ASIA CROSS COUNTRY RALLY 2024
Team Director - Mitsubishi Motors
Hiroshi Masuoka
Hiroshi Masuoka took an active role in various rally activities for MITSUBISHI MOTORS starting in 1982 and joined RALLIART INC. in 1990. As a member of the MITSUBISHI MOTORS works team "Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART", he competed in off-road events for many years. In 2002 and 2003, he became the first Japanese driver to win the Dakar Rally for 2 consecutive years.
Chayut Yangpichit VP
Rally General Manager
Participating in AXCR since 2022 as the Team Principal of Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART. Led the team to its first victory in 2002 and achieved 3rd place overall in 2023.
Kopong Amatayakul
Chief Director
Coordinator of Team MITSUBUSHI RALLIART Development
Noriyoshi Aiba
Technical Support
Body, Chassis Development
Tetsuya Makita
Technical Support
Engine Development
Masataka Tsuiki
Technical Support
Engine Development
Drivers and Co-Drivers
Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART – Team Driver
Chayapon Yotha
Champion driver of AXCR 2022, who led Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART to overall victory in its first time competing in AXCR with his careful and precise driving. He has won numerous races since 2012, including the Thailand Super Series, and RAAT Thailand Endurance Championship International. In 2019, he took victories in the Thailand Super Series' Supercar GTC and other competitions.
Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART – Co-Driver
Peerapong Sombutwong
Co-driver with Chayapol for the AXCR since 2022 as one of Team RALLIART members. He has and experiences and has won numerous races since 1991. In 2004, he took victories as a Co-driver/ Navigator for both International Rally of Thailand (King’s Cup) and Thailand Rally Championship. His outstanding success with AXCR is the 6 years straight champions from 2014-2019.
Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART – Team Driver
Katsuhiko Taguchi
First participated in AXCR in 2023, and this is the second year in the cross country rally. At age 18, got into motor sports through dirt trials. At 20, won the first All Japan Dirt Trial Championship, demonstrating talents at an early age. As a member of MITSUBISHI MOTORS Works Team, began taking part in overseas rallies such as the World Rally Championship (WRC) from a young age. In 1999 and 2010, won the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). In 2007, won the Rally Japan in Group N.
Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART – Co-Driver
Takahiro Yasui
Began rally activities in 2004. Participated in the All Japan Rally Championship from 2006, winning five out of nine races in 2009 and finishing second in the series. Started participating in overseas rallies in 2010. Won the co-driver title in the Junior Cup of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) in 2011 and 2012. Became the series champion of the APRC in 2018. Recognized as one of Japan's top co-drivers, with total management skills and knowledge of machine settings comparable to a driver. Debuted in AXCR last year with Katsuhiko Taguchi, finishing in 8th place as the highest-ranked Japanese pair.
Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART – Team Driver
Sakchai Hantrakul
Sakchai is one of Team RALLIART legendary champion drivers who re-debuted again for AXCR 2024. His champion legacy started since 1989 by winning numerous races years to years. He has been with Team RALLIART for more than 30 years and had an experience in joining the Paris Dakar in 1996. Currently, he is competing in RAAT together with AXCR 2024.
Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART – Co-Driver
Jumpol Doungthip
Jumpol, a Co-driver who has intense experiences with AXCR competition. Also, he was one of the original RALLIART team back in years and won various championships.
Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART – Team Driver
Kazuto Koide
Joined MITSUBISHI MOTORS in April 1998, responsible for durability tests of vehicles such as the 'Pajero' and 'Lancer'. Later conducted general usability tests for vehicles such as the 'Colt' and 'Lancer Evolution'. Currently serves as an in-house driving instructor and a demonstration driver at test drives and events both domestically and internationally. This year, taking on the challenge of AXCR for the first time.
Team MITSUBISHI RALLIART – Co-Driver
Eiji Chiba
Started career as a test driver in the United States in 1995. Transitioned to off-road racing in 1996 and began participating in off-road races in Japan. After working with tire and automobile manufacturers, resumed racing activities in 2005. Actively involved in both domestic and international off-road races and EV races, serving as a driver, mechanic crew, and more. Participated in AXCR in 2017 as a co-driver for the late Kenjiro Shinozuka.
All-New Triton Rally Car
Find out more about our official entry to the AXCR race, the Mitsubishi Triton Rally Car.