Motorsports to put Changi on fast track
Multi-million-dollar circuit being planned will host all sorts of races except Formula One


By SAMUEL EE

(SINGAPORE) In time, they could be putting pedal to the metal and burning rubber in Changi.

Revving up: The project is expected to be offered to interested parties on a tender basis. Work is likely to begin early next year, and construction could take at least a year.
The government is expected to announce a plan soon for a new motorsports track in Changi.

The facility will host races by vehicles ranging from go-karts to touring cars, which are essentially souped-up saloons, as well as open-wheeled cars like those in the A1 Grand Prix. Anything, in fact, except Formula One cars.

This is because the Changi track is intended to be an 'accessory circuit', to complement the F1 race on a street circuit in the heart of the city already scheduled for next September.

'It doesn't make sense to build another circuit for F1,' says a source. 'This way, Singapore can have the best of both worlds.'

The project is intended to build on the huge interest in motorsports generated by Singapore's first F1 race, which will be held on Sept 28 next year.

'The aim is to have a facility that can sustain this interest all year round,' adds the source. 'It is a very good development for Singapore motorsports.'

The idea for a permanent circuit was believed to have been suggested by the Prime Minister's Office. But because it involves motorsports, it will come under the purview of the Singapore Sports Council.

The project is expected to be offered to interested parties on a tender basis. Work is likely to begin early next year, and construction will take at least a year.

There has been some speculation about the location of the circuit and several sites in Changi have been identified, including Loyang and the former site of the Asian Aerospace show.

But Loyang is too close to residential areas while there are security considerations over the other location because of its proximity to the airport.

Instead, land beside the Singapore Air Show grounds, off Changi Coast Road, is said to be the likely spot for the circuit. There will be enough space for a track of up to 4 km, a pit building, garages and other facilities.

How it would probably work is as follows. The government would identify the site and release the land along with the required approvals, with private sector bidders invited to propose the infrastructure.

'It is like an open-ended exercise and the best comparison is to the integrated resort - apart from the casino, the bidder can suggest what other buildings and attractions he thinks should accompany it,' says an industry observer.

Because of this process, the maximum cost of the project is hard to predict. 'It depends on how elaborate the final design will be,' the source says.

But the race track alone will cost around $4 million, with construction costing about $1 million per kilometre. 'Asphalt is expensive,' the source says.

Last year, it was reported that JTC Corp was due to award a site along Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, near the Tuas Checkpoint, for an $80 million race track. That proposal did not get the starting-flag, however.

State land on Tuas West Drive was nevertheless released earlier this year for Singapore's first motocross track. The 25,000 sq m site will have a 1.7 km track as well as infrastructure such as a grandstand, cafe and shops. Work is expected to be completed early next year.

Nice ^^

Btw, speaking of Changi, what has became of the bare land of UNSW Asia in Changi?

A racetrack near the Singapore Air Show, near Changi Airport?? That is soooo KLIA and the Sepang F1 track...

Anyway, we cannot compare it to KLIA. We do not have any other choice of land. Those are the only ones that is far from any residentials..

Land scarce...

this may not be the place to post this, but you guys seem to be in tune to racing in Singapore. I currently live in California, and may be relocating to Singapore with my job. As a hobby, I am a race car driver. I have run some semi pro series throught the US.

It sounds like there currently isn't a race track in Singapore? Where do people go to race cars? Or just HPDE days? I'm ok with a short plane ride.

Thanks.
Matt

No, they are still constructing the elements. The tract will be the roads ;)

this may not be the place to post this, but you guys seem to be in tune to racing in Singapore. I currently live in California, and may be relocating to Singapore with my job. As a hobby, I am a race car driver. I have run some semi pro series throught the US.

It sounds like there currently isn't a race track in Singapore? Where do people go to race cars? Or just HPDE days? I'm ok with a short plane ride.

Thanks.
Matt
Singaporean boy racers like to go over the border to Malaysia (about 40 mins away) to a place in Pasir Gudang, Johor, to race their cars at a legal track.

Not the sepang track right?

Not the sepang track right?

Nope. Sepang is too far away at KL. Most racers in Singapore head to the Pasir Gudang tracks just across the sea from Pasir Ris.

Pasir Gudang Racing Circuit
The need for speed

Pasir Gudang
Johor Bahru, JB
81700

Neighborhood: Johor eastern seaboard

Phone: +60 7 223 4935 / +60 7 224 9960 (Tourist Department)
Fax: +60 7 223 7554
add to Travel Bag (NEW)

Also called the Johor Racing Circuit, this is a well-used 3.86-kilometre track which continues to see a great deal of racing action. It currently hosts the annual World Superbike Championship, the World Endurance Race and the Johor Racing Series for motorcycles and cars. It is also open for a fee to private motor sport enthusiasts who wish to experience the thrills and spills of driving their machines at high speed in the relative safety of a racetrack.

