E-TOURING CAR CHALLENGE SET FOR OPENING ACT OF FORMULA E HKT HONG KONG EPRIX
Global first electric touring car race ready to show infectious charm of Asia’s World City
8 October 2016, Hong Kong: The stage is set and all parties are ready for e-Touring Car Challenge to play first act of the Formula E HKT Hong Kong ePrix, a two-day spectacle that celebrates sustainable, electric-powered motor sport.
A brainchild of Formula Racing Development Ltd (FRD), the world’s premiere for e-Touring cars will be comprised of 16 drivers including five local celebrities Aaron Kwok, Chin Ka-lok, Alex Fong Chun-shun, Pakho Chau and Jacquelin Chong, and 11 locally renowned veteran racers. The drivers will thrill fans as they meander their way through the 2km track against the breathtaking backdrop of the universally acclaimed Hong Kong skyline. The 10-lap race, which is expected to take about 20 minutes to complete, will take the drivers through some of the city’s most world known iconic landmarks including Hong Kong City Hall, International Finance Centre and Central Ferry Pier.
An Official Racing Partner of the Formula E HKT Hong Kong ePrix, FRD’s e-Touring Car Challenge will see modified Volkswagen e-Golf machines with enhanced performance and safety parameters in action through two practice sessions at 12:10pm and 1:55pm, and a qualifying race to determine starting grid position at 3:50pm before the championship run at 5:40pm.
The package engineered for the fleet by FRD includes roll cage, suspension, brake, racing seat, 6-point harness, wheels, rims and fire extinguisher upgrades that meet racing safety standards for the race. For aerodynamic efficiency, the e-Golf will gain track performance via a front splitter, rear wings, and side skirts.
Kenneth Ma Hon-wah, Founder of FRD, is delighted with the launch of Formula E in Hong Kong, and to achieve his dream of providing a global first in e-touring car racing in his home city. The racing driver said:
“We are very proud to be delivering the e-Touring Car Challenge to set the weekend alight. The race is fun because it pits some of Hong Kong best loved celebrities against the best local veteran drivers. What’s more, we have two female drivers including Jacquelin Chong in the mix, showcasing that motor sport is as just as appealing to the female audience. Fans also get to see their celebrity favourites in a different light. Who will win later, no one knows, and we should all watch this space to find out.”
“To see a motor racing event of this scale right here on our door step is an extremely proud moment not just for myself, but for Hong Kong as a whole. As a racing driver who is passionate about the sport of motor racing, I have been delighted to see the growing interest in the sport over the past few years. What we see in front of us is a true reflection that the sport of motor racing does have a place in Hong Kong. The buzz and anticipation for this weekend has been phenomenal and I think we will see the Hong Kong Formula E weekend fast becoming one of the biggest annual sporting spectacles in Asia,’ Ma added.
The entertainers will need to keep a close eye on the frequent local racers. The e-Touring Car Challenge will present a podium celebration of the top three finishers of the race, but at the same time, recognise the fastest three artistes to chequered flag in their very own ‘celebrity race’.
The Official Charging Solutions Provider of the e-Touring Car Challenge, Smart Charge, will provide 8 high speed charging stations on the race pit to charge up 16 race cars. “e-Touring Car Challenge has extremely high demand on the speed and quality of charging solutions. Smart Charge consultant team, with our wealth of expertise, is able to manage the whole charging process in accordance with the on-site power supply condition, in a flexible and timely manner. It is proven that our high quality and reliable service has fulfilled the high charging demand of the race.” Mr. Ringo Ng, Managing Director of HKT’s Consumer Group and Managing Director of Smart Charge (HK) Limited said.
The e-Touring Car Challenge will surely set the heartbeat racing as a prelude to the Formula E HKT Hong Kong ePrix, which is the new first stop of the FIA Formula E season. Over the course of the weekend, fans can look forward to a fest of activities both on and off the track. For further information of e-Touring Car Challenge, please visit http://e-touringcar.frdsports.com.
About Formula Racing Development Limited (FRD)
Founded in 1997 with headquarter in Hong Kong and operation bases within major circuits in Shanghai and Zhuhai, Formula Racing Development Limited (FRD) is one of the leading motorsport event organizers, promoters and racing team operators in Greater China and Asia. With an international crew of around 80 technicians, instructors and managers, FRD operates the Asian Formula Renault 2.0 and Clio Cup China Series as the Exclusive Renault Sports Technology (RST) Race Promoter, manages the award-winning Changan Ford Racing Team in Chinese Touring Car Championship and founded the Celebrity Race in China. Recently, FRD successfully launched the “Road To Champion with Renault Sport Formula One™ Team” scholarship program with a vision to nurture young and talented drivers and will be staging the world’s first e-Touring Car Challenge to promote the culture of motorsport racing in Hong Kong.
