff Bowers, Vince Smyth, John Hughes, David Johnson, Barry Pethig and John
Dearden who had just turned 50 to qualify for his Seniors debut. It was
‘welcome back’ to Ged Mason, Basil Foley, Bill Hoge and Mick Leighton.
The next Diana Seniors & Ladies Open is on Thursday August 26th at
Pattaya Country Club. Sign-up sheets at the Green Bottle and Diana Driving
Range.
A former caddy comes back to win
IPGC Golf From Lewiinksi’s
Sunday July 25 Green Valley, White Tees
Stroke/Medal
1st A Flight: Rick Sharp, net 69
2nd A Flight: Steve Mascari, net 69
3rd A Flight: Jim Brackett, net 69
1st B Flight: George Jackson, net 67
2nd B Flight: J.J. Wright, net 68
3rd B Flight: J.P. Labrousse, net 71
1st C Flight: Ralf Zwick, net 66
2nd C Flight: Nat Meesuk, net 70
3rd C Flight: Alec Hoare, net 71
Near Pins: #13 Jack Grindvold; #16 Bruce Milner
The last guy on the handicap sheet, Ralf Zwick was first
in C Flight with a best of the day net 66. He left second to the better half
of the McHugh household, Nat Meesuk, who fired a net 70, a sign of continued
growth in her game as a stroke/medal victory suggests that she is adding
consistency to her already established ability. Irish Alec Hoare snatched
the last spot on the day.
George ‘One-Ball’ Jackson needed a five under tally
to keep the B Flight top spot from falling into the hands of the alphabet
twins, J.J. Wright and J.P. Labrouse. J.J. was but a stroke back of George
at 68 while J.P. needed a favorable count back to wrest third from Kevin
Bowman. The lads are eternally grateful to J.J. who enhanced the
Lewiinksi’s ‘Majors’ hat collection with a lid from The Open
Championship at Royal Troon.
Rick Sharp was going to have to dip into his pockets to
pay his daily entry fee and, as is typically the case, when he is so advised
he goes out and wins. The Hermit made it exciting, however, as his fellow A
Flight podiums mates matched his 69. Inspection of the scorecards quickly
alleviated any suspense as Rick came home with a level to par 36, off the
stick. Interestingly, Steve Mascari had to go all the way to the final three
holes of the back 9 to edge long time visitor Jimmy Brackett.
Tuesday July 27 Khao Kheow
B & C White Tees Stroke/Medal
1st A Flight: John Emmerson, net 69
2nd A Flight: John Hillier, net 69
1st B Flight: Derek Reading, net 70
2nd B Flight: Ken Kutzing, net 73
Near Pins: #C8 Ray Dell
Just as occurred on Sunday, A Flight was bottled up at
the top as three golfers each had net 69. Golf manager, John Emmerson edged
John Hillier for the top spot and John Hillier related Jim Brackett to the
bread lines with their respective count back victories. The long hitters of
A Flight had 5 players in the 70 as they took many of Pete Dye’s hazards
out of play. However, the B Flight field was still challenged by the design
that many consider amongst the Eastern Seaboard’s finest, and this was
evidenced by the winner, Derek Reading, being the only player to net at his
handicap or better. Ken Kutzing showed good perseverance as he held on to
grab B Flight second with a net 73.
Wednesday July 28 Mountain
Shadow (f/k/a Natural Park Hill) White Tees Stableford
1st A Flight: Doug Williams, 38 points
2nd A Flight: Jim Brackett, 37 points
1st B Flight: Poo Supraporn, 33 points
2nd B Flight: Derek Reading, 32 points
Near Pins: #5 Jim Brackett; #17 Doug Williams
Well it had been awhile since the lads and lasses had
played their old favorite Natural Park Hill, now called Mountain Shadow. And
as far as this scribe can recall our B Flight winner had not come back there
to show her mom and her sister, still caddies, that she could play this
game. In a great story Poo Supraporn returned to the place of her previous
caddy employment and amassed 19 points on the front and, while she struggled
home, she still had a 33 point total, which was still tops in B Flight. The
previous day’s winner, Derek Reading continued to impress with his second
place B Flight total of 32 points. Doug Williams, playing his first outing
with the Society, had a marvelous 38 points to edge Jim Bracket who had 37.
Doug who plays off a stingy 2 handicap showed he was well up to the task.