You use the track too?

You use the track too?
I don't although I have met many boy racers who like to go there for weekend racing. I am a safe driver and I don't race. If I do go to the tracks, it's probably for a defensive driving course than for racing. :)

Hehe :lol:

I don't although I have met many boy racers who like to go there for weekend racing. I am a safe driver and I don't race. If I do go to the tracks, it's probably for a defensive driving course than for racing. :)

Err ... jokingly ...... Matt will be unable to ship his turbo MX5 from California to Singapore. :colgate:

Turbocharging a MX5 with approved aftermarket kits in Singapore requires a LTA permit. It will be easier to buy a turbocharged car like, GT-R, WRX, Evo, Silvia/200SX, etc., then to turbocharge a 350Z, RX-8, Civic, etc.. :tongue2:

... and the beautiful Eclipse is not sold here ... :no:

So sad ^^

Err ... jokingly ...... Matt will be unable to ship his turbo MX5 from California to Singapore. :colgate:

Turbocharging a MX5 with approved aftermarket kits in Singapore requires a LTA permit. It will be easier to buy a turbocharged car like, GT-R, WRX, Evo, Silvia/200SX, etc., then to turbocharge a 350Z, RX-8, Civic, etc.. :tongue2:

... and the beautiful Eclipse is not sold here ... :no:
Not true if Matt is coming here as a diplomat. Diplomats are allowed to import and drive their own cars in Singapore, even if they are left-hand-drive ones.

Land scarce...

Ironically Singapore has one of the greatest desity of golf courses in the world i hear :nuts::ohno:

Perhaps because of its land size?

Ironically Singapore has one of the greatest desity of golf courses in the world i hear :nuts::ohno:
Golf courses are just temporary land use with short leases ....

But can renew what.

Thanks for the responses.

The MX5 is a race car. Doesn't need to be plated. but it would probably stay in California as I would only be in Singapore a couple years. Interesting to hear the laws are pretty strict. They are in CA as well. my turbo miata isn't exacty street legal, but it does have a license plate...

Do you have a link to the race track? Are thier clubs that rent the place out? BMW club? Porsche club? I would probably rent a race car by the weekend when I move if that is available.

And I'll probably look to drive a skyline when I'm there. I love them and have driven them on track here, but they aren't street legal here....

Thanks.
Matt

Do you have a link to the race track? Are thier clubs that rent the place out? BMW club? Porsche club? I would probably rent a race car by the weekend when I move if that is available.

And I'll probably look to drive a skyline when I'm there. I love them and have driven them on track here, but they aren't street legal here....

Thanks.
Matt

Skylines are street legal in Singapore, unless you add unauthorized mods above what Nissan provides in the car. Bad news is that cars could cost 2-3 times more than those in the US because of the import tax. You also cannot rent a "race" car in Singapore because none of the rental companies here offer such cars so you would have to buy one.

There are many informal clubs in Singapore for owners of powerful cars such as the Skylines, Evos, Miatas, Civics etc. whose members frequent the Pasir Gudang race tracks. You can join them in their convoys up north instead of going by yourself (and getting lost on the roads in JB).

Hehe. Get lost in the roads of JB.

GT Championship heads for S'pore?
First F1, now Republic could host one leg of motorsport's endurance series

Tan Yo-Hinn
yohinn@mediacorp.com.sg

TODAY Exclusive
.
SINGAPORE will host its first Formula 1 race on Sept 28, 2008.
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And if all goes according to plan, the Republic will host one leg of the FIA's Grand Touring 1 (GT1) Championship in 2009.
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GT1 category cars, like the Aston Martin DBR9, Maserati MC 12 and Lamborghini Murciélago, have an average brake horsepower of 630bhp. Each race lasts about two hours, ranging from 58 laps to 95 laps, depending on venue and conditions.
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C2 Associates, a Singapore-based motorsports marketing and development company, have secured exclusive rights with SRO Motorsports Group to bring the event to Singapore.
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The FIA GT Championship is an endurance motorsport race run by the SRO Motorsports Group since 1997.
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Speaking to Today, Colin Ong, a partner in C2 Associates, said: "C2 Associates have secured an exclusive agreement with SRO Motorsports Group.
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"Our task is to put everything together, such as logistics and sponsorship, so that the FIA GT Championship can come to Singapore as soon as possible."
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This year's championship featured 10 legs beginning in Zhuhai, China (March 24-25) — the only non-European stop — to the season-ending race in Zolder, Belgium (Oct 20-21).
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Italian Thomas Biagi won the drivers' championship, Germany's Vitaphone Racing took the team crown and Maserati the manufacturers' title.
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When contacted, FIA GT championship manager Cyrille Taesch-Wahlen said: "SRO is considering various options for its future overseas events and there are already ongoing talks with promoters in Australia and China as well. But Singapore is a very serious possible destination for the FIA GT Championship.
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"Yes, there are plans to bring a round of the championship to Singapore.
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"The main target is to bring the top class (GT1) of the FIA GT Championship to Singapore."
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Right now, Singapore does not have a permanent track to hold the race. But it is believed there are plans for a permanent motor-racing track to be built at East Coast Parkway near Changi Naval Base.
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FIA GT races require the minimum circuit length to be 3.5km with a road width of 10 metres.
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"It takes time to properly prepare and organise an international motorsport event," said Taesch-Wahlen. "We also need to choose the right track venue, be it temporary or permanent.
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"Should the venue be confirmed before the end of 2007, we will be ready to organise the first FIA GT race in Singapore from 2009 onwards."
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Taesch-Wahlen believes the Formula 1 Grand Prix and GT race will complement each other.
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"The FIA GT Championship embodies the top of GT racing in the world and it would be nice for Singapore to have the F1 and GT in its motor racing portfolio," he said.
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"The chance is really serious as both SRO and C2 Associates want to see this happen. Furthermore, if there is a strong chance of a permanent race track being built in Singapore, it leads to a better possibility for us."
First F1, now Republic could host one leg of motorsport's endurance series

