The 2024 Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) presented a formidable challenge for Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, testing their endurance and technical skills against the demanding terrains of Thailand. Throughout six grueling legs, the team, led by two-time Dakar Rally winner Hiroshi Masuoka, aimed to showcase the reliability and performance of their four Mitsubishi Triton pickup trucks. Despite encountering both highs and lows, the team displayed resilience and teamwork, making the rally a valuable learning experience.
The rally commenced on August 12, with high hopes for the team. Chayapon Yotha, one of the team's most experienced drivers, immediately established himself as a frontrunner by securing third place in the first leg. His impressive performance set a promising tone for the team, and his teammates, Sakchai Hantrakul and Katsuhiko Taguchi, also delivered strong efforts, finishing fifth and seventh, respectively.
However, the initial stages of the rally presented numerous challenges, including difficult navigation and adverse weather conditions. Rain-soaked roads and treacherous terrain necessitated both skilled driving and the capabilities of the Tritons to maintain competitiveness. "I think the car has shown the results of the various discussions and improvements made since last year's rally. We’ve received feedback from the three drivers that it’s easy to drive and has good handling," said Masuoka.
As the rally progressed into Leg 2 on August 13, Yotha continued to secure his position in third place, while Taguchi advanced to fourth overall. Unfortunately, Hantrakul encountered navigation difficulties, causing him to drop to 14th place. Despite these setbacks, the Tritons' solid performance in challenging conditions enhanced the team's confidence. The vehicles' ability to handle unpredictable terrain became a crucial element of their strategy as they aimed to mitigate navigational errors and other unforeseen challenges. "The route wound through plantations, making navigation difficult. In terms of the car, there is still plenty of reserve, but if I go faster I may make course errors. So I haven’t been able to utilize 100% of the Triton’s performance but the car is definitely faster than last year on the straights, and the drivability over gaps and the level of driver’s fatigue are completely different, " commented Taguchi.
By Leg 3 on August 14, the intensity of the rally became evident. Yotha advanced to second place overall, showcasing his consistency and the Triton's durability under pressure. However, Taguchi faced setbacks due to navigation errors, dropping to fifth place. Hantrakul's engine troubles compounded the team's difficulties, pushing him down to 12th. Despite these challenges, the team remained resilient. Masuoka emphasized the importance of maintaining strategic focus and working as a cohesive unit as they entered the second half of the rally.
Leg 4 on August 15 saw Yotha capitalizing on his momentum, winning the stage and taking the overall lead in the rally. His victory provided a significant boost for the team, demonstrating the Triton's capabilities in the most demanding conditions. Despite encountering several obstacles, Taguchi managed to maintain his fifth position. However, the day presented its own challenges, with Hantrakul's mechanical issues forcing him to temporarily retire, and Kazuto Koide playing a crucial support role despite physical challenges.
The penultimate stage on August 16 proved to be a turning point, albeit not in the way the team had hoped. Yotha, who had been leading the rally, experienced a severe engine problem during SS5, causing him to drop to 20th overall. This setback was a significant blow after days of strong performances and dramatically altered the team's prospects. However, Taguchi managed to hold onto his fifth position, navigating the stage with determination. Hantrakul faced further suspension issues, while Koide's role became even more critical as he assisted Yotha. "It's still unclear what the cause was, but it's very disappointing to have lost the top spot. However, Taguchi (Katsuhiko), Sakchai (Hantrakul) and Koide are still in the rally and I believe that in this rally, it’s important for the three cars to securely finish in those positions," asserted Masuoka.
The final leg on August 17 concluded the rally, with Taguchi achieving a fifth place finish overall. His composed navigation through the final challenges was commendable. Koide and Hantrakul completed the rally in 24th and 27th places, respectively, marking the end of a demanding and unpredictable race. Unfortunately, Yotha was unable to overcome his engine issues and was forced to retire from the rally, resulting in a disappointing end to what had been a promising campaign.
Reflecting on the rally, Masuoka stated, "Overall, the course set up was difficult this year, and navigation was very challenging... On the other hand, it was a frustrating result... However, the direction in which we have been preparing is not wrong, and the car's performance has improved significantly. We'll prepare for next year to further improve driving performance and reliability."
And with equal parts victory and defeat, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart is looking forward to improving their performance next year. Re-establishing the brand’s motorsports legacy is a crucial step in regaining the market’s confidence, and this year’s AXCR lessons should go a long way in reaching that goal.