SINGAPORE. At the first-ever airline jet-versus-car race in Asia, held at Changi Airport over the weekend, a Porsche 911 GT3 Carrera Cup car was crowned the “speed king of the tarmac”.
In a close finish to the Changi Airport Race, the Porsche crossed the finishing line a split-second ahead of a Jett8 Airlines Boeing 747, despite starting slower. Video footage of the race can be viewed online at http://www.changiairport.com/race.
Yuey Tan, the Porsche driver, received the trophy from Guest-of-Honour Lim Hwee Hua, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and Transport.
Yuey 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.”
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(Top) The Jett8 Airlines aircraft is left in the dust as the Porsche 911 GT3 Carrera Cup car races across the finishing line; (Above) Porsche driver Yuey Tan is presented with the winner’s trophy by Minister, Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and Transport Lim Hwee Hua. On Yuey’s left is Changi Airport Group Chief Executive Officer Lee Seow Hiang while Changi Airport Group Chairman Liew Mun Leong stands on Lim’s right (Photo: Changi Airport Group) |
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.”
Changi Airport Group Chief Executive Officer 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 online. What an exciting start to the Changi Grand Prix Festival.”
Besides the race, ticket holders enjoyed other festivities at the airport. There were performances by local band Timmy, F1 dance performances and instant photography services for fans to capture themselves against the backdrop of the event.
As reported, the Changi Airport Race was organised by Changi Airport Group to mark and celebrate the Grand Prix season in Singapore.
The race launches the Changi Grand Prix 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.
About Changi Airport Group
Changi Airport Group was formed on 1 July 2009 as a result of the corporatisation of Singapore Changi Airport. As the airport company managing Changi Airport, it undertakes operational functions focusing on airport operations and management, commercial activities and airport emergency services. Through its subsidiary Changi Airports International, the Group also invests in and manages foreign airports.
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