Nice ^^

Race starting in about 1 years time :D

Akan Datang:-

Govt to develop motor sports industry

More good news for those who love fast cars and bikes.

Apart from getting a taste of the Formula One race here, motor sports enthusiasts can also look forward to at least three international races based in Singapore by early 2011.

Announcing the Government's plans to develop the motor sports industry here, Community Development Youth and Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said his ministry will work with the private sector to construct a permanent race track located in Changi.

Requests for proposals to build the 20-hactare plot will be called in May next year.

When ready, the track may be between 2.8 kilometres to 3.5 kilometres or more and accomodate at least 15,000 people.

Dr Balakrishnan said the Government has identified motor sports as a growth industry for Singapore.

It's the third most popular spectator sport behind the Olympics and the World Cup garnering worldwide coverage with global networks.

'Singapore has the infrastructure, technical expertsie, manufacturing and R & D capabilities to facilitate the growth of the motor sports industry,' he said.

A cross government agency working group, headed by the Singapore Sports Council will be formed to develop a comprehensive motor sports development plan.

Singapore has a large following of motor sport enthusiasts with over 100 car clubs, each with memberships ranging from 50 to as many as 2,000 members.

The Singapore Motor Sports Association and its affiliated motoring clubs have more than 4,000 registered members who participate regularly in motor sports activities.

Nice ^^

Good news for Singapore, but we might be seeing an increased activity of cheap-scate modified imprezas in the streets..

Good news for Singapore, but we might be seeing an increased activity of cheap-scate modified imprezas in the streets..

That probably means that street circuit racing would not return to the Kallang stadium carparks once the new Sports Hub is built.

Yeah almost every other night there would be cordons and you would see Imprezas inside racing.

Yeah almost every other night there would be cordons and you would see Imprezas inside racing.

Saw many people very proud of their imprezas, black tinted windows, rims and decals all over. But the fact is that, it's still a cheap cheap car.. :lol:

Yeah ^^

Good news for Singapore, but we might be seeing an increased activity of cheap-scate modified imprezas in the streets..

Or it could enlighten those people and make them realize that adding a spoiler and two neons to a road car doesn't make it a race car... ^ ^
And that race cars are meant for race tracks, not shopping mall carparks ^ ^

I'd love to see the proposed track layout, though... Has anyone seen it published anywhere?

@pengui, too true indeed :lol:

Found this on a website..

Pretty huge though =X

http://www.ssc.gov.sg/publish/etc/medialib/sports_web_uploads/gc/media_releases_enclosures/motorsport.Par.0003.File.tmp/Motorsport%20Site%20Map.jpg

Saw many people very proud of their imprezas, black tinted windows, rims and decals all over. But the fact is that, it's still a cheap cheap car.. :lol:

Maybe by the time the race track is completed in a few years time, we could see fewer Imprezas on the roads. Now that Toyota has bought over Subaru, the all-new 2007 hatchback Subaru Imprezas available here looks terribly tame just like Toyota family cars. They might not sell so well anymore.

@pengui, too true indeed :lol:

Found this on a website..

Pretty huge though =X

You got this map from the Singapore Sports Council website? Didn't know SSC is now getting into motorsports as well. Motorsports used to be the domain of the Singapore Motor Sports Association (SMSA). SMSA is still the organizing body of the Kallang racing events.

Nice! A 20ha site :D

Saw many people very proud of their imprezas, black tinted windows, rims and decals all over. But the fact is that, it's still a cheap cheap car.. :lol:

You can't price a 4-piston n.a. car too expensive, can you?

