27 Jun 2012 Changing weather affects race: Circuit Hero Two

After the exciting ZIC Superbike race, the Pan Delta grandstand begins to whistle and shout, it is Circuit Hero Two and the cheer leaders are doing their jobs.

The race is comprised of cars that are commonly seen on public roads, such as Honda Fit, Suzuki Swift, Honda Accord... etc. They are familiar to the man on the street and the drivers are mostly amateurs, possibly a next door neighbour. This is the race where they can try to fulfill the dream of becoming a race driver.
Although the race is grassroot based, the packaging is not. Race queens are out in force to woo the fans and the cars all have elaborate paint schemes, making themselves the focus of attention.

While the cars are on the grid the weather is fine. But as the start time draws near, the sky becomes grey. The Circuit Hero Two drivers are not professionals like those riders in ZIC Superbikes and lack experience, especially in the rain. If rain falls now then the race might be disrupted.

On the grid, pole sitter Wei Chao-Yin is ready for his second race of the day after his loss in the Circuit Hero One race in the Porsche. He is a true racing enthusiast, he is taking part in two different classes and brilliantly takes pole position in both. For this race he is driving a Honda DC5. Alongside him on the front row is He Wei-Hang. In the morning Wei Chao-Yin retired from the race.

The race begins, due to the darkened sky all the cars have their headlights on. The huge group of cars head towards the first corner, giving the spectators a great sense of occasion. In the middle of the lap, two cars hit each other and end up in the sand trap. At the end of the lap, the rain comes! As many of the drivers are amateurs, the race organizers decide to send out the safety car to temporarily halt progress.

It was a good call, as about a lap later, the rain has stopped near the grandstand area and there is just a slight drizzle at other parts of the track. On lap 4, the safety returns to the pit lane and the race re-starts.

Now the leader is He Wei-Hang and Wei Chao-Yin is behind him. At turn 3, no.93 Li Ye-Long suddenly loses control and stops across the track. Fortunately the cars behind him all find their ways by. Li is able to re-join in last place. After one lap and back on the straight, He Wai-Hang's car suddenly begins to give out a lot of smoke, indicating engine failure. He parks his car near the pit exit. The crowd is disappointed by his retirement from the race.

Another lap and Sun Tit-Fan passes Wei Chao-Yin for the lead. In the meantime the sky darkens again, will the rain fall once more?

It will not. Sun Tit-Fan continues to lead and passes backmarkers. In the end taking the win comfortably. Wei Chao-Yin takes second place and Gary Sham finishes third.

Afterwards the stewards decide that Sun Tit-Fan overtook under a yellow flag and is penalized 60 seconds. But he still gets the Red Bull Fastest Lap Award for his 1:59.842 lap.