Thailand Circuit in Nakhon Pathom is speckled with bright morning light. The classic two-stroke Honda Nova Dash RS 125 roars to life in the midst of sleek, contemporary four-stroke race bikes. With the recognizable number 82, Suhathai “Ball Dontum” Chaemsap is standing by its side. After a 26-year hiatus from national competition, he is back and ready to demonstrate that a love of racing is ageless.
Sparking the Flame Again
Ball, known for his daring riding on 125cc two-strokes, was a dominant force in Thai underbone racing during the 1990s. Despite retirement and family obligations, the passion for racing remained unwavering. The FMSCT Thailand Road Racing Championship’s unique heritage 2T class has now enticed him back in 2025. After months of training and with the help of the EEST NJT Racing Team, Ball modified his old Honda Nova Dash and made a comeback to the grid. He achieved a podium finish in his first race back, rekindling interest in vintage two-stroke engines.
Out of Hometown Hero
He won major titles in the late 1990s and was formerly a local icon before becoming a national champion, earning the nickname “Ball Dontum” from his Don Tum district origins. Fans of racing gathered around televisions in Nakhon Pathom to watch their hometown hero compete against the best. Ball retired when four-stroke technology became more popular. Nevertheless, his legacy endures today in tales passed down around paddocks.
Past versus Present in FMSCT 2025
With teenagers who grew up with simulators and four-stroke bikes loaded with electronics, racing is very different today. A thrilling contrast is offered by Ball’s return, which includes daring late-braking maneuvers, the bluish haze, and the shriek of a two-stroke engine. On the track, it’s a clash of eras as a once-dominant star takes back his position as one of the front-runners.
The Coach
Beyond awards, Ball’s comeback has inspired others. Young riders swarm the EEST NJT Racing Team garage, eager to pick up some old-school skills. Reminding them to enjoy the pure joy of riding, he freely imparts cornering skills and mentality guidance. Having a veteran champion on the team helps them achieve their “youth-first” goal because of his ability to boost performance and bring the team together around a common interest, according to team management.
“Young riders today are incredibly talented, but experience gives you insights technology can’t. I teach them to feel and listen to their bikes.”
An Ongoing Legacy
A nostalgic return is not the only meaning behind Ball Dontum’s resurgence. It serves as a link between Thai racing’s illustrious history and its vibrant present. For the first time, new fans learn about the history of two-stroke racing, while seasoned enthusiasts experience a renewed sense of pride. Despite everything, Ball’s timeless message remains unwavering: No dream is ever really unattainable, and racing is timeless.
