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How
did you get involved in racing? Have you always wanted to
become a race driver yourself? And did your family members
support always support this goal of yours? |
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I was always
interested in cars and I love speed very much but for a very
long time I didn't own a car so I was just listening to my
group of friends' stories and experience with cars and
modifications. Things started a few years back when I
finally bought my first car, a Subaru Impreza WRX STi
Version 8 and it has been that way ever since. I took the
car down to the track and learned the ropes of racing from
there. As for my family, my parents didn't support me much,
but now I'm fine with it. |
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What other
activities do you enjoy besides racing? |
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Well, I'm a
part-time make up artist and I do enjoy doing typical girl
activities like shopping. I'm not too much of an outdoor
person though, but I do exercise to maintain my figure
(laughs). I also like to try out various activities to see
if any catches my fancy.
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What car will
you be fielding in for the Sepang 1000 KM? |
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We will be
running a Honda Integra DC2 Type-R, which is lovingly named
Diego. |
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How is the
setup like for the car in terms of engine performance
and handling? |
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For starters
will be powered by a B18C race engine that we'll be honing
into our car. The ECU will be a Hondata. Handling wise, our
suspension will be an Ohlins setup and brakes will standard
though the pads are M8 performance pads and uprated rotors.
Cooling wise, we're using an all-aluminium Koyo Radiator. We
will also have hardened race engine mounts to maximize power
transfer. |
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There are
many oil companies out there who readily sponsor race teams
for such events. Why is Torco your oil of choice over the
rest? |
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I've
done some testing on the car and also some lap times and I
can say that the oil is very good. The performance of the
car is great, the response is crisp and the oil temperature
remains consistent after hard driving. The engine does not
have any knocking whatsoever, which says a lot for its oil
pressure consistency as well. |
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The
competition will be tough for this race. Have you ladies
thought of any strategies or methods to stay in top
contention? |
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Well,
we just have to get out there and do our very best. The
strategies are discussed and among the team but the final
planning is done by the team manager. We as drivers have to
listen to instructions from our team manager as he will be
planning out what works best for the team. Skills are
important but is secondary when you are in a team. Teamwork
is very vital to ensure a good result.
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Is it hard to
keep standing as a female driver in a world which is mainly
filled by male drivers? What reactions do you get from other
drivers, supporters, teams etc.? |
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The
people around me are very supportive and very helpful in my
development and growth as a driver. I haven't gotten any bad
press or response from anyone so far. A friend of mine
called Vincent helped me and taught me the basics of track
driving and how to improve my skills.
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So how
competitive are you? |
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Quite
competitive I'd say, though we have to wait and see because
I'm still pretty new in the racing scene and I want to see
the extent of my abilities up until now. However, I believe
that everyone should have some degree of self pressure that
motives them. I for one always want to push myself to get
better. |
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Many people
think that the life of a race driver is all fun and just a
dream. But if you take a look to the 'inside' of racing,
what is the hardest part of being a race driver? |
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Motorsports is a
very expensive sport especially track racing. If you don't
have sponsors it will be utterly difficult unless you're a
million dollar baby. If you want to race badly, you have to
find a chance for yourself. For the younger generation, I'd
suggest to start of with Go-Karts and hone your skills from
there on and then move on to single seaters. Joining car
clubs is a good way to get an introduction to the world of
motorsports.
There are a lot of budget
forms of racing out there like the Malaysian Super Series
and the Super 16 which will appeal for those on a budget and
rallying is also another option.
|
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So what is
next for you in motor racing? |
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Hopefully I get
to participate in MME (Merdeka Endurance Race) but it all
depends on the Sepang 1000 KM race and how we perform during
the race |
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What would
you like to say to women worldwide who are dreaming of a
career in racing? |
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Well, its not a
dream really. Its something that can be achieved. Its a
target that you set yourself to achieve and determination is
very important. Luck plays a part in this too. Sometimes,
when you're at the right place and right time, things may
come your way. |
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Thank you and
all the best for Team Red Bull Rookies for the Sepang 1000
KM in 2010! |
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Thanks and
hope to see you again soon. All the best to you as well. |
