Mitsubishi Ralliart, the factory-backed racing team of Mitsubishi Motor Corporation, has acheived an overall victory at the at the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2025. The event was held in Thailand from August 8th to 16th, with the team driving modified Mitsubishi Triton pick-up trucks.
This victory marks the team’s return to the top step of the podium, three years after their maiden win in 2022. That 2022 victory was also the team’s first-ever participation in the AXCR, where they competed with the previous-generation Mitsubishi Triton.
Covering a total distance of 2,316.32 kilometres, which included 1,002.95 km of timed Special Stages (SS), driver Chayapon Yotha (Thailand) of Car #112 secured first place with a total time of 16 hours, 15 minutes, and 12 seconds. His teammates, Katsuhiko Taguchi (Japan) and Kazuto Koide (Japan), finished in fifth and 22nd place, respectively.
The team also earned the prestigious Team Award, which is given to teams with three or more finishers based on the combined time of their top two vehicles. This marks the team’s second time winning the award, and their first in two years.
Commenting on the win, Chayapon Yotha said, “I am truly happy to have claimed overall victory once again, thanks to the entire team playing their part perfectly and delivering a flawless vehicle.”
“This year’s rally was extremely demanding, with rocky sections, mud, and slippery terrain. Yet, the Triton’s durability and exceptional handling allowed me to stay in control, delivering top-tier performance. I will be back next year to defend the championship,” he added.
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Following a ceremonial start at a well-known tourist spot in Pattaya, Thailand, the AXCR rally officially kicked off the next day. Leg 1 saw competitors travel about 360 km northeast from Pattaya to Prachin Buri in eastern Thailand, a stage that also featured the rally’s longest Special Stage (SS) at 199.13 km.
The rally’s challenging route began with Leg 2, which took competitors about 500 km north from Prachin Buri to Khao Yai through a mix of rocky terrain and high-speed plantation sections. Leg 3 remained in the Khao Yai area, where afternoon squalls made the already demanding course even tougher by turning the roads muddy.
After Legs 4 and 6 were cancelled due to safety concerns near the Cambodian border, Leg 5 proceeded as scheduled, returning to Prachin Buri. This stage proved to be one of the most difficult, as the course had deteriorated significantly with deep ruts and fallen trees, catching even top teams in the mud.
For Leg 7, the rally returned to Pattaya, retracing parts of previous routes through narrow paths and river crossings, before the final day, Leg 8, concluded at Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya.
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, Team Director, Hiroshi Masuoka said, “Winning was our top priority this year, and I am thrilled we achieved it while showcasing the strength and audacity of Mitsubishi Motors-ness. Securing the team award is a testament to the collective effort and determination of everyone at Team Mitsubishi Ralliart.”
“By refining the Triton’s core strengths – its stability on high-speed stages and agility on winding roads – we gained a competitive edge over rivals with larger-displacement engines. Looking ahead to next year, we will continue to enhance the vehicle to further boost our competitiveness,” he added.
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