Friday July 30 Century
Banchang White Tees 2-person Better Ball
1st Gerhard Schulze/Perry McNeely, net 65
2nd Clive Bruce/George Jackson, net 66
3rd Steve Mascari/Joe Sebastian, net 67
As the Golf manager looked over the protracted field of
19 teams, he predicted it would take a net 65 to win the day’s two person
better ball competition. Perry McNeely took heed and he and his partner,
Gerhard Schulzen came home with the afore-predicted 65 for a narrow one
stroke victory over the field. Mates Clive Bruce and George Jackson were
that team which was one back and but one ahead of two teams locked in count
back for the final step. Steve Mascari and Joe “NR” Sebastian won that
count back from the team of Klaus Schiffer and Heinz Roembell.
Smithson’s masterclass at Plutaluang
IPGC Bunker Boys at the OK Corral
On Tuesday, July 27, the Bunker Boys left the OK Corral
and headed for the peace and serenity of the Royal Thai Navy course at
Plutaluang for their weekly medal event and found the course in need of some
attention. The North nines had patchy and worn fairways and the newer West
nine had greens which needed a cut, thus leaving them very slow indeed. It
would take some masterful golf to produce a good result in those
circumstances, and this was to be forthcoming in the top flight. The
division two golfers all struggled on the greens and Duncan Lee’s return
to the OK Corral was marked by his net 77, which netted him third place.
One shot ahead was the consistent David Johnson and his
net 76 was just a shot behind the flight winner, Ken Graham, who took his
first victory with the Bunker Boys. In division one John Hughes, Bill Hewitt
and Steve Nowell all fired high scores of 78, which, nevertheless assured
them of a share of third place. A country mile ahead was Mark Joshua whose
level par net 72 was a good performance by any standards
The class act of the day was the round by English PGA
member, Keith Smithson, and his gross 71, net 68 off the blue tees was an
exhibition in playing the course on the day. Club selection off the tee was
masterful and shots were hit with power and accuracy. The tough West nine
posed no threats to him and his three birdies helped him to an “in-nine”
of 35 shots. It was a lesson to all by the teaching pro. Norm Robinson fired
the day’s only birdie two and was awarded the Super Sawng prize for his
effort but he also had a nightmare at the par-three Lighthouse hole and his
ten there meant an otherwise excellent round was rewarded with the Banana
Booby. But, for Keith Smithson, smiles all round.
Tight at the Top at
Bangpra
Thursday July 29 dawned hot and clear as the Bunker Boys
left the OK Corral for the final time, bound for Bangpra International Golf
Club for their weekly stableford tournament.
Two dozen golfers were divided into two flights, cut at
eighteen, and set about the course from the white tees, except for PGA
member Keith Smithson, who took on the monster challenge of playing off the
back championship tees. Phew! In division two players found the slow, sanded
and pitted greens on the front nine frustrating and the lack of putting
rhythm affected many scores. Brian Bellis, Norm Robinson and Duncan Lee
managed to amass 32 points each and take a share of third place, whilst PJ
Redford and Andy Spence went five better with their 37s to take the flight.
Scores were similar in division one as long hitting Aussie, Bob Philp
produced creditable golf to take third place with 35 points, just one behind
runner-up Mark Joshua and two behind the eventual winner, the new IPGC
Champion Alan McGrory.
The highlight of the day was the gross 78 which Keith Smithson fired off
the championship tees and the monkeys even ceased their chattering as Keith
breezed through the first nine, dropping only two shots. Incredibly, his
reward was the Banana Booby because he had promised Mr. Loy a par round!
Flight winner PJ Redmond fired the day’s only birdie two, on the short
second hole and was amply rewarded back at the presentation in the Bunker
Boy’ new home, the new OK Corral bar in Soi Rungland. It had been a fine
day, despite the greens.
Rising Sun finally Setting
IPGC TAGGS Golf from The Haven
Monday July 26
Green Valley Stableford
1st Jimmy Little, 42
2nd Al Rolnick, 39
3rd Fred Ewins, 38 c/b 21
4th Roy Thornton, 38 c/b 17
5th Guy Billings, 37
A large turnout was well rewarded by the ever improving
Green Valley course, prepared once again in superb condition. Scores were
excellent with Jimmee rising to the occasion with a fabulous 84 gross, which
included 3 birdies to take the day’s honours with 42 points.
The ever steady pair, Al & Fred were right up there
again but couldn’t compete with the Little Big Man. ‘Major’ Roy
produced another solid round, whilst a couple of wipes spoilt Guy’s
otherwise pretty flawless round. The large 2s pool was shared by Terry Phur,
Jimmy Little & Graham Davis. Prior to the prize giving presentation,
Richard Livingston, the resident PGA professional, welcomed back Phil Groves
and Serge Straeton.
