14 Years in the Making: The Double Crown of Nemo Jiraj Wannalak

For fourteen long years, Nemo Jiraj Wannalak chased a dream that always seemed just out of reach. Season after season, disappointment struck again and again — but never once did he consider giving up. Those who frequent the racetrack know the familiar sight: his father standing steadfast behind him, before and after every race, even in moments of victory, quietly walking the bike back while his son celebrates. His mother, ever close, ensures every detail is in order, a pillar of calm support in the chaos of competition. And finally, in a season where preparation, determination, and heart all came together, Nemo achieved what he had been working toward since childhood — not just one, but two championship titles, cementing his name in the history of Thai motocross.

Q: Why did you choose motocross from such a young age?
A: Ever since I was three and a half, I watched older riders race, and I just loved it from then on.

Q: Three and a half years old? Most kids can’t even walk straight yet.
A: True. At three and a half, I was already on a motocross bike, a small one. And then I gradually moved up.

Q: Can you tell us how you first got into racing?
A: When I was about three and a half years old, I started practicing and learning how to ride. By the time I was four, I entered the junior class. Then, in the Thailand Championship, I kept moving up, winning various youth titles until I competed in MXGP, as well as races in Asia and in Thailand.

Q: Have you raced abroad?
A: Yes, I have competed abroad before, but this season I’m focusing on finishing strong in Thailand. It’s my first year with Honda, so I want to prove myself here before racing overseas again.

Q: What’s different about racing abroad compared to Thailand?
A: A lot. I think motocross shows the differences even more clearly than other sports. The track layout, terrain, soil type, weather, competitors. Everything’s different. Foreign tracks tend to be longer and wider, while Thai tracks are narrower. When I ride abroad, the pace feels a bit slower than at home.

Q: When you race, do you rely on strategy or just ride based on feeling?
A: I use strategy. Some riders go purely by feel, but I think you have to combine both. One alone isn’t enough, you need a perfect balance.

Q: How do you decide which racing lines to take?
A: Based on the situation. Motocross is a motorsport you can’t memorize. It’s all about solving problems on the spot. The lines change constantly, even every lap, so you have to pick the best one in that moment.

Q: I heard you qualified P1 before a race recently. Can you tell us about that?
A: I got P1 in both classes. This year, I’ve qualified on pole about 80% of the time. I focus on spotting small details on the track and using them to go as fast as possible.

Q: How are your standings right now?
A: I race in two classes: MX2, which is 250cc, for riders under 23, and MX1, which is 450cc, the top class with no age or skill restrictions. MX1 is going really well for me, and in MX2, I’m ahead by five points. I’ll be fighting for the championship tomorrow morning.

Q: How are your overall points this year?
A: I’m leading both classes. In MX1, before the ninth round, if I finish between first and fifth, I’ll take the championship. If I win today, tomorrow will just be a victory lap. In the 250cc, I still have to fight tomorrow morning, if I finish first or second, I’ll be double champion.

Q: What do you think brought you to this point in your career?
A: Consistent training, discipline, fitness, riding discipline, and constantly learning new techniques.

Q: Have you ever had serious injuries from racing?
A: As a kid, I got injured every year. Like broken collarbones, arms, legs. But as I grew older, I became more mature, learned to manage risk, and haven’t been injured since.

Q: Has your bike ever broken down during a race?
A: Yes, but not too often. It happens sometimes, and you just have to accept it.

Q: Do all teams have similar tuning capabilities?
A: In my opinion, everyone goes all-in. The 450cc isn’t a big focus because it’s the first year for that class and the bike is already extremely powerful. We focus more on the 250cc because it’s smaller.

Q: Do you have a say in the bike setup?
A: I know the basics, like how the bike feels and what it needs from the engine, like low-end, mid-range, or top-end power, sprockets, suspension setup, and so on. I give feedback purely based on feel, because there’s no data display. We just know how it’s behaving and adjust from there. Motocross bikes aren’t as complex as some might think.

Q: How old are you now?
A: I’m 19.

Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: Right now, I want to secure the Thailand Championship first, and then move on to MXGP if I get the opportunity.

Q: Have you raced cars as well? I’ve noticed you seem to like them.
A: I’ve been practicing on simulators for years, so I can drive, but I haven’t had the time or made any serious deals yet. I’ve done some casual go-kart racing.

Q: If you could choose, would you rather race open-wheel or closed-wheel?
A: In Thailand, open-wheel racing isn’t very common, so for now, closed-wheel.

Q: What type of racing do you prefer?
A: Circuit racing. I train only on circuits.

Q: Do you play other sports besides racing?
A: Quite a lot, but nothing seriously though.

Q: Why did you choose to race for Honda?
A: I used to race for other teams, but this year Honda gave me a really good offer, with a lot of opportunities to go far. I saw the potential and decided to join them.

Q: Thank you very much, and good luck!
A: Thank you.

This interview took place just before Round 9 of the championship, at a pivotal moment in Nemo Jiraj Wannalak’s career. As of now, he has claimed the Thailand Championship title in both MX-1 and MX-2, solidifying his status as one of the brightest rising stars in Thai motocross. With his determination, skill, and the unwavering support of his family, Nemo is a rider to watch closely. Let’s cheer him on as he continues to push the limits and make history on the track.