The 2026 Asia-Pacific Motorsport Championship gets underway this week with a record entry list of drivers participating at the Bira Circuit in Thailand. The third edition of the highly successful event offers a global platform for the future motor sport stars from across the Asia-Pacific in a celebration of accessible motor sport.

Over 280 drivers from 19 countries have entered the championship this year, a 40% increase on 2025, reflecting the continued growth and accessibility of motor sport in the region. This year six unique disciplines will be contested during the championship with three forms of karting, Auto Gymkhana, Autocross and Esports all on offer.

Hosted by the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand, the championship will build upon the success and legacy of the 2024 edition in Malaysia and 2025 edition in Sri Lanka, which showcased the region’s emerging talent and reinforced the championship’s role as a key stepping stone for young drivers pursuing careers at the highest levels of motor sport.

With record participation and an expanded programme of disciplines, the 2026 event marks another significant milestone in the development of grassroots and accessible motor sport across the Asia-Pacific region.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said:

“The Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship has grown into an important platform for developing racing talent and strengthening motorsport across Asia Pacific. Now in its third edition, the Championship will bring together competitors from 19 nations at Bira Circuit in Thailand, demonstrating the passion and diversity of motorsport throughout the region.

“Through accessible disciplines including karting, esports, autocross and gymkhana, the Championship provides valuable opportunities for young drivers to compete, develop their skills and represent their countries on an international stage. I would like to thank the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand for organising this year's event and all our Member Clubs for their continued commitment to growing motorsport participation. The Championship is a celebration of our region and an important contribution to the FIA's ambition to double participation worldwide."

Lung-Nien Lee, FIA Vice President for Sport (Asia-Pacific), said:

“It’s an incredible achievement for our region to stage this landmark championship for the rising stars of our sport. The remarkable increase in driver entries this year reflects the championship’s global standing, its growing reputation across the Asia-Pacific region and the expanding opportunities available for young competitors to begin their motor sport journey. This event is much more than a competition, it is a celebration of talent, diversity and accessibility, bringing together drivers from across the region while helping to develop the next generation of motor sport champions.”

Full information and results are available at: https://www.apmc2026.com/

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact Omar Sharif, FIA Sport Communications Manager: [email protected]

About the FIA

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 246 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.