Wednesday July 28
Khao Kheaw B&C Stableford
1st Takeshi Hakozaki, 41
2nd Brian Kelly, 36
3rd Trevor Schirmer, 34
It must have rained and rained and rained, as the course
was very wet and not giving an inch of run. This made for a long hard day
off the yellow tees. Not surprisingly, only two players managed their
handicap or better and despite a steady 18 points on both 9s, Brian’s
excellent 36 was well short of Takeshi’s massive 41points that will surely
see another cut in his handicap.
Trevor completed the podium positions, just pipping Phil
Groves and Graham Davis on countback. Poor Jimmee could only muster 19
points after his big win on Monday, whilst Richard Garland would certainly
have finished on the podium had it not been for two ‘double hits’ during
his round. The 2s pool was shared by Phil Groves & Takeshi Hakozaki.
Back at the Haven, Richard Livingston, welcomed back Bill Hoge from Texas.
Friday July 30
Phoenix Lakes/Ocean Medal
1st Brian Kelly, 69 c/b 32
2nd John Desmond, 69 c/b 36
3rd Fabian Arp, 70 c/b 34 c/b6 22
4th Peter Emslie, 70 c/b 34 c/b6 23
5th Richard Garland 70 c/b 37
Once again the course was presented in excellent condition and as may
have been expected, the scores reflected this with poor Richard being given
a real headache, calculating the numerous countbacks. At the end of the day
it was Brian’s superb 39 off the stick on Ocean that separated him from
John, who unfortunately shot his super 38 gross on Lakes. Fabian, on one of
his rare appearances, held off Peter & Richard for 3rd spot. Had
‘Slammer’ not carded two 7s and a Snowman, he may well have taken the
honours. Had Richard not have called yet another ‘double hit’ he may
also have finished in top spot. But the Japanese duo of Suzuki & Takeshi
were left trailing well behind with net scores of 74 & 76 respectively.
With another large turnout, the rather juicy 2s pool was shared by Andy
Pedlar, John Desmond & Roy Thornton.
Q Cars move into second place and Three Sisters is down in third
Pattaya Sports Club Friday Bowling League
Q Cars split their match with Jack & Tar at two
points each and Three Sisters lost three to Nam Tip, so Q Cars moved one
half a point ahead of Three Sisters.
 200
bowlers: Lenz, Jeed and Jim.
Jeed led Nam Tip to victory with the best series of the day
of 585 pins, games of 203, 197 and 185. Lenz bowled a 203 game for Q Cars. Three
Sisters was led by La with games of 170, 190, and 193 for a 553-pin count. Cafe
Ole closed the gap on the leaders as they took three points from VFW Post 9876.
Both teams bowled well in the match with Jim leading Cafe Ole with a 213 game,
554 series. Bill Key was best for VFW knocking down 539 pins and Jon added
another 513.
Cafe Kronborg took three points from House of the Golden Coin to continue
their winning streak. Nual bowling for Golden Coin rolled a 514 pin total in the
match. Last place Alt Koelle held first place Brother D to a two-two split in
their showdown as the pins did not want to fall for either team and no real good
pin totals were bowled.
Week 20
Team Standings Points (July 30)
Brother D. 47 - 33 2 - 2
Q Cars 46 - 34 2 - 2
Three Sisters 45.5 - 34.5 1 - 3
Cafe Ole 44 - 36 3 - 1
VFW Post 9876 39.5 - 40.5 1 - 3
Cafe Kronborg 39 - 41 3 - 1
Jack & Tar 37 - 43 2 - 2
Nam Tip 36 - 44 3 - 1
House of the Golden Coin 34.5 - 45.5 1 - 3
Alt Koelle 31.5 - 48.5 2 - 2
Pattaya’s annual Sepak Takraw championships
kicks off next weekend
Decha Chalermyart
Pattaya city administrators have invited registration from
Takraw enthusiasts throughout the region to compete in the upcoming annual
Pattaya Sepak Takraw championships due to be held during August 13 -15 at
Pattaya School No. 7 (Nongpankhae School). Competition play is defined to three
categories: members of general public, non-Thai league players and those above
35 years old.
International rules will apply to the three-day championships
with the winning team receive 10,000 baht first prize, second place 7,000 baht
and third place team takes home 5,000 baht.
Sepal Takraw was created by the royal family of Malaysia
about 500 years ago. The name itself comes from two languages. Sepak is
“kick” in Malay, and Takraw is the “ball” in Thai.