You also can't price a turbocharged 4-piston car with turbo lag too expensive, can you?


Subaru can only start pricing higher when they can get ride of their turbo lag in their fast models and increase their pistons to 6, like their 3.0 Boxer6 engine.

They need to learn from their Japanese counterpart, Nissan, on how to create a supercar with no turbo lag and smooth power delivery from a 6-piston powerplant.

You seem to know a lot about cars.

Heard motorsports will be under Singapore Sport Council, I saw that map on a mazda forum.

Probably because motorsports is a sport? :lol:

Saw many people very proud of their imprezas, black tinted windows, rims and decals all over. But the fact is that, it's still a cheap cheap car.. :lol:

imprezas WRX STIs are not cheap.STI is one notch above WRX. the normal non wrx imprezas r cheap thou.

imprezas WRX STIs are not cheap.STI is one notch above WRX. the normal non wrx imprezas r cheap thou.

Glenn Ong of Class 95 FM is going to get pissed if people say his WRX is cheap. He used to make fun of other people's cars on radio .... now he is getting a taste of it himself. :lol:

Hehe ^^ Really?

If Glenn Ong is so keen in WRC cars, he has a few choices. He can always get the winning car - Focus RS. Otherwise, there is also the Lancer Evo for him. Why must it be Impreza WRX STI? The car is so ugly. Beside being the winner, Focus RS is also the most beautiful of the lot.

I think it is WRX and not WRC.

I think it is WRX and not WRC.

PreciseDrive was referring to WRC as World Rally Championship cars. See www.wrc.com

Well, almost all subarus looks the same, only sportier with extra features like a spoiler, ultra black grilles and perhaps a bonnet scoope. Well, non-car fanatic won't know the difference if it's a WRX or WRC, if they have the same body kit. And yes, they are ugly =X

PreciseDrive was referring to WRC as World Rally Championship cars. See www.wrc.com
OK thanks :)

Well, almost all subarus looks the same, only sportier with extra features like a spoiler, ultra black grilles and perhaps a bonnet scoope. Well, non-car fanatic won't know the difference if it's a WRX or WRC, if they have the same body kit. And yes, they are ugly =X

The problem with subarus is that they are too common in Spore. unless one is a car enthusiast, he would not be able to tell the difference between a basic impreza, an impreza WRX and a WRX STI.

There are almost no subarus imprezas in Malaysia. If there is one, it would most likely be a WRX. so the wow factor is still there because pple in malaysia, esp the youngsters will group it together with the EVOs or RX7s etc.

To stand out in Spore, maybe R35 skyline?

The problem with subarus is that they are too common in Spore. unless one is a car enthusiast, he would not be able to tell the difference between a basic impreza, an impreza WRX and a WRX STI.

There are almost no subarus imprezas in Malaysia. If there is one, it would most likely be a WRX. so the wow factor is still there because pple in malaysia, esp the youngsters will group it together with the EVOs or RX7s etc.

To stand out in Spore, maybe R35 skyline?

In my whole life, I've only see 2-3 :bash:

But they are really outstanding, especially their 4 eyes behind, pretty cool but I heard it's quite expensive

In my whole life, I've only see 2-3 :bash:

But they are really outstanding, especially their 4 eyes behind, pretty cool but I heard it's quite expensive

A new V36 Skyline coupe has just been launched and it has no more 4 eyes behind ...

http://www.zerotohundred.com/uploads/meraboy/v36-2.jpg

http://www.zerotohundred.com/uploads/meraboy/v36-1.jpg

In my whole life, I've only see 2-3 :bash:

But they are really outstanding, especially their 4 eyes behind, pretty cool but I heard it's quite expensive

i think you saw the R34. R35 is not for sale yet:)
Yes, skylines are more expensive than EVOs and WRXs

A new V36 Skyline coupe has just been launched and it has no more 4 eyes behind ...

http://www.zerotohundred.com/uploads/meraboy/v36-2.jpg

http://www.zerotohundred.com/uploads/meraboy/v36-1.jpg

This is not the new R35 skyline. This is a derivation from the Infiniti brand, which is something like Lexus to Toyota for Nissan.

The new R35 still have 4 eyes:banana:

http://i7.************/5zcs2ld.jpg

oh r34, still pretty cool..

http://www.japanesesportcars.com/galleries/data/media/48/police_gtr.jpg

r35 front looks fanastic..

http://www.r35gtr.com/r35_nissan_GTR.jpg

Nice cars ^^

This is becoming a car thread :lol:

This is not the new R35 skyline. This is a derivation from the Infiniti brand, which is something like Lexus to Toyota for Nissan.

