Ford Ranger Raptor Conquers AXCR 2025 Production Class in Thailand, Proving ‘You Can’t Fake Tough’

Ford Thailand Racing, in collaboration with Feeliq Innovation Motorsport, recently made a remarkable history by clinching the top spot in the T2A class (Production Asia) at the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2025, held from August 9-16 from Pattaya to Khao Yai, Prachinburi, and back to finish the race in Pattaya. This victory underscores the formidable performance and boldness of the Ford Ranger Raptor race vehicle which adheres to factory standards, identical to what customers drive every day.

Bailey Cole, experienced American off-road racer from Ford Performance, alongside Thai navigator Sinoppong Trairat, drove Ford Ranger Raptor #142 in its international race debut, delivering a spectacular performance to finish first in the T2A class and an impressive third overall. From the very first Leg in Prachinburi province, Cole and Trairat showcased their combined prowess, finishing the stage in second place and maintaining their form throughout the competitive race. Despite facing both scorching heat and torrential rain during the competition, they surged to lead the production class in Leg 2 on August 10. After a relentless battle for the lead, Ford Ranger Raptor #142 reclaimed the top spot in Leg 5 and thrillingly held its position on the track, securing the T2A class victory.

"This was my first opportunity to compete in AXCR – an Asian-level race; the terrain was incredibly challenging and different from what I'd experienced before back home. So, I'm excited to have won first place in the T2A class. I want to extend a huge thank you to Ford Thailand, the Feeliq Innovation Motorsport team, and every member of the racing crew," said Bailey Cole.

"I feel happy and honored to have navigated alongside a world-class driver like Cole and to have achieved this first-place victory together in our class. Besides Ford and the racing team, I also want to thank Michael Freeman for inviting me to race with him this time," added Sinoppong Trairat.

The Ford Ranger Raptor #120, driven by Michael Freeman and Chaiya Chommalee also made a strong impression by finishing first in their class in Leg 1. Despite encountering numerous obstacles along the way, they successfully brought the race car across the finish line, concluding the race in sixth place in the T2A class and 25th overall.

This success is a testament to the seamless collaboration of our racing team, Ford engineers, technicians, drivers, and navigators. Invaluable Ford Performance team support further propelled this magnificent first-place win. This victory is a profound source of pride for every Ford customer. Winning the production class with a factory-standard Raptor—the very truck our customers drive daily—solidifies its position as a high-performance pickup born on the track yet perfectly suited for everyday life.