The Sepak Takraw court and net are of the same standards as
for badminton matches. A team consisting of 3 members is called Regu. Two teams
compete for higher scores by spiking a ball into the opponent’s court. The
same rules apply as for volleyball, with the following 4 exceptions: 1) Players
are prohibited from using their hands; 2) a player can touch the ball 3
successive times; 3) the player’s position of the defensive team is not
rotated; 4) net-in service is accepted.
A match is composed of 3 sets. The team scoring 15 points win
a set. The first team winning two sets wins the match. If both teams are tied,
13 to 13, the first team to score 13 points may choose to decide the set through
5-point match. If the teams are tied at 14 to 14, the first team to score 14
points may choose to decide the set through a 3-point match.
In 1965 the game was unified into the present volleyball
style with the addition of a net and the adoption of international rules.
Both an Asian Sepak Takraw league (ASTAK) and the
headquarters of the International Sepak Takraw league (ISTAK) are in Bangkok,
Thailand. There are 18 member countries.
Registration for the Pattaya competition is open until August
9 and can be made at Pattaya City Hall or by calling 038 410 200 ext. 404 during
government office hours. Spectators are welcome watch the high flying action at
the Nongpankhae School, located on Sukhumvit Road, south of Tesco Lotus from
August 13-15.
Wednesday Quiz League
Sunday Quiz League
Jomtien 8 Ball Pool League
Pattaya 9 Ball Pool League
The Square Ring
by Howie Reed
Not a lot of time to dilly-dally around as there is boxing
news up to here plus a little. Before the preview of the Yodsanan Nanthachai
(43-2-1) vs. Steve Forbes (24-2) WBA jr. Lightweight tussle on Sunday
morning Pattaya Time, how about the fight last week? What fight? You had
your Mike Tyson (50-5) vs. Danny Williams (32-3) in what was suppose to be
the first of 8 bouts that would accomplish a number of goal for ‘Iron’
Mike Tyson. He would make maybe 100 million dollars, knock out 8 heavy’s
and become the world champion. Guess what? Someone forgot to let Danny
Williams in on the plan. As you know he knocked Mike Tyson out in the 4th
round. He did it by beating Tyson at his own game. Slugging.
Any boxing story for the next week or maybe longer will
begin with Mike Tyson. He’s the most interesting person in the sport
whether he’s in or out. Will he continue to fight? Hard to say. The
questions he had to answer with this fight brought forth the wrong answers.
Was he dominating? No! Was he overpowering? No! Did he sell tickets? Yes!
Does this make any difference? Yes. It makes a difference because for one he
was fighting a man, Danny Williams, who was called ‘common’ by one
writer. One scribe opined, “Williams had fought the usual suspects in
Europe but if he gets out of the first round that’s about as good as could
be expected.”
“And how would you like your crow prepared Mr. Boxing
Expert?” Medium rare, with fava beans and a nice Chianti? The story now is
a much bigger story,” what is Tyson’s future?” Does he have one? The
plan of signing with Bob Arum the headman at Top Rank is probably down the
drain like the Saturday night bath water. Arum has been out of the
meaningful heavyweight picture since he promoted some of Tyson’s early
fights. This is the same Bob Arum that said in January of 2002 that Tyson
was “deranged”. “The guy should be institutionalised and not in a
boxing ring.”
Now? “He’s become much more reliable. He’s
committed, from what I understand, to changing his life. He’s a much more
humble, rational person now and I think we could work well together.”
After the fight? “What fight deal with Mike Tyson?” Bob Arum can turn on
a dime and give five pennies change. He can make a turn that would make a
London cabdriver proud.
What it would have meant for the heavyweight division, if
Tyson had signed with Arum, is that Don King, while controlling most of the
heavyweight division, would have been left out in the cold without a coat. A
victorious Tyson could have fought a couple of warm bodies, then an Antonio
Tarver with the payoff against Vitali Klitschko for big bucks. King has a
problem with finding someone for his stiff’s to fight especially if Chris
Byrd (IBF Champ) wins his lawsuit to break his contract with King. Even with
the Tyson loss there might have been good stuff down the road. For
England’s Danny Williams he’s now the man. He KO’d Mike Tyson and did
it with style. The question that will be asked is he a Lennox Lewis or Frank
Bruno?
“He did hurt me with a couple shots in the first
round,” Williams acknowledged.
“My plan was to get out of the first two rounds and
then wear him down.” Williams also said that Tyson’s power was not as
great as he was expecting. “His punching power was less than what I
thought it was.” If that fight wasn’t shown in the Kingdom it will be
replayed during Sunday’s Yodsanan-Forbes match.