The new R35 still have 4 eyes:banana:

http://i7.************/5zcs2ld.jpg

Oh boy .... there goes my bonus next year. :ohno:

Oh boy .... there goes my bonus next year. :ohno:

ur bonus is quite a lot hor?:lol:

R34

http://i6.************/4zx71pi.jpg

http://i17.************/6fhvl1g.jpg
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
R35

http://i2.************/5y9tvz5.jpg

http://i13.************/4mjy4xk.jpg

http://i5.************/67gd2co.jpg

r34 looks better, more aggresive i think. but r35 is more powerful, rivaling the porsche GT2 in terms of performance and lap times.

Yeah, R34 looks tougher, but R35 looks mpore sleek and IMO, nicer.

Please, this is becoming a car thread :lol:

Nov 4, 2007
Local go-karters want shorter racetrack at Changi

AS SINGAPORE looks forward to the Changi racetrack, has the interests of go-karting enthusiasts been neglected?

After all, the sport has groomed Formula One aces Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost and, more recently, Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton.

The Government has announced plans to build a Grade 2 track suitable for all classes except F1, but the local karting community is not entirely overjoyed.

A major bugbear is the 2.8-3.5km track, which exceeds the 2.5km maximum set by the world governing bodies of motorsports (FIA) and karting (CIK).

And, as Jonathan Lai (right) explained, Changi will be too long for the 10-minute sprint format that local racers prefer.

'The Changi track is a good idea but the better option is across the Causeway,' said the karting enthusiast, who races at Johor's Permas Karting Circuit monthly.

'A typical race takes just 10 minutes. We will not be able to complete that many laps at the longer Changi track.

'The Permas circuit is 1.31km long and it is well-maintained. The fees there are very reasonable, ranging from RM40 ($17.30) to RM55 for a 10-minute session, depending on engine capacity.

'Hopefully, the government can take on board our opinions.''

Lai estimates that on a typical race day in Johor, up to 80 per cent of the drivers are Singaporeans.

Nic Chee, another karting fan, added: 'If we are aiming for a motorsports culture, karting should not be ignored.

'I hope the Changi track can be made affordable. A $40 fee for a session will be reasonable.''

But, according to Lai, staff at the Permas track go the extra mile.

He said: 'I pay a RM100 monthly parking fee for my kart. But they help check tyre pressure and top up the engine oil and brake fluid.

'I hope the Changi track can provide similar nice touches, while being as challenging as Permas - which goes up and down and has 14 tricky bends.''

To the racing fans, karting is akin to F1 as the dynamics are almost similar.

As Tony Ho, a karting enthusiast with two years' experience, put it: 'The go-kart has an unobstructed open view and the driver sits lower. The kart does not roll over easily and has no mirrors.

'Drivers have to be focused. A slight distraction or hesitation could be costly. There is no room for errors.

'That's why karting has produced so many top F1 drivers.''

Wang Meng Meng

Copyright © 2007 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

Nice article ^^

Didn't know the Permas track was so popular. Only heard of the Sepang track before.

Nice article ^^

Didn't know the Permas track was so popular. Only heard of the Sepang track before.

for karting i think permas is more popular coz the track is much shorter.

also, sepang is too ex as it is a Grade 1 track.

Oh yeah. I recall seeing advertisments for some F1 @ the Sepang track some time back in March.

i think you saw the R34. R35 is not for sale yet:)
Yes, skylines are more expensive than EVOs and WRXs

R35 is for sale since 17 Oct, prior to the 24 Oct Tokyo Motor show launch. You can book one with the local PIs for now.

It's an insult to compare GT-R with EVOs and WRXs. GT-R, like 911, R8, Gallardo, F430, etc., believes in beautiful power, ie. smooth engine, linear power delivery and response, etc.. EVOs and WRXs, on the other hand, will squeeze power out of a rough engine (since when is a 4-piston engine balanced and has power overlaps?) and made the driver suffer from jerky power delivery.

The GT-R has no turbo lag since almost all of its maximum torque is available at 1,700 rpm. This is beautiful power! EVOs and WRXs sucks with their ugly turbo lags. Crap!

This is not the new R35 skyline. This is a derivation from the Infiniti brand, which is something like Lexus to Toyota for Nissan.

The new R35 still have 4 eyes:banana:

Tan Chong is no longer allowed to sell Infiniti and Nissan has not appointed an Infiniti dealer in Singapore yet. What a waste! Infiniti offers a good alternate to Lexus and maybe even BMW.

G35 sedan and G37 coupe (aka Skyline V36 sedan and V36 370GT coupe) are great cars. They have made big improvement over the last G35 sedan/coupe (aka Skyline V35), which are great too! The 330hp VQ37HR engine is a gem!

V35/36 Skylines are different from previous R32/33/34 Skylines. V35/36 are Infiniti while R32/33/34 are Nissan.

