First-ever Chinese – American participant
Kevin Chen is all set to once again make racing history as prepares to participate in the hugely popular Macau Grand Prix as its first-ever Chinese – American participant. The race, which takes place over 2 days every November, will feature Chen’s debut in the Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix. The street racing event attracts over 300 racers a year who must pass highly stringent standards before they can even be considered to be allowed to participate in the race. This is why Chen was taken by surprise upon learning of his invitation list.
“I never dreamt that the Macau Grand Prix organizers would be keenly watching my career at its early stages. I am very honored that chose to invite me to participate in this November’s series of races,” he revealed during an interview. He continued to say that although he does not have too much experience driving in the F3 circuit, he believes that he will be able to hold his own amongst some of the best F3 racers in the world during the 2-day racing week-end this coming November 19-22, 2009.
The Macau Grand Prix
The Macau Grand Prix is a street circuit racing event that sees the Formula 3 racing cars reaching top speeds of over 260 km/h while careening down stretches of road comprised of tight corners and treacherous crash barriers. Indeed, it is not a circuit for the faint of heart, and for novice drivers like Chen, the circuit could pose a problem. That is why Chen has already begun psyching himself up for his highly anticipated participation in the event.
An exception
The organizers of the event, FOTA, and The Macau Grand Prix decided to make an exception when they invited Chen to take part in the event. Normally, the participating drivers of the F3 event are required to have at least a full season’s participation in the F3 races. They admit to recognizing his potential as one of the most exciting and talented racing drivers of his generation and his participation in the event would be beneficial to both him and the racing event.
“I am excited about being able to participate in The Macau Grand Prix not only because I will be making history as the first Chinese-American racer to participate in the event, but also because I will be given the chance to race on the very same roads that helped hone the driving skills of my racing idols.” were Chen’s final words during the interview.
Past winners
Past winners of The Macau Grand Prix include notable racing names such as Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, David Coulthard, Ralf Schumacher, Takuma Sato, and Riccardo Patrese. F1 driver Kimi Raikkonen, part-owner of Team Raikkonen Robertson Racing will also be participating in the event.