Countdown launches weekend racing extravaganza

ACMC Trophy

Pole setter Lee Yu Cheong is eyeing his first podium finish after a gap of two years after coming away with the fastest time in the ACMC Trophy qualifiers today.

The 33-year-old Lee laid claim to pole after clocking two minutes 44.492 seconds on his fifth of the 35 minute qualifying session after which he remained in the pits to conserve his engine for Saturday’s race.

Placed third in the 2000 ACMC Trophy, Lee’s time was 2.055 seconds faster than three-time ACMC Trophy champion Cheung Wai On. Chow Ho Wan was third quickest, making for an all Hong Kong grid top.

Cheung was unable to make a big impression after radiator problems plagued him in the morning session.

“Preparations for this year’s ACMC Trophy were late and not what I had expected. We have a few mechanical problems to iron out before Saturday’s race. I will have to rely on my experience of the circuit. Both Lee and Chow are good riders and I have to be at my best,” said Cheung.

Lee and Chow, both riding for the Shangsai Lulu Restaurant Nine Miles Racing team, are highly confident of a top podium finish after their qualifier showed they had the ability to power their way through the fast circuit.

“The bike is good enough and my confidence is high. I feel that I can push the bike that much further in the race,” said Lee.

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2003 GT Tires Asian Formula Renault Challenge

Japanese drivers Hideaki Nakao and Kamui Kobayashi will find the way full of challenges in the 2003 GT Tires Asian Formula Renault Challenge despite taking the top two spots on the grid in qualifying today.

Nakao of Shanghai FRD GT Tires Team just beat compatriot Kobayashi for pole by 0.163 seconds margin after clocking 2:29.092 seconds on his tenth qualifying lap.

Hounding the Japanese drivers are Hong Kong’s Henry Lee Junior and Kenneth Ma in third and fourth position respectively after they clocked their best time in the final stages of the qualifier.

Lee of Team Franck Muller trailed Nakao by 1.891 seconds, while Ma of Shangsai FRD GT Tires Team was 2.471 seconds slower than the pole man.

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Lisboa Gold VIP Club Interport Trophy

Hong Kong’s Siu Kin Ching and Tang Kin Wai will be locked in battle this weekend along with local boy Eurico De Jesus in the Lisboa Gold VIP Club Interport Trophy after qualifiers placed them first to second on the grid.

Siu drove a near perfect qualifier to nab pole in his Honda EG6 in the sixth lap. Driving a Honda EG 6, Siu earn his pole with a time of two minutes 50.706 seconds, edging out compatriot Tang by 0.058 seconds.

De Jesus, winning of last week’s Hotel Fortuna Cup, lies third on the grid.

2003-11-14 20:14:26