Team Mitsubishi Ralliart has achieved an overall win in the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) for a second consecutive year. Competing in a Triton pick-up truck developed to the event’s T1 category rules, the driver and co-driver pair of Katsuhiko Taguchi and Takahiro Yasui secured overall victory with a cumulative time of 12 hours, 58 minutes, and 20 seconds.
This result represents the first time a Japanese crew has taken overall victory in the history of the rally, the 31st edition of the AXCR.
This year’s event covered a total distance of 2,145.19 kms across Thailand, including 921.80 kms of competitive Special Stages. Although the organisers have long wanted to include Malaysia in the route, conditions in southern Thailand continue to make it risky for participants to pass through the region.
Extreme terrain
Running from August 9 to 15, the route presented extreme terrain, ranging from deep mud and river crossings to high-speed dirt roads and rocky mountain passes. Starting from Pattaya, the rally progressed through Prachin Buri, Nakhon Sawan, Kamphaeng Phet, and Phitsanulok.
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart entered 3 Tritons pick-up trucks in the competition, the other two trucks finishing 27th and 36th overall.
Lessons passed to engineers
Team Director Hiroshi Masuoka noted that the technical data and experience gained from competing under extreme rally conditions will directly support vehicle development and engineer training at Mitsubishi Motors.
Taguchi highlighted pre-event handling improvements to the Triton as a key factor in avoiding punctures and maintaining pace on unpaved surfaces.
“Thanks to the significant improvements made to the Triton’s handling performance before the event, I was able to follow my intended line and avoid punctures. I am delighted to have won, although I still regret being overtaken during the final SS. Next time, I want to make sure we are the fastest on the road all the way to the finish!” he said.
Find a Mitsubishi Motors showroom in Malaysia to experience the rally-winning Triton
AXCR victory celebrated with Championship Editions of Mitsubishi Triton