In the Land of Smiles, the Kingdom will come to a stop
when Yodsanan Nanthachai and Steve Forbes strap it on and hook’em up for
the title. In the rest of the world this will just be a warm up to the match
between Acelino Freitas (35-0) vs. Diego Corrales (38-2) for the WBO
Lightweight. Thailand is Thailand. Freitas and Corrales are both known as
fighters as opposed to boxers who enjoy a nice dance over 12 rounds. They
both hit often with power. Consider that from a combined 75 fights they have
combined for a record of 73-2-0 with 62 KO’s.
Corrales contributes the two losses. One to Floyd
Mayweather Jr. and the other to Joel Cassmayor, which he reversed in his
last out. The key to this fight may well be that after some personal
problems, to say nothing of time in the ‘nick’, Corrales seems to have
righted his tilting ship. Freitas seems to be headed the other way. His
personal problems have been well documented in his homeland of Brazil.
The quality of Frietas’s opposition has been questioned
with good reason. He was 25 and nil with 25 KO’s before he faced anyone
that would leave a mist on a mirror. The one shared opponent is Joel
Cassmayor. As you’re paying attention you remember that Corrales is 1-1
against Cassmayor. Many that were in attendance, including Moi, on January
12, 2002 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas felt that Freitas may have had his
best outing to date. In retrospect many now feel it was his only quality
outing. That night he took the WBA Super Feather Title with a UD (114-112
all around.). Have to go with the fighter on the way up. Corrales via a
split decision.
Now to the main event of Yodsanan Nanthachai (43-2-1) vs. Steve Forbes
(24-2) for the WBA jr. Lightweight title. Most have probably read the
Suchada Tupchai story on Yodsanan’s training in last weeks Pattaya Mail.
From the standpoint of professional boxing “IF” Yodsanan does what
he’s capable of doing it should be a relative easy win. Relative is a
relative term. Stevie Forbes is a good boxer who usually has more trouble
with himself than he does once he finally gets in the ring. He has issues.
Forbes won the vacant title IBF Super title from John Bown, defended once
against John Brown then failed to make weight so gave up the title. Stevie
likes a good time. Living in Las Vegas allows fun in the sun and moon, 24/7.
Forbes is a Las Vegas guy. He next tried Carlos Hernandez only to lose in 10
on a technical decision (97-93,97-94,98-92). Yodsanan has the Kingdom on his
shoulders. If he’s successful other Thai fighters might get the chance to
fight overseas and make real money. He’s done a lot right including being
in the USA for over 10 days to wrap up training. The Land of Smiles will be
smiling when Yodsanan does the business. I’ll drink to that.
The Marine Industry Thailand: An Exponential Surge
Peter Cummins, Pattaya
The highly-successful inaugural Phuket Race Week, held
recently off the Evason Phuket Resort and Six Senses Spa, Rawai Beach,
facing the beautiful bay of Laem Ka and its myriad of islands on Phuket’s
southern extremity, has very neatly fitted into an exponentially-expanding
yacht racing and marine sector in the Kingdom.
While this event has been faithfully recorded (of course)
by the Pattaya Mail (Vol. Xll, #31, July30) during the regatta week, it is
worth re-capitulating that the winners of the four classes were all Phuket
‘natives’ to wit: Scott Duncanson, Mick Kealy, Stuart Crow and Mark
Pescott.
Loading
Optimists at Royal Varuna, bound for Hua Hin.
Just prior to this, was the Quantum Naga Cup, also
reported in Pattaya Mail (Vol Xll, #27, July2) - the first regatta organized
solely for the ‘Phuket Sports Eight’, a locally designed and built
racing machine. Scott Duncanson emerged as the winner and this ‘one-design
racing’ format is sure to command a large following in the next few years.
The Ao Chalong Yacht Club has been the driving force
behind the emergence of such enthusiasm for yacht racing at and around
Phuket, including these two new regattas.
A view
of the new Royal Varuna club house, due to open later this year, looming up
behind and dwarfing the old one.
Starting with the Royal Thai Government’s virtual
abolishment of the crippling (250 per cent plus) tax on the marine leisure
industry earlier this year Thailand, with its superb sailing, cruising and
yacht-racing waterways, is rapidly moving into contention as the region’s
(this writer would say, ‘the world’s’) most desirable venue for
anything marine-related.
 Optimist
training off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club recently.
