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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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Well, I have
liked cars since I was small and I was into guys stuff like
football and I used to wrestle with my brothers. The though
certainly did not cross my mind about being a racer at that
time. I used to do some go-karts once in a while and I love
doing long distance drives but that was about it.
How I started racing was
when a client of mine saw an ad and told me about it. I told
my mom and brother that I was going to try it out. My
brother was quite sarcastic about it, but when I made the
Top 12 I was quite excited and intimidated as well. Here I
was with some of the other female drivers who had a whole
lot more experience than me, so I decided to just do my
best.
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What other
activities do you enjoy besides racing? |
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I'm quite the
outdoor person actually. I do paintball, wall climbing,
gymnastics when I was in primary school where I was selected
for the KL team. My parents gave me a lot of exposure for a
wide range of activities and I was also in the National
Choir group, I had traditional and modern dance lessons and
I even had a spot at acting.
So my whole life was
basically spent in the car and I was seldom at home, so I'm
pretty much a go-getter and I'm so used to this that I have
to constantly keep myself busy. Oh yeah, I like to party a
lot as well.
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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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Its
a very good oil. Its so much better compared to the oils we
had last year. The engine is smooth, very smooth and its all
the way across the whole power band. Response is sweet and
revs are more urgent. |
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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,
coming in from the past couple of years, we've pretty much
set quite a high level of expectations from others. In the
1st year we qualified 2nd and we finished 6th in the race.
Last year we completed the race without much problems. Apart
from the fact that in the closing stages of the race our car
could only manage a max speed of 140 KM/H, it was still an
achievement for us to finish the race. In the first year, I
was pretty aggressive and last year I was more defensive in
my driving style. This year I plan to incorporate both
styles. I'm feeling more confident this year and since we
have better tires than last year, it further strengthens my
resolve.
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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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After
our first race, more people started believing and had more
faith in us compared to before the race. We're here to test
the male ego when we outperform them. People tend to be
quite judgmental when they see my small size and they think
I do not have the stamina for racing and also because of the
lifestyle I lead. I'm pretty proud of myself and the
achievements of the team since we can show the guys we can
do better than them.
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So how
competitive are you? |
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I can say, I've
done pretty good so far, but I definitely can do better. Its
become quite a revelation as this chance is a once in a
lifetime experience and I have become quite an envy of my
friends. I have had loads of sarcasm directed to me and that
just fuels me to push harder, so that I can prove to myself
that I can do it.
Looking back, I believe I'm
quite a competitive person based on the activities I did.
Well, if you really want something that much, and if you
have the passion for it, then you will be able to it.
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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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The most
important thing is mental strength more so than physical
prowess. Racing is a whole lot more than just going fast.
You have to understand and know your own limits as well as
your car's limits. Focus is another issue at hand, because
when you are racing, there are a lot of distractions and
also the heat and a thousand things that run through your
mind. That is when mental strength comes in. I also do have
butterflies in my stomach when I race as well.
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So what is
next for you in motor racing? |
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Well, I do hope
to try out for an international race series like AFOS (Asian
Festival Of Speed). I believe that when you're on track with
others, everything is equal, so it provides me with ground
for me to improve and better myself. I'd like to take all
the experience that i garnered over these years and hope to
expand it in other racing series for more years to come. The
gap between Malaysian motorsports and other countries is
still quite huge.
I'd certainly like to be
remembered that I helped make a difference and help the
motorsports industry grow and flourish. Even though it may
not be that huge of a significance, I'd feel good that I
made a contribution.
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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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I'd say GO FOR
IT! What is important is that they should have the heart and
passion for the sport. Starting young is an advantage, but
then again, if you have the drive for it and if you want it
very badly then they should go for it. Do it for the right
reasons and not for expecting gains or other forms of
benefits.
Its not easy. In fact its
tiring and hectic, but as long as you do it for yourself,
for your betterment, I think then, anything is possible.
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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. |