R35 GT-R platform dimensions are different from those of V36 Skyline.

Oh boy .... there goes my bonus next year. :ohno:

$300k bonus? Wow! Cool!

Anyway, I don't think Tan Chong will invest in equipment and people to bring in the GT-R. What a waste! This car (and its 3-year maintenance program) needs authorsied dealer to maintain. PI will not do the job. Nevertheless, 10 units have been placed with MB World, Garage-R, etc..

....................

r34 looks better, more aggresive i think. but r35 is more powerful, rivaling the porsche GT2 in terms of performance and lap times.

You probably mean Turbo. GT2 is better than GT-R.

All eyes are on the upcoming GT-R Spec-V to challenge the GT2.

I believe there will be NISMO tunes to counter Carrera GT and other supercars too.

^^actually turbo lag can be fun.....at least for a while:cheers:

^^actually turbo lag can be fun.....at least for a while:cheers:

It is a different story when you create turbo lag to enjoy it. However, EVOs and WRXs have turbo lag because of engineering limitation.

What is turbo lag?

What is turbo lag?

only applies to cars with turbos.

the moment you press the accelerator in the turbo car with turbo lag, you will only get the power w/o the contribution of the turbo.

the power of the turbo comes only when the engine reaches certain rpm as the turbo is driven by the exhaust gas.
This happens as the turbo itself has some inertia and resistance.

so. when the turbo kicks in finally, one will feel a second shove of power in addition to the lst one when u press the accelerator.
can be annoying as precisedrive has mentioned.

the problem can be rectified by using 1)twin turbos (one small one big- i think the GTR skylines uses this configuration which explains why it has less tubo lag as smaller turbo has smaller inertia) 2)or just a smaller turbo
3)turbos with variable fins 4)etc

Thanks ^^ :)

only applies to cars with turbos.

the moment you press the accelerator in the turbo car with turbo lag, you will only get the power w/o the contribution of the turbo.

the power of the turbo comes only when the engine reaches certain rpm as the turbo is driven by the exhaust gas.
This happens as the turbo itself has some inertia and resistance.

so. when the turbo kicks in finally, one will feel a second shove of power in addition to the lst one when u press the accelerator.
can be annoying as precisedrive has mentioned.

the problem can be rectified by using 1)twin turbos (one small one big- i think the GTR skylines uses this configuration which explains why it has less tubo lag as smaller turbo has smaller inertia) 2)or just a smaller turbo
3)turbos with variable fins 4)etc

Cool explanantion! Thanks.

Anyway, the GT-R doesn't employ sequential turbocharging (i.e. 1 big and 1 small). It employs 2 small turbos with variable geometry/turbine.


GT-R has almost zero turbo lag not only because of the kind of turbo employed but also the way the engineers tuned the ECU. They tuned for zero turbo lag and linear power delivery - not for maximum power. In fact, the engineers detuned the GT-R from 700hp to 473hp for handling purpose!!! They are looking for beautiful power! Of course, the 6 pistons also help the engine with smooth power delivery.

EVOs and WRXs are tuned for maximum power with no consideration given to turbo lag and linear power delivery. This is the reason why I say "ugly power". The big turbo doesn't help too. All Boxer4 and Inline4 also suffer from lack of power overlaps. So the power delivery from the engine is not smooth.


I believe it is an enjoyment to drive a car with beautiful power.
I know there are lots of people who worship the EVOs and WRXs. Perhaps they may change their minds after trying 335i, 911 Turbo, new GT-R, next RS6/7, S600L/CL600/SL600, S65L/CL65/SL65 AMG, etc.. These turbocharged cars deliver beautiful power.

Heh ^^

The cars "335i, 911 Turbo, new GT-R, next RS6/7, S600L/CL600/SL600, S65L/CL65/SL65 AMG" aren't very cheap, so maybe the EVO and WRX is a cheaper choice for them?

Heh ^^

The cars "335i, 911 Turbo, new GT-R, next RS6/7, S600L/CL600/SL600, S65L/CL65/SL65 AMG" aren't very cheap, so maybe the EVO and WRX is a cheaper choice for them?

yea. but i think MX5 from mazda is the cheapest sports car in the world

Yeah. And the power is not bad too :D

Yeah. And the power is not bad too :D

actually, i think for the "fun" factor, its not so much the power, but the handling, and how fun you can push the car to its limits..

never enjoyed driving high powered cars as compared to small, nicely weighted, NA, rear wheel, mid mounted engine vehicle..

Think if given a choice between am F40 or a NSX, i will choose the NSX due to the "indulgement" in the driving experience..

2 cents..

actually, i think for the "fun" factor, its not so much the power, but the handling, and how fun you can push the car to its limits..

never enjoyed driving high powered cars as compared to small, nicely weighted, NA, rear wheel, mid mounted engine vehicle..