This timely intervention was certainly appropriate for
Sunsail, the world’s leading yacht charter company, which has been
operating in Thailand and other parts of the region for some 10 years.
“All our yachts are quite old,” pointed out Sunsail
MD Kevin Quilty recently “and to replace worn-out gear, sails and the huge
inventories such yachts need constantly, is an exorbitant expense” Now, he
continued, “we have been able to bring in new craft to relieve the
pressure of our original yachts in their “mid-life crisis”.
There are now fleets of new Sunsail boats all around the
Kingdom: Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Chang/Trat and Koh Samui and, “business is
booming, with fleets for the big events such as the Phuket King’s Cup
Regatta at year’s end, already booked and wait-listed,” Kevin added.
While not attempting to catalogue all the action in
Thailand’s booming marine sector, this writer merely highlights some of
the major events and developments throughout the Kingdom, which also spread
into neighbouring countries Malaysia and Singapore and, further a field, to
the Philippines and Indonesia.
An
model of the new Royal Phuket Marina.
Each Chinese New Year, for more than 10 years, the
splendid Phang Nga regatta has yachts racing through some of the world’s
most spectacular scenery. The fleets keep increasing as more craft return to
Thailand - and, Phuket - for permanent berthing.
Then at the end of May is the Koh Samui Regatta, followed
by the above-mentioned Phuket Race Week, held in July. Elsewhere, “regatta
fever” is rampant, with the Sattahip Navy base and the Ocean Marina having
monthly races.
A little further north, off the Pattaya-Jomtien coast,
the Royal Varuna Yacht Club holds weekly races, cruises, training courses
and junior sailing events and programmes tailored to initiating school
children into the joys and healthy pursuits of dinghy racing.
“It sure beats hanging around a shopping mall all
weekend”, one enthusiastic junior sailor was over-heard to proclaim last
weekend at Royal Varuna.
Royal Varuna itself, a recipient of Royal patronage from
His Majesty the King in April, 1965, is now completing a splendid
multi-million baht clubhouse on its present site and this alone will create
a surge of interest with new members lining up and the regular programmes
being boosted. The new structure will certainly put a classic ‘face’ on
a rejuvenating Pattaya cityscape.
Probably, one of the catalysts of this now-exponential
surge, was the inauguration of the first Phuket King’s Cup Regatta,
dedicated to His Majesty the King for his fifth-cycle, 60th birthday in
December, 1987 and, this year, coming up for the eighteenth sailing. This
great event, over almost two decades of its sailing, exposes Phuket as an
undiscovered corner of world-class yachting and cruising excellence, with
warm, deep waters and a most hospitable year-round ambient climate.
Since then, the marine infrastructure has progressed
remarkably, with two marinas, the Boat Lagoon and the Yacht Haven, now being
joined by a third, the very up-market Royal Phuket Marina, pioneered by avid
Phuket King’s Cup Regatta supporter, Gulu Lalvani. In fact, this
super-luxury facility, estimated to become a six billion baht development on
a 190-rai beachfront property, had its official launch just last week, at a
splendid reception, at the Conrad Bangkok.
Even Koh Chang can now boast of a marina, according to
the founder/builder Dumrong Phachonyut.
One of the founders of the King’s Cup, Christopher J.
King, is at the helm again as president of the organizing committee and he
is confident that a major bank will underwrite the regatta as major sponsor
with a number of other co-sponsors most likely to join.
“Already, perennial supporters, RPM and the Kata Group
(the host hotel venue), as well as Hilton, American Express, Mom Tri’s
Boat House, Sunsail and Thai Marine Leisure have confirmed for 2004",
said Chris at the first meeting for this year’s regatta, held last week.
“Interest is already very high and we are expecting a
good fleet. Those behind the King’s Cup had always hoped the event would
make a great contribution to the growth of sailing and related marine
activities in Thailand”, Chris added.
“We are delighted to see many other regattas
developing. They are a welcome sign that sailing and the sport of yacht
racing in Thailand are now beginning to be strongly supported - by both
local and international yachtsmen, as well as by government and corporate
sponsors”, he concluded.
During the course of the annual King’s Cup, held over
the week surrounding HM the King’s birthday, there is PIMEX - the (now)
annual Phuket International Marine Expo which, starting with just 57 booths
last year, is being expanded to 100 this time. According to the principal
organizers, it will not just be the vast increase of exhibition space that
will be a feature of this year. There will be a seminar programme that will
give visitors and exhibitors the chance to listen to - and hold discussions
with - the top marine sector players and related Thai Government agencies.
