This week one of New Zealand’s most exciting and promising young drivers gives us an insight into his past, present and future, as well as Inje Speedium and what the 2013 Asian Le Mans Series means to him.
Question: How did you first hear about the 2013 Asian Le Mans Series?
A：As a driver in Super Taikyu (Japan-based series) I like to keep a close eye on the happenings in Asian motorsport. It is no secret that Asian Le Mans Series is coming up – it’s creating quite a stir especially in the modern social media circles. Recently we raced at the new Inje Speedium in South Korea, where I was fortunate to clean sweep the results, scoring pole, the race win and the lap record. At this event I met the Asian LMS management to discuss the Championship – it really is very exciting! Many of my rivals in Super Taikyu will line up in Asian LMS, and I hope to be one of them also. The pedigree of Le Mans Series racing is unrivalled around the world and it is a huge boost for the development of Asian motorsport.
Q: How did you get into motorsports? And looking forward, what draws you to the 2013 Asian LMS?
A：I have grown up in motor racing, as a third generation driver. My grandfather, father and aunt all raced with success, and my grandparents built and ran the Manfeild circuit from 1973 to 2003. So, naturally I took the wheel also, but not in karting like most drivers. From the age of 13 I have been racing, mostly in GT cars after joining the Porsche Carrera Cup as a 16-year old. For five years I was with Porsche, winning some scholarships with Porsche AG and pedaling GT3 Cup cars in New Zealand, Australia, the Middle East and Europe, including the Porsche Supercup. I gained some experience in open wheelers and Time Attack in 2010-2012, before joining Super Taikyu with the Champion PETRONAS Syntium Team, driving the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3. We finished the season 2nd overall and now this year lead the Championship after two rounds, as well as winning the NZ Endurance Championship with Porsche in the early months of 2013. My interest in Asian LMS is that endurance racing is my passion and my focus as a driver. All racing I compete in (Super Taikyu, V8 SuperTourers, Porsche etc) is long distance, and it is a form of racing I aim to make a career out of. The heritage, profile and depth of talent in Asian LMS will be a great challenge, as well as the combination of prototype and GT cars. It will add a new dimension to Asian motorsport and I want my name on the winner’s trophy!
Q： Could you give us a little bit of an insider’s view of Inje Speedium? How was it to race on? What can Asian LMS, drivers, spectators and fans look forward to?
A: I was quite an honour to be the first to race at the Inje Speedium, but it also presented its challenges. As it is brand new, the circuit is very slippery, however the more rubber that is laid down with age, the better and faster it will become. The circuit itself was brilliant! One of the best I have raced on with the undulating terrain, unique blind corners and nice banking to use all the available grip. It’s very challenging for endurance races where you negotiate a lot of traffic, as there is only one race line in most areas and many blind and multiple apex corners. So, it should make for a perfect start for the new Asian LMS in August!
Q: Most of Asia is still in its infancy in terms of the development of a strong motorsports culture. From your experience in other race series, could you give some suggestions on the development of 2013 Asian LMS?
A: The key to success will be to follow the Le Mans Series model exactly as it has been run in Europe and the USA. While the Asian culture and way of life is very different, the time for the Asian LMS to develop its own personality can come later, when it is a proven success and a series with capacity grids of talented drivers and professional teams. The series needs to be about the fans, the drivers and the racing; first and foremost. Motorsport is a business but in modern times this muddies the waters of the pure sport we all love. Let the personalities shine through and let’s provide the best entertainment package possible!
Q: The 2013 Asian LMS categories will be divided into LMP2, LMPC, GTC and GTC Am. Which category would you hope to compete in?
A: Personally I believe I am quite a diverse driver. I have competed with success in open wheel cars, CN prototypes, GT cars, V8 touring cars and smaller FWD touring cars. However, based on overall experience I would aim closely towards the GTC and GTC Am categories.
Q: What are your personal objectives for Asian LMS?
A：My main objective is to be on the grid! I am pushing hard and working closely with the Asian LMS Management to find a suitable drive in the Championship. I believe my experience and success on Asian circuits will help my credibility somewhat in this area, and my enthusiasm for Asian LMS is strong. So, I cross my fingers that this won’t be the last time you hear of me in the Championship !
Source : Asian Le Mans Series