Homegrown racing pros, including Gen T-lister Andrew Tang, on their pre-race rituals and competing in the support races this weekend.

1. Yuey Tan

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Yuey Tan

Participating in: Porsche Carrera Cup Asia

How do you feel about being part of this year’s Porsche Carrera Cup Asia?
Yuey Tan (YT)
I feel pumped! It’s my nineth time racing on this historic circuit and it’s remains a very special race to me. Having that extra home support always helps me to focus better. Also, this one-make series has such a high standard of driving that it has produced winners who have gone on to win some of the biggest events in the world. I’d always rather be racing against the best than be the “King of the kids”.

What first got you hooked on motor racing?
YT I grew up watching Formula 1 and going to the races, so I have been interested in cars and motor racing for a long time! My mum once told me that I knew every make and model of car before the age of four.

The best part about racing in a Porsche?
YT I’ve always liked the Porsche 911. As a young boy, I remember being very interested in how it looked. And as I got older, I realised that precision, performance and reliability were features closely associated with the Porsche brand, and feel the 911 is arguably the best car around.

What do you think about just before the flag off?
YT Not a lot! Just waiting for the lights to turn green and staying focused on the task at hand. The great part about racing is that there is not a lot of time to think about anything else!

How do you prep for a race?
YT I eat well, stay hydrated, keep fit by going to the gym, running and cycling, and keep firmly focused on the present.

(Related: Ferrari Raised 8.3 Million Euros For Charity)

Which main-race driver do you think will win this year?
YT I think the Ferraris and specifically Sebastien Vettel has a good chance of securing his first world championship with the Italians. His car is suited for a circuit such as Singapore’s.

Which are your favourite circuits around the world?
1. Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, where they hold the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix, is one of my favourite circuits as it’s massively challenging
2. The infamous Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, which I got to try several years ago. The turns are extremely quick at the top of the mountain and you get really near the walls
3. The Bangsaen Street Circuit on the beaches of Thailand, which is one of the most challenging circuits I have ever been to but I had a lot of fun there!
4. Finally, the Singaporean Grand Prix circuit because it is home and is challenging as it is unforgiving.

What would your dream road trip be like?
YT Driving through the Italian countryside and enjoying the fantastic food there. And though it’s Italian turf, I’d still love to do it in a Porsche 911!

2. Ringo Chong

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Ringo Chong

Participating in: Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific

How do you feel about being part of this year’s Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific?
Ringo Chong (RC) I’m always excited whenever the Singapore Grand Prix is here and it has been a dream to drive on our own race track! I hope to continue racing on it for as long as I can. 

What first got you hooked on motor racing?
RC It was a childhood dream of mine from the time I started watching my late father race in the ’60s and ’70s. I wished I could grow up faster to reach the car paddles and drive them sooner.

What do you think about just before the flag off?
RC I’m usually worrying, praying a lot and wishing for the best. Once the light turns green, I drive my hardest and my best.

How do you prep for a race?
RC Exercise, swim, go karting and practising on the stimulators extensively because we don’t have a permanent track to train on here. The closest would be the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, but it would cost a lot to train there.

You also race with Porsche sometimes. What would your dream road trip be like with a Porsche?
RC I used to do road trips in the past and always loved driving the classic 911 from the ’80s. For future road trips, I’d drive around Europe in a Panamera Turbo, which I used to own, or a more powerful car that has two seats at the back for my children. Besides, I already spend so much time in single-seat race cars on my own so whenever I get the chance, I will be with my family, enjoying the public roads in comfort.

(Related: 10 Things To Know About The 2017 Singapore Grand Prix)

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Porsche China

Participating in: Porsche Carrera Cup Asia

How do you feel about being part of this year’s Porsche Carrera Cup Asia?
Andrew Tang (AT)
Definitely looking forward to it. It was my first time last year racing on a street circuit and it was phenomenal. The atmosphere was amazing.

The best part about racing in a Porsche?
AT I like the Porsche’s great handling. I can really push the limits of the car. It's not an easy car to drive, but the feeling of getting each corner right is very rewarding.

(Related: Generation T 2017: Andrew Tang)

What do you think about just before the flag off?
AT I tend to feel quite nervous before a race, so I’d be trying to relax and stay calm!

How do you prep for a race?
AT I do a short circuit of 15min exercises that involve skipping, dynamic exercises and ball drills to get my body warmed up and physically ready for an upcoming race session. I sometimes also do some visualisation of the race to mentally prepare myself. 

Which main-race driver do you think will win this year?
AT I think it's really between the Scuderia Ferrari and Mercedes teams this year, but my favourite driver is Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, so I hope he wins!

Which is your favourite race circuit in the world?
AT My favourite of all time would be Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. It has a mix of technical corners and elevations that make it really one of a kind.

What would your dream road trip be like?
AT I would be driving through America and Canada. It would take me some time to complete, but having a bunch of my friends with me would make the experience awesome. It doesn’t matter what we’ll be doing because the company would make it a good trip already. 

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