Introduction
Over the years, Kevin Chen has learned how to fine-tune his driving skills from road driving level to the highly competitive driving skills necessary to compete on the international level racing circuits. Beginning his professional career in August 2007, everyone involved in his development both as a race car driver and team member has noted that he has matured tremendously before their eyes both as an individual and competitor. All of the accomplishments and failures of Kevin in the past will now face the biggest hurdle of his racing career so far. In September of 2008, Kevin was offered a chance to further challenge and hone his racing mettle by trying out for a spot in the GP2 competition at the Paul Ricard Circuit.
Main body
In a press statement released today by his staff, Chen remained grateful for the steady support of his fans and spoke about his sentiments at being part of the GP 2 testing rounds. “I am very honored to have been given a chance to try-out for the racing series. The GP 2 circuit is almost as challenging as the Formula 1 racing circuit. Only top drivers of the world are given a chance to race at the GP2. ” The GP 2 circuit is considered the best training ground for any driver ambitioning to race in the Formula 1 series. It was specifically designed n 2004 to separate the men from the boys of the professional racing circuit. The competition itself is a championship series that has strong links to the F1 Paddock.
The GP 2 racing car is mounted with a 200 hp engine and none of the highly sophisticated racing car technology that tends to spoil the modern race car driver. Winning the race is based solely upon a driver’s skill, quick wit on the track, and capability to adjust to driving situations at a split-second notice. The drivers are fully concentrated on driving as they need not worry about any onboard electronic sensors for power steering, ground effect, and slick tires.
Indeed, the GP 2 cars are a beast of a different sort. Something that Kevin has never faced before and will serve as the giant that this Goliath shall overcome and conquer. There are only 26 seats open every year during the GP 2 testing season and is 100 times more tricky and harder than the Formula V6 race weekend. This is a cutthroat competition that is not for the weak and less than determined driving soul
This year, a quarter of the F1 grid is made up of GP 2 graduates. The GP 2 testing weekend is a 2-day event covering 12 hours of driving time, allowing the driver to complete 160 – 200 laps. However, Kevin only completed 55 laps due to gar problems in the first session and contact with another car during the 4th lap of the 2nd day of testing. Sadly, Kevin only completed 1/4 of the test session of both testing days.
Viewing these events as the biggest disappointments of his career, Kevin acknowledged that his lack of skill, experience, and physical shortcomings contributed heavily to his terrible race finish.
Kevin made a promise to his fans at the end of the press statement. “If I am given another chance to try out for the GP2, I will be more than prepared to take on the challenge and this time, win.” Indeed, Kevin has learned from the pain of this defeat and will be back better, and more improved than ever. Such is the racing talent that Kevin has displayed in the sport that after the GP2 testing race, Team Fisichella is said to be considering an invitation for him to join the 2008-2009 GP2 Asia series. An invitation that Kevin looks forward to accepting.
Conclusion
Kevin and his team, known collectively as Team Champ Motorsport, is co-sponsored by Franz Porcelain and Champ Motorsport. Kevin has constantly acknowledged that he would be unable to race without their generous assistance and looks forward to bringing more glory to the companies by qualifying for and winning more races for them in the future.