Think if given a choice between am F40 or a NSX, i will choose the NSX due to the "indulgement" in the driving experience..

2 cents..

NSX is cool.
but i would take the F430:) but to be realistic. maybe a 3 series bmw.

NSX is cool.
but i would take the F430:) but to be realistic. maybe a 3 series bmw.

yeah.. the point am trying to make is:

if you are talking about fun cars on the track (and even on the road), we should choose an elise over the BMW...

but being in a country where most average singaporeans only own 1 car, its hard to imagine driving to the mkt in an elise wldnt it..
:cheers:

Not at all ^^

Many elise(s) at Tiong Bahru Market I saw. Or was it one?

elises used to be damn cheap in malaysia when proton lst acquired lotus.

i think it was around RM160k but now more ex already. yea, its a good car on track.maybe one of the best in the world. have to agree too that it is hard to use it everyday coz its so cramped, small, bumpy and dangerous.

It is a mini car. Very tiny but design and power is nice :)

Though I never drive it before, I have heard many good commments about it :)

How can you all forget BMW 760Li!

That's erm, a little too expensive...

That's erm, a little too expensive...

yeap.

We can get a nicer car for a nicer power for a cheaper price :lol:

That's erm, a little too expensive...

My dream car :)

How can you all forget BMW 760Li!

Not as powerful and as fast as S600L with its 5.5L twin-turbo V12 engine. 80% of maximum torque at 1,600 rpm!!! No turbo lag!!!

I believe the next 760iL and 860i will have twin-turbo V12 since 750i and 850i will have 4.2L twin-turbo V8.

Not as powerful and as fast as S600L with its 5.5L twin-turbo V12 engine. 80% of maximum torque at 1,600 rpm!!! No turbo lag!!!

I believe the next 760iL and 860i will have twin-turbo V12 since 750i and 850i will have 4.2L twin-turbo V8.

Yes indeed, 2009 7 Series. Those are the ones to die for :bash:

Not as powerful and as fast as S600L with its 5.5L twin-turbo V12 engine. 80% of maximum torque at 1,600 rpm!!! No turbo lag!!!

I believe the next 760iL and 860i will have twin-turbo V12 since 750i and 850i will have 4.2L twin-turbo V8.

Sweat :ohno: .... crude oil prices has almost reached US$100 per barrel and we are not living in an OPEC state.

elises used to be damn cheap in malaysia when proton lst acquired lotus. i think it was around RM160k but now more ex already.

Is Lotus Elises were cheap in Malaysia, I think the coming Proton PM5 sports car would be even cheaper in Malaysia when they roll out next year. Maybe we would see a Proton sports car parked in front of nearly every kampung house:

http://images.paultan.org/images/Proton_PM5_Concept.jpg

Proton Holdings Bhd plans to build affordable Lotus in Malaysia

National carmaker, Proton Holdings Bhd, plans to manufacture affordable Lotus cars in Malaysia probably in late 2007 or in 2008, its managing director Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said.

“If everything goes on well, the affordable Lotus will be done and assembled in Malaysia. Both Lotus and Proton have agreed on the plan,” he told reporters at a press conference to mark his 100 days as managing director.

He said Proton was currently identifying the specification for the car, platform to work with and the market to focus.

“This car could be priced around RM100,000 compared with the current Lotus car at between RM300,000 and RM400,000. It is a very expensive car (current Lotus). I think there is a big market for Lotus if it is within affordable range without compromising Lotus’ quality,” he said.

omg @ proton.

Is that really a sports car?

Quite a poor attempt. Their mainstream cars are already so pathetic!

My dream car :)

Work towards it then! :)

Work towards it then! :)

u didnt ask me to work towards my 3 series :cry:

u didnt ask me to work towards my 3 series :cry:

LOL! :lol:

u didnt ask me to work towards my 3 series :cry:

Work towards your 3 series then...

LOL :lol:

Now A1, like sharks smelling blood.......



A1 GP sets up regional headquarters in Singapore
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 02 December 2007 2217 hrs




SINGAPORE : The new season for the A1 GP has started, but Team Singapore is noticeably absent.

But the Singapore connection will remain, as the regional headquarters for the series will be based in the Republic.

In 2006, A1 Team Singapore was launched with much fanfare only to hit a road block after a season plagued by problems with drivers and funding.

But the race operators still want to maintain the Singapore link with their regional office in the Republic.

Besides marketing and other support functions, A1 feels there will be other benefits.

David Clare, CEO, Asia-Pacific, A1 GP, says: "A1 GP has become a catalyst for a lot of government-to-government and government-to-business relationship, and I think if we are based in Singapore maybe we can help develop the financial and commercial market here and help facilitate those relationships."

Its Singapore presence could help groom young talent and spur growth in the sport.

