Changi Airport crowns ‘King of the Tarmac’
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SINGAPORE, 5 September 2009 - At the first-ever jetliner-versus-car race in Asia held at Singapore Changi Airport today, a Porsche 911 GT3 Carrera Cup car was crowned the speed king of Changi Airport’s tarmac. In a close finish to the much-anticipated Changi Airport Race, the Porsche crossed the finishing line split seconds ahead of a Jett8 Airlines Boeing 747, despite starting slower. Video footage of the race will be available on-line at http://www.changiairport.com/race from 8.00 pm (Singapore time) today.
A jubilant Mr Yuey Tan, the Porsche driver, received the trophy from Guest-of- Honour, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and Transport. Commenting on his win, he said, “This marks my maiden win in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, and what a win this is. This is definitely one of the
highlights of my motoring career so far - as a boy, I’ve always been fascinated by speed and to be able to triumph over the Boeing jetliner is a terrific experience for me. I hope to build on this success in the weeks to come. Kudos to Jett8’s Captain Peter for pushing me to the limits and also to the organiser, Changi Airport Group, and sponsors, Jett8 Airlines, Porsche and Stuttgart Auto, Valais water, Porsche Design, and McElrea Racing, without whom this historic race would not have been possible.”
The pilot helming the Boeing 747, Captain Peter Leo said, “Jett8 is very happy that Yuey won. After all, a racer is all about winning and becoming famous. We feel that we have won as well, as Jett8 demonstrated in this event that it could deliver – safely and
reliably.”
Chief Executive Officer of Changi Airport Group, Mr Lee Seow Hiang said, “This has been indeed the race of a lifetime. The hundreds gathered at Changi Airport today enjoyed every second of the nail-biting race. And we expect many more to catch the action on-line. What an exciting start to the Changi GP Festival!”
Besides the race, ticket holders enjoyed other festivities at the airport. There were performances by local band, Timmys, F1 dance performances and instant photography services for fans to capture themselves against the backdrop of the event.
The Changi Airport Race was organised by Changi Airport Group to mark and celebrate the GP season in Singapore. The race launches the Changi GP Festival, with many race-related activities for passengers and airport visitors to enjoy and participate in.
These include a pit-stop challenge, go-karting and racing consoles at the airport. The new Porsche 911 GT3 road car was also unveiled for the very first time in Asia Pacific this afternoon at Changi Airport Terminal 3. There will also be a special appearance by
McLaren F1 driver Heikki Kovalainen on 23 September 2009.
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