The 61st Macau Grand Prix is fast approaching, and Hong Kong’s favourite racing driver and three-time GT champion Darryl O’Young has got himself a brand spanking new car for the occasion.
The 2005, 2006 and 2008 Macau Grand Prix GT Cup winner was beaming with excitement at the unveiling of his dazzling yellow and green Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 race car – distinctly branded by sponsor VLT (Vita Lemon Tea) – during a press conference at the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel on Tuesday. The two stunning models kitted out in matching colours got their fair share of attention too.
For all you Coconuts readers confused by the GT category and the definition of O’Young’s GT3 car, check out this link. It explains it, well, kind of…
With the 2013 Hong Kong Sports Stars Award winner racing for HK’s Craft-Bamboo Racing Team (the factory team for Aston Martin Racing), he’ll truly have the 852 behind him at the annual motor racing extravaganza on Nov. 13-16.
“This year, working with an iconic Hong Kong brand, working with a Hong Kong race team and also getting the support from the home fans, hopefully I’ll have a chance to get a good result,” O’Young told Coconuts at the launch of the car.
The V12 Vantage GT3 definitely looks spectacular, and after being described by its manufacturers as “a light chassis and an even more powerful engine to make it the most ferocious Aston Martin ever produced,” it certainly sounds like the real deal. But what does the man behind the wheel think? “
“I’m very, very happy [with the new car]. I’ve raced with Aston Martin throughout the year but it’s not so much about racing this race with a new car, it’s more about the combination of the Hong Kong brands and the Hong Kong team and everybody working together,” he said in an answer that sounded in no way rehearsed. “I think that’s something very unique, getting it all together in one package,” he added enthusiastically.
Marketing moans aside, the Macau Grand Prix is rather special on the motor racing calendar and boasts what experts have described as one of the world’s most demanding circuits with its fast straights and tight, uncompromising bends. In fact, it’s the only street circuit racing event that features both car and motorcycle races.
So it’s a rather big deal – something that’s not lost on the man from Honkers. “Macau is a very special race track because of its history. It’s a big part of my career, especially with all the Hong Kong fans coming. So it really is the best race for me.”
Recounting previous victories, O’Young told Coconuts about the fine balance needed to achieve success in the gambler’s haven. “This track is one of the toughest in the world. It takes a little bit of courage but also skill and patience. It’s everything combined; if you take it too carefully then you’re not fast, but if you’re too aggressive you’re going to crash.” No huge revelations there then.
With his lightning-quick new car, a history of success in Macau and a bevy of beauties to cheer him on, it would seem the Hongkonger has everything he needs to race to the title once more. But you could be forgiven for thinking that the real inspiration is… wait for it… the “tangy and refreshing, that’s me” VLT.
“It’s a unique and iconic brand,” the motorist enthused. “I’ve been drinking VLT since I was a kid and many people in Hong Kong drink it so when they see the car it’s special and unique,” he added.
Well, he’s certainly sold it to me. As a newbie in the territory, it’s high time I sampled a carton!
The Grand Prix starts on Nov. 13, when our number-one sportsman is scheduled to take part in a practice session at 12:05pm. The qualifying stages will be held on Nov. 14 and 15 at 1:10pm and 12:50pm, respectively. And, all going well, he’ll steer the Big Smog to victory on Nov 16 at 9:00am during what promises to be 12 laps of pulsating drama around Macau’s challenging roads.
On a closing note, in recent years yellow and green have become synonymous with speed – think Usain Bolt and his Jamaican counterparts, who’ve destroyed the rest of the field in the sprints. And should the Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 have anything like the turbo power of the cocky Olympian or his peers, our Darryl could be in for a triumphant weekend.
Photos: Peter Alsop, Coconuts Media
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