THIS IS LIFE
Although he just turned 20 last month, Ratthapark "Feem" Vilairoj has already made his name in the world of motorsports
VANNIYA SRIANGURA
Dubbed ``Wonder Boy'' by the sports media, Ratthapark ``Feem'' Vilairoj was named Thailand's Best Professional Male Athlete of 2007. |
Without his super expensive race suit and his helmet, the person sitting in front of me looked more like a Korean pop idol: slim and good looking with small eyes, trendy curly hairstyle and braces tied with red and green orthodontic rubber bands - the colours of The Pizza Company, the latest addition to his roster of sponsors.
Ratthapark "Feem" Vilairoj turned 20 last month but has already made his name in the world of motorsports.
Son of Krismas Vilairoj, a five-time Macau Moto GP champion, Feem began riding motorbikes when he was very young and has won several national championships over the years. Dubbed "Wonder Boy" by the sports media, last year he finished 17th with an impressive performance in the Motor World Grand Prix series, the world's most famous motorcycle racing competition, and was later named Thailand's Best Professional Male Athlete of 2007.
Feem is currently based in Spain, where his training camp is located, and from now until the end of October he will be travelling the world to compete in the 2008 250cc World Grand Prix.
Although he said he missed his home and family very much, last week this homegrown rising star rider still finished eighth out of 23 in the fourth-round race at the Shanghai circuit. His next 13 races will be in France, Italy, Spain and many countries in Europe, America and Asia.
What does "Feem" mean?
Actually I don't know. My mum originally named me "Film", but she has always called me "Feem" so my nickname automatically changed to Feem.
From now until the end of October ``Feem'' will be travelling the world to compete in races. |
Are you currently in education?
Yes. I am in the first year at Rattana Bundit University's Faculty of Business Administration. Though I am not able to attend all the regular classes because of the travelling, the university has a special programme to support athletes.
How did you get into motorsports?
Because my dad was a racer, I had to travel with him to racing tracks since I was very young and I saw motorcycle racing as an exciting activity. At the same time, seeing him win many trophies has inspired me to be like him. So when I was six years old I enrolled into a weekend racing school project and it has been my favourite hobby since.
Motorcycle racing seems dangerous for a child. Did your dad ever try to talk you out of it?
My dad knew better. He knew in his heart that it was absolutely safe with all the protective gear. My mum was the one who was concerned about my safety in the beginning because she didn't come to see me practice in the circuit and thought that it was like those dek wan (street motorcycle racing gangs) which was very dangerous.
Does being the son of a famous motorbike champion add any pressure?
I can't avoid people's expectation that I'll be as good as my dad, but I take that as an inspiration. Another plus side of being his son was that my initial entry into the sport was smooth because dad was here before and he's now an instructor. He has taught me how to be a good racer, to stay disciplined, to take care of myself, and all the techniques of circuit racing.
Has he ever given you a hard time?
Because I am his son, he would go to the circuit during my practice, stay close to the curves and point out at my mistakes, which I don't see many instructors do. Whenever I wasn't able to accomplish a new technique, he would immediately tell me to pull over and let me do it again and again until he was satisfied. Sometimes I jokingly said, "Papa, why don't you come down and try it yourself." Of course, that's a pressure but I see it as a benefit because it makes me want to improve myself.
What qualifications are required to become a motorbike racer?
First of all you have to have passion, then perseverance. All the riding and turning techniques may be important but when you are not able to achieve them that will make you want to give up, so you have to be very persistent.
Another thing is that you have to take care of yourself. I spend two to three hours working out everyday, it's part of my routine. When I'm in training camp, I spend more time in the gym than on the bike. And I have to be careful about what I eat, too. I am on a strict low-fat, high-protein diet now.
So being physically fit affects how you ride?
Absolutely. Being unfit would show in the performance. Unfit racers may have a very heated first few laps but would get exhausted quickly. The weight of the rider is also very important. The smaller you are the better your performance will be.
How much do you weigh?
My weight is 58 kilos and my height is 172 centimetres. I am one of the biggest racers in the 250cc class, can you believe it?
Have you ever challenged your dad to race with you?
No. But a few years ago my dad was riding the safety bike in a race where I was one of the racers. He was so relaxed just pacing the race bikes although I was then on full steam but I still couldn't catch up with him. However, I doubt if he could win against me now.
Other than your father, who is your role model?
World class Moto GP champion, Valentino Rossi. I've been following his stories since I was very young. He's a great racer and I also like his character. He's a very cheerful person.
Other than racing bikes what else do you want to do?
My passion has always been speed, so I want to race cars.
At home during your break, have you ever hung out with "dek wan"?
No. My friends and I are more into basketball. And I wouldn't dare do what those dek wan do, if I did I would definitely be dead.
How so?
It's very dangerous. I would never race without my protective gear. When my head is in the helmet I feel absolutely confident and safe. But without it, I couldn't stand the speed of 80 kilometres per hour. Even the wind that hits my face can feel too strong.
What do you think of daredevil street racing?
I think that it is so inconsiderate. These racers have fun while putting other people's lives at risk. They think they are cool and that dodging cars on the public street is exciting because they've never tried the real thing in the circuit. But I don't dare say this to their faces because I would be beaten up. These guys hang out in huge gangs.
Have you ever been challenged by one of them on the street?
No. But I've seen a famous dek wan who had a reputation of being very, very fast. But when he rode in the circuit, he was very slow. It was a different level of skill and the circuit can prove that.
Is it hard for an ordinary kid to step into a professional field and get proper training?
Not at all. It only takes 500 baht for a weekend class at Honda Racing School. The younger they are, the better results they'll get.
What is your highest goal in life?
My goal is to race in the Moto GP class, which I don't think is too far from my reach.
What is your dream bike?
It's a car that I'm dreaming of. One day I'll buy myself a Porsche as a life reward.
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