A brainchild of Formula Racing Development Ltd (FRD), the world’s premiere for e-Touring cars will be comprised of 16 drivers including five local celebrities Aaron Kwok, Chin Ka-lok, Alex Fong Chun-shun, Pakho Chau and Jacquelin Chong, and 11 locally renowned veteran racers. The drivers will thrill fans as they meander their way through the 2km track against the breathtaking backdrop of the universally acclaimed Hong Kong skyline. The 10-lap race, which is expected to take about 20 minutes to complete, will take the drivers through some of the city’s most world known iconic landmarks including Hong Kong City Hall, International Finance Centre and Central Ferry Pier.
An Official Racing Partner of the Formula E HKT Hong Kong ePrix, FRD’s e-Touring Car Challenge will see modified Volkswagen e-Golf machines with enhanced performance and safety parameters in action through two practice sessions at 12:10pm and 1:55pm, and a qualifying race to determine starting grid position at 3:50pm before the championship run at 5:40pm.
The package engineered for the fleet by FRD includes roll cage, suspension, brake, racing seat, 6-point harness, wheels, rims and fire extinguisher upgrades that meet racing safety standards for the race. For aerodynamic efficiency, the e-Golf will gain track performance via a front splitter, rear wings, and side skirts.
Kenneth Ma Hon-wah, Founder of FRD, is delighted with the launch of Formula E in Hong Kong, and to achieve his dream of providing a global first in e-touring car racing in his home city. The racing driver said:
“We are very proud to be delivering the e-Touring Car Challenge to set the weekend alight. The race is fun because it pits some of Hong Kong best loved celebrities against the best local veteran drivers. What’s more, we have two female drivers including Jacquelin Chong in the mix, showcasing that motor sport is as just as appealing to the female audience. Fans also get to see their celebrity favourites in a different light. Who will win later, no one knows, and we should all watch this space to find out.”
“To see a motor racing event of this scale right here on our door step is an extremely proud moment not just for myself, but for Hong Kong as a whole. As a racing driver who is passionate about the sport of motor racing, I have been delighted to see the growing interest in the sport over the past few years. What we see in front of us is a true reflection that the sport of motor racing does have a place in Hong Kong. The buzz and anticipation for this weekend has been phenomenal and I think we will see the Hong Kong Formula E weekend fast becoming one of the biggest annual sporting spectacles in Asia,’ Ma added.
The entertainers will need to keep a close eye on the frequent local racers. The e-Touring Car Challenge will present a podium celebration of the top three finishers of the race, but at the same time, recognise the fastest three artistes to chequered flag in their very own ‘celebrity race’.
The Official Charging Solutions Provider of the e-Touring Car Challenge, Smart Charge, will provide 8 high speed charging stations on the race pit to charge up 16 race cars. “e-Touring Car Challenge has extremely high demand on the speed and quality of charging solutions. Smart Charge consultant team, with our wealth of expertise, is able to manage the whole charging process in accordance with the on-site power supply condition, in a flexible and timely manner. It is proven that our high quality and reliable service has fulfilled the high charging demand of the race.” Mr. Ringo Ng, Managing Director of HKT’s Consumer Group and Managing Director of Smart Charge (HK) Limited said.
The e-Touring Car Challenge will surely set the heartbeat racing as a prelude to the Formula E HKT Hong Kong ePrix, which is the new first stop of the FIA Formula E season. Over the course of the weekend, fans can look forward to a fest of activities both on and off the track. For further information of e-Touring Car Challenge, please visit http://e-touringcar.frdsports.com.
About Formula Racing Development Limited (FRD)
Founded in 1997 with headquarter in Hong Kong and operation bases within major circuits in Shanghai and Zhuhai, Formula Racing Development Limited (FRD) is one of the leading motorsport event organizers, promoters and racing team operators in Greater China and Asia. With an international crew of around 80 technicians, instructors and managers, FRD operates the Asian Formula Renault 2.0 and Clio Cup China Series as the Exclusive Renault Sports Technology (RST) Race Promoter, manages the award-winning Changan Ford Racing Team in Chinese Touring Car Championship and founded the Celebrity Race in China. Recently, FRD successfully launched the “Road To Champion with Renault Sport Formula One™ Team” scholarship program with a vision to nurture young and talented drivers and will be staging the world’s first e-Touring Car Challenge to promote the culture of motorsport racing in Hong Kong.