And, as PIMRX directors, Andy Dowden and Grenville
Fordham, point out, “promotion for the second show will be targeted at
leisure visitors to improve the mix for all exhibitors”.
Just last week, one of the biggest regattas of the year
was managed by the Royal Thai Navy and the Yacht Racing Association of
Thailand on the Western Gulf. More than 80 craft participated in 2004 Hua
Hin Regatta.
The Royal Thai Navy, in its role as guardian of the seas
and waterways around the Kingdom, despatched two landing barges from the
Sattahip Naval base and the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, respectively, loaded
with all manner of boats - from the mighty Hobie Cat Tigers to the tiny
Optimists - destined for Hua Hin.
As in past years, the event incorporated the ‘Vega
Rudder Trophy Race’, a gruelling long-distance race, commemorating the day
on April 19, 1966, when His Majesty sailed his single-handed dinghy, OK
dinghy, ‘Vega’ - which he had built himself - across the Gulf from Hua
Hin to Sattahip. Upon beaching at the Royal Thai Navy base, the King
presented the rudder of his dinghy to be used as a trophy for an annual
event.
A number of off-shoots of the booming marine sector are a
rapid increase of boat-building, ranging from Bill Gasson’s sophisticated
alloy “BuzzCats”, being constructed at the Ocean Marina, to the tiny
junior trainers, the Optimist dinghy.
Although, of course, not in Thailand, a surprise entry
into the yacht construction industry is at Zhongshan, China, on the banks of
the Pearl River, where the Kingship Company is starting to build luxury
yachts - for export only; there is no domestic market in China for a $US
seven million (plus) yacht.
What this does indicate, however, is the rapidly rising
popularity of sailing, cruising and yacht racing, from the forthcoming Swiss
defence of the America’s Cup off Malaga, to Optimist dinghies racing off
the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in South Pattaya.
And to revert to the enthusiasm of the gentlemen running PIMEX, who see
most positive signs in the Thai marine sector: “The mood in Thailand’s
marine industry is jubilant. Opportunity is in the air”.
14th sports fest kicks off at the Diana Group
Not all fun and games – healthy minds and bodies promote a happier workforce
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Sporting activities whether competitive or friendly are
mostly beneficial to the physical and mental well being of those
participating, and, as such the Diana Group hosts an annual sports day to
not only relieve stress from everyday duties but to also create a better air
of solidarity between staff and management. The 14th annual Diana Group
Sports day kicked off at the Diana Garden Resort and Driving Range on
Thursday afternoon as the in—house competition began.
 Sopin
Thappajug, Diana Group managing director officially opened the games at the
Diana Garden Resort and Driving Range with the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Sopin Thappajug, Diana Group managing director opened the
games with a parade of colors as well as promoting the anti-drug abuse and
HIV prevention message among staff members - a strong theme within the group
itself.
“Today’s games will be our 14th event. I would like
to see everyone enjoy the day and know how to win, how to lose and how to
forgive in sports. This is more important than any winner’s trophy,”
said Sophin in opening the games.
Throughout the afternoon a range of Thai sports and fun races were held
including sack races, three legged races, a football competition and an
aerobics endurance competition, all aimed at teamwork and promoting physical
exercise. The games drew great interest and amusement from a number of long
staying guest at the resort.
Teamwork
in action during the three-legged races.
Diana
Group staff participated in an aerobics endurance competition.
Han Han Heads Home to China
China’s Formula BMW Asia Junior driver, Han Han (Team
E-Rain), is heading home for Rounds 7 and 8 of the series at Beijing’s
Goldenport Circuit on August 15. The 21-year-old, Shanghai-born driver who
lives in the nation’s capital is looking forward to racing on what he
considers his “home” circuit.
 Shanghai-born
Han Han, 21 looking forward to racing on what he considers his “home”
circuit as he heads back to his roots.
Han Han is already a celebrity throughout China and
firmly established as a best-selling author. He has so far published five
books and sold a staggering four million copies. Since April this year, when
he won a coveted Formula BMW scholarship, the youngster has turned his
considerable talent to single seater motor racing and is determined to
repeat his literary success on the race track. Currently third in the Rookie
Cup standings, Han Han is well aware that he will be the centre of attention
during the weekend, but continues to enjoy every moment of it.
“The attention will help my performance - more focus
will be helpful,” he said recently. “I enjoy competing in Formula BMW
Asia and the field is very competitive. I get along very well with the other
drivers and we are all young people who have become friends.”
Han Han also believes that his participation in Formula
BMW Asia will result in a wider awareness of single seater racing in China.
