Now marking its 30th edition, the AXCR 2025 expands to a grueling eight-day, 2,500-kilometer run through Thailand’s east coast. The ceremonial kick off happens on August 8 in Pattaya and will end back in Pattaya on the 16th. The course is loaded with plenty of terrain changes including mountainous zones, dense forest areas, and river crossings.

The driver and co-driver lineup will continue to feature Chayapon Yotha (Thailand) and Peerapong Sombutwong (Thailand), who took the overall victory in AXCR 2022, along with two Japanese duos,  Katsuhiko Taguchi and Takahiro Yasui who placed fifth in AXCR 2024, and Kazuto Koide and Eiji Chiba who made their debut with a strong finish last year.

Chayapon Yotha and Katsuhiko Taguchi will compete for the overall win in vehicles upgraded from last year’s specifications. This one is wider overall (1,995 mm) and features a wider tread (1,730 mm). Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Motors’ employee and test driver, Kazuo Koide, will compete in a vehicle equipped with an 6-speed automatic transmission with the Super Select 4WD-II optimized for competition. In addition to validating high-performance technologies for future production models, he will play a key role in supporting other team members. All three Tritons will use the 2.4-liter 4N16 turbo diesel engine.

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart is owned by Tant Sport (Thailand) and helmed by Hiroshi Masuoka, former Dakar Rally winner and a team director from Mitsubishi Motors. Mitsubishi Motors engineers will develop the rally cars and accompany the team to provide technical support during the competition.

In early June, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart conducted high-load endurance tests simulating actual rally conditions on off-road courses around Khao Yai National Park in central Thailand. The suspension and other chassis components have been fine-tuned while verifying the engine and body’s reliability and durability, all in preparation for the main event.

“This marks our third rally with the new Triton,” said Hiroshi Masuoka, team director of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart. “It has demonstrated its great potential in a wide range of situations, including acceleration performance on high-speed courses, handling on technical courses, and off-road performance on extremely rough terrain such as mud and river crossings. This time, in addition to increasing engine torque and improving durability, we have refined the chassis and other components to create a car capable of winning it all. Our team has grown in experience and unity, and we are in the best shape yet to reclaim the overall title after three years. So, please stay tuned – we expect great outcomes.”