Ford Thailand Racing (FTR) and Feeliq Innovation Motorsport have jointly announced a victory, successfully defending their title for the second consecutive year at the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) in the T2A, or Production Asia class. Ford Ranger Raptor race car number 103, driven and navigated by Bailey Cole and Sinoppong Trirat, claimed the 1st place in the class, while Michael Freeman and Chaiya Chommalee, driving Ford Ranger Raptor race car number 121, secured the 2nd place. The result placed both race cars on the podium and earned the racing team the overall Team Champion award.
The achievement reflects the close collaboration among Ford's factory engineering team, technicians, drivers and navigators, and support staff, who overcame every obstacle and challenge along the more than 2,000-kilometer route between August 9–15, 2026.
Ford Ranger Raptor race car #103 and #121 started AXCR 2026 strongly, finishing second and third respectively in the T2A class after Leg 1. Despite brutal terrain, complex navigation, and intense competition, both cars remained in contention throughout the rally.
Backed by meticulous preparation from Ford’s engineering and technical teams, the Ford-Feeliq Innovation Motorsport team pushed hard in the closing gap. In Leg 5, car #103 climbed to 1st place in the T2A class and 5th overall, while car #121 held 3rd in class.
On the final leg in Phitsanulok province, both Ford Ranger Raptor race cars delivered when it mattered most. Car #103 claimed the T2A class championship for the second consecutive year and finished 5th overall, while car #121 secured 2nd place in the T2A and 7th overall — proudly standing together on the podium.
"This year's race was challenging at every stage. We had to stay focused while managing speed, vehicle condition, and control to suit the varying terrain in each province throughout the competition. This victory would not have been possible without the engineering and technical teams who worked tirelessly to keep the cars in peak condition after each day's stage, as well as everyone on the team who provided support despite facing numerous obstacles along the way. That's what makes us incredibly proud of this achievement," said Bailey Cole.
Across more than 2,000 kilometers from Pattaya to Phitsanulok, the Ford Ranger Raptor race cars took on the paved roads, gravel, mud, water crossings, rocky trails, rough surfaces, and unpredictable rainy-season conditions. The result showcased the durability and off-road capability of the Ranger Raptor, supported by the expertise, preparation, and teamwork of Ford and Feeliq Innovation Motorsport.
"The Asia Cross Country Rally route demands precision, quick decision-making in challenge situations, and trust between driver and navigator. This victory came from the entire team working together. We're proud to have brought the Ford Ranger Raptor through every challenge, proving its true toughness and achieving the victory we set out for," added Thai navigator Sinoppong Trirat.
Meanwhile, Ford Ranger Raptor car #121, driven by Michael Freeman and Chaiya Chommalee, competed in AXCR for the fourth consecutive year, delivered an impressive performance, crossing the finish line in 2nd in the T2A class and placing 7th overall — resulting in both Ford Ranger Raptor cars claiming podium positions in the T2A class. In addition, the Ford-Feeliq Innovation Motorsport team also received its first Team Champion trophy since joining the Asia Cross Country Rally in 2023.