“When I participated in rallying, many of my readers came to see me and
supported me, even when they didn’t understand what rallying was. For
Formula BMW Asia it will be the same and they will want to learn about
it.”
He also praised the series, and in particular the
scholarship programme of which he is a beneficiary, which provides
youngsters with both financial support and a comprehensive, season-long
education and coaching programme. “I would recommend Formula BMW Asia to
other people in China. The competition is good, the driving standards are
close which makes the racing very exciting and helps improve driver skill. I
think the Formula BMW scholarship programme is very good as it gives young
people an opportunity to drive in Formula BMW Asia.”
So far this year Han Han has competed in the Middle East,
where the opening rounds were support events to the inaugural Bahrain
Formula 1 Grand Prix, Malaysia where once again Formula BMW Asia supported a
major international motorsports event, the Japan GT Championship, and in
Thailand as part of the Asian Festival of Speed weekend.
Leading the championship going in to Rounds 7 and 8 is
another Chinese driver, Marchy Lee (Team Meritus) of Hong Kong. The most
experienced driver in the field, he has won every round of the series so far
and is likely to go well at Goldenport. He won a race at the 3.3km track
during his first and only Formula BMW Asia outing last year. The
championship title is looking good for the 27-year-old as the season
approaches the half way mark.
However, there is plenty of talent throughout the field
and the competition is increasing with every lap.
You Kyong-Ouk (BMW Korea E-Rain Racing) of South Korea
has only missed out on a podium finish once so far this season putting him
second in the Driver Classification, and the 2003 Rookie Cup winner is
showing real promise. Series newcomer, Morocco’s Mehdi Bennani (Team
Meritus) is quicker with every outing and is currently third in the overall
standings and tops the Rookie Cup classification after six rounds.
Hanss Lin (Belgravia Motorsport) of Chinese Taipei will
be hoping for a repeat of his emotional and well-deserved win in Beijing
last year, which was the final round of the inaugural season. The
24-year-old has had a roller coaster first half of a season, but his 2nd
place finish in Thailand last month should herald a change in fortunes for
the quick and determined driver.
The five Formula BMW Junior drivers, with the exception
of You who won a second scholarship by clinching the Rookie Cup title last
year, are new to Beijing’s Goldenport Circuit and it will be interesting
to see how quickly they adapt. Thailand’s Robert Boughey (Minardi Team
Asia) is the highest placed Junior driver in the Rookie Cup classification,
in second position on 76 points followed, by Han Han on 62. Malaysia’s Nik
Iruwan Nik Izani (Team Meritus) and the only lady competitor this year, Gaby
Dela Merced (Team E-Rain) of the Philippines are both concentrating hard on
getting to grips with single seater racing and benefiting from the
scholarship’s comprehensive Education and Coaching programme.
Following the two rounds at Beijing’s Goldenport
Circuit, the series heads to the Autopolis Circuit in Japan before returning
to China as a supporting event to the country’s inaugural Formula 1 Grand
Prix in Shanghai on September 25-26.
The ultra-modern Formula BMW which allows 15-year-olds to
enter the world of motor racing has been lining up on the grid since the
2002 season. It sets standards above all on the safety technology front. The
single-seater, driven by a 140 bhp BMW motorcycle engine that takes it up to
230 km/h, features a carbon-fibre chassis, fulfils the safety requirements
of the much higher-performance Formula 3 cars, and even matches certain
Formula One standards.
Formula BMW Asia, now in its second season, runs as part
of the Asian Festival of Speed (AFOS) organised by Motorsport Asia Limited.
This year the series is run over 14 rounds at seven venues in Bahrain, where
it was a support race to the Formula One Grand Prix, Malaysia, Thailand,
Korea, China and Japan. It will culminate in a second Formula One Grand Prix
support race in Shanghai in September.
In 2004, Formula BMW will be staged in four different
series held in Germany, the UK, Asia and the USA. Formula BMW events will be
part of the Formula One support programme on five occasions around the
world. All the series go hand-in-hand with a comprehensive education and
coaching programme, as well as substantial financial backing for promising
young talent. The most distinguished graduate of this “talent hothouse”
is Ralf Schumacher. The star of the BMW WilliamsF1 Team made his racing
debut in the junior class in 1992.
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen: “Our junior
talent promotion scheme is an intensive basic education for successful kart
drivers who want to move up into Formula racing. Our priorities are to
create a level playing field through technically identical vehicles and
scrupulously defined regulations, and to ensure maximum safety.” (Motorsport
Asia Limited by PR Plus Limited)
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