Hong Kong team gearing up for all-important Macau Grand Prix weekend
Darryl O’Young optimistic despite expected challenge after long quarantine
First race for O’Young in the New Mercedes-AMG GT3
One of the most prestigious events of the year in Asia, the Macau Grand Prix is all set to get underway this weekend. For a second year in a row, the event will feature teams and drivers exclusively from Hong Kong, China and Macau due to pandemic regulations. As previously announced, Craft-Bamboo Racing’s Darryl O’Young will contest the 2021 Macau GT Cup as part of the 68th Macau Grand Prix in the #95 Mercedes-AMG GT3.
This will be O’Young’s 17th entry at the Macau Grand Prix. Being a 5-time race winner, he is no stranger to the challenging Guia Circuit. However, with the extraordinary circumstances this year, O’Young is expecting a challenging weekend, coming straight out of a long quarantine. Furthermore, he last raced at the 67th Macau Grand Prix in 2020, where he secured Pole Position and finished first in the Qualifying Race. Starting from P11 due to a post-race penalty, he showcased years of experience and grit to make his way back to P4.
In a year that has been challenging for race teams in Asia, the team has focused on the positives and are hopeful for the upcoming race. With limited time on track, O’Young will rely on his knowledge of the track to secure strong results at the Macau GT Cup. He is determined to put the disappointment of last year’s race behind and excited to get back on track.
Craft-Bamboo Racing has been a regular at the Macau Grand Prix, taking part every year since 2015. With the global pandemic, 2021 has been particularly difficult, having to manage everything remotely with limited staff being present on-ground due to travel restrictions. However, the team is dedicated to be a part of this esteemed event and be a flag-bearer for motorsports in Hong Kong and Asia.
The 2021 Macau GT Cup will see some of the best GT drivers from the region battle it out in cars from 6 different manufacturers for one of the most coveted titles in GT racing. The weekend will kick off on Friday with a single Free Practice session and the Qualifying session later that afternoon. The first 8-lap race will take place on Saturday followed by the main 12-lap race on Sunday. All sessions will be available to watch live on the Macau Grand Prix website and broadcasted across television networks globally. Follow Craft-Bamboo Racing social channels to receive real-time live racing updates.
Macau GT Cup SCHEDULE (all times in GMT+8)
19 November 2021 | Friday
1120 - 1145: Free Practice
1555 - 1620: Qualifying
20 November 2021 | Saturday
1320 - 1335: Warm Up
1550 - 1620: Race 1 (8 laps)
21 November 2021 | Sunday
1310 - 1350: Race 2 (12 laps)
QUOTE
Darryl O’Young | Driver, #95 Craft-Bamboo Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3
“I have to admit this past quarantine wasn’t an easy one for me, as the extra 7 days on top of a 14 day quarantine is quite tough mentally before a big competition. I’m very fortunate to have the support of my family and friends to get through this challenge, which made a big difference. However, I’m glad that's all behind me now so I can focus on the task at hand.
There are some tough competitors in the field this year, so it will require a strong race performance to come out on top. The Macau Guia Street Circuit is unique though, as it's one of those tracks where the biggest challenge isn’t against your competitors, but rather against yourself to drive well and not make mistakes. I’ve competed here enough times to know that mistakes can be costly, so it will come down to how well I manage the weekend. There is very limited track time this year, so I will also have to count on my experience on the track as well as from last year's race. I think with all these factors and circumstances around the pandemic, this could be the toughest year yet out of my 17 starts at the Macau GP, but the bottom line is, I can’t wait to get back on track.”
