The promoters of the two series are the AIM Racing Project for the Thailand Grand Touring Cars (and these events will include the AIM Concept car races, both series I and series II) and the Auto Racing Group who run the Thailand Touring Cars (1600cc and 2000cc). There will also be an international event, but it will be later in the year. Again, I’ll keep you posted.

There is plenty of action planned at the Bira Circuit, so it should be a good year for the race buffs. Bira Circuit, for all those who do not know its location, is on Highway 36 around km 14. Probably the easiest way is to head towards the ISR then take the flyover to Rayong (not Bangkok) and the circuit is on your right hand side.

Last week I mentioned that it is possible for you to gain a basic Thai racing licence, and the best way is to go through an accredited race driving school. The AIM Motor Sport schools at Bira using the Concept version I cars cost 25,000 baht per student and includes one night’s accommodation in Pattaya, two lunches and dinner at the circuit. Let me assure you this is a good deal. I was talking with one visitor who had just paid USD 5,000 (that’s a cool 200,000 baht if my maths are correct) for a similar course in America.

I thought I was smart. I had read in the pages of this hallowed publication all about the malpractice of not zeroing the petrol pumps and giving you short measure, but here’s how they short-changed me. In a hurry one night I called into a servo on Sukhumvit Road. As I moved to the first row of pumps, the attendant called me over to the second row instead. Sucker here thought there must have been something wrong with the first row of bowsers. I got out and asked for 100 baht of 95 octane and the attendant then unlocked my petrol cap. I did take note of the fact that the last customer at that pump had received 60 baht worth of fuel. Immediately another attendant came out and started to ask me if I want the spare tyre pumped up, motioning under the car. After I had inspected the tyre and said it was OK, the other attendant had finished putting the 100 baht in and locked the cap. I hurried away and it was only half a kilometre further along Sukhumvit when I saw that the needle had hardly moved on the gauge! 40 baht does little to raise the level in the tank! Unfortunately, I did not have the time to double back - but I haven’t forgotten about it. So, beware of the two person approach to cover up the non-zeroing of the pumps.

Last week I asked what country had taxis connected to an accounting system and what was the name of the taxis? The answer was really simple - the Checker Marathons in the US which were made in Kalamazoo. Remember the old Kalamazoo accounting systems? Well, I do!

So to this week.

Remember the old Triumph TR series sports cars? (Martyn Quartly’s still got one.) These were built to challenge the MG marque in America and the TR2 soon became Triumph’s top dollar earner. It was a very unsophisticated sports car, with the Standard Vanguard 2 litre ‘lump’ up front. I refuse to call it an ‘engine’. They built 8,000 TR 2’s, 13,000 TR 3’s and 58,000 TR 3 A’s and then went ahead and changed the body shell to a Michelotti design in 1962 and called it the TR 4. Now what I want to know is what was different about the TR 3 B? Yes, there was one, which was between the TR 3 A and the TR 4. So what was the difference?

For the Automania FREE beer this week, be the first correct answer to fax 427 596 or email [email protected]

Last week I mentioned the inaugural Nosh, Natter and Noggin Night we held last month. We enjoyed ourselves so much it was decided to meet again on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in Shenanigans. This also coincides with their super cheap T-bone steak and soup nights - 195 baht - and makes for a cheap night out too.

So the next Nosh, Natter and Noggin night is this coming Monday, the 12th of March. Just bowl in around 7 p.m. - we will be in the “Cottage” area of Shenanigans, which is on your right as you come in. You know what I look like (though I won’t wear the Nomex suit), so you’ll have no problems in identifying the group - just walk up and introduce yourself, and you’re very welcome. Bring any interesting photos or books you may have too. See you on Monday 12th March at 7 pm.

Songkran is a month away again - but after the first hilarious year’s experience of this silly season, you begin to dread the five wet days of wilful delinquent behaviour - unfortunately much it from visiting tourists boozed to the eye balls by lunchtime.

Well, my old mate Captain Sitthichoke has the escape route planned. You leave via Nan on the 12th of April and go to Lao for a 4x4 expedition and come back on the 14th of April. He’s got all the details, but it is a fully escorted tour and it costs 9,500 baht per person and 3,000 baht for the vehicle. You can get him on his mobile 01-865 5878. You have to get a deposit in fairly soon, so if you’re interested get on the blower today.

He also sent me some details on another 4x4 adventure, also starting on the 12th of April going from Thailand to Laos and Vietnam (and return!). This one looks much more serious than the first one, and you can get all the details again from Captain Sitthichoke.

He keeps on inviting me to go on these things, but it is details like “0600 hours, - wake up and prepare for breakfast and camping materials pack-up” that stops me. Mornings don’t have a 6 o-clock unless you’re coming home late, is my motto!