Mr Clare says: "Being in the market, we will have far more time to work and develop on a team, so that it will get the attention maybe more attention than other teams. I think it will take a few months before we are able to do something for next season."

F1's arrival in Singapore could act as a catalyst for the return of the A1 Team Singapore.

Clare feels they will not compete but rather complement F1, to develop motor sports as a whole.

A Singapore stop for A1 is on the cards too, as the country could stage 2 big races.

Unlike F1, A1 prefers to race on a permanent track which is more cost effective, and to have a day race, since most of its audience and supporters are in Asia. - CNA/ch

^^weird huh. no singapore team but HQ is moved to Singapore.

^^weird huh. no singapore team but HQ is moved to Singapore.

Very true!

No oil but biggest refinery and oil trading hub ...
No steel but biggest steel trading hub ...
No palm oil but ......
No water but ......
No ......

Very true!

No oil but biggest refinery and oil trading hub ...
No steel but biggest steel trading hub ...
No palm oil but ......
No water but ......
No ......

No everything! :lol:

Singapore's first dedicated motocross circuit holds debut race
By Satish Cheney, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 13 January 2008 2036 hrs


SINGAPORE: The new racing circuit for motor sports at Tuas West Drive, is all ready for action.

The 25,000-square-metre circuit was built on land leased from the government, in July 2007.

It hosted its first-ever motorcross event on Sunday and while promoters were expecting about 20 racers, 50 showed up, each paying some S$100 to take part.

And many were enjoying the chance to speed in their own backyard, instead of going overseas.

Steve Ho, a motocross rider for the past ten years said: "We used to go to Malaysia a lot and it was a bit of a hassle but now with this track it's just 10 minutes away and all my friends can come and watch and have fun together."

The promoters, together with the Singapore Sports Council and the Singapore Motor Sports Association are launching a youth development program as part of efforts to make the sport more popular among young students, some of whom were taking part in the race.

Matthew Cooper, a 12-year-old motocross rider, said: "It was either a Christmas or birthday present, I got a toy motorbike and I kept urging my parents to let me have a try and I was just hooked."

So far, S$50,000 has been spent on this venue and each race costs around S$8,000 to organise.

But that sum will likely to increase with bigger plans.

Another S$350,000 has already been spent on adding a tarmac surface around the dirt track for a slightly different racing category called Super Motads.

Organisers are also gunning for some regional exposure this year.

Keith Karim, Director of EZ Motosports, said: "Somewhere in July, we hope to bring in what is known as the UAM race which is a regional race. That of course also depends on sponsorships."

Some 200 races featuring various categories are planned for 2008. -CNA/vm

Singapore on track to complete Changi race circuit

25 Sep 08

SINGAPORE: Singapore is on track to complete its first permanent race circuit in Changi by 2011.

Teo Ser Luck, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development, Youth and Sports, said this on Thursday.

While Mr Teo did not reveal the number of interested tenderers, he said the government is in talks with several parties and is exploring the different possibilities of developing the facility which will be fully funded by the private sector.

He said: "We are committed to wanting to develop a race track. We are open to different ideas which are coming forward because for the government side, we want to make it successful, and it must be a win-win partnership between the consortium that ultimately wins it and operates it, and the government as well."

"We are also assessing what needs to be done in that race track. It is a seafront race track, so we must maximise that piece of land there, not just as a race track but possibly an area where tourists will come, locals will go there and everybody would look at it as more than just for car races, but it is a family outing area as well," added Mr Teo.

The race track, which will be built on a 20-hectare plot, is likely to stretch between 2.8km and 3.5km, short compared to the Singapore Grand Prix circuit of 5.067km.

"That piece of land there is quite vast, but there are other needs for that piece of land, so I would say there is no confirmation or final (decision) on size and all that, we will talk to the different parties and decide later," said Mr Teo.

The Changi race track will be capable of hosting major motorsports events, except for F1 races, which need Grade 1 circuits, and include facilities such as a racing and driver training school, and a pit building and grandstand.

Hafiz Koh, a Singapore pro race driver, said: "It's definitely a good training ground for drivers to move forward if you have a track and you could start earlier but for GP drivers like myself, who drive GP cars, we still need to travel a lot and test different tracks. The only way you can learn is to drive different cars on different tracks."

- CNA/il

Bigger motorsports hub

30 Mar 09

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20090330/cmh.jpg

The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) on Monday launched a Request For Proposal (RFP) offering local and international consortia a unique opportunity to build and manage the Changi Motorsports Hub (CMH).
Set to become Asia's first premier motorsports and entertainment centre, the CMH will rise from a 41-hectare sea-facing site near the Changi Airshow Grounds.

This is more than double the initial plot size of 20ha when the plan for the Hub was first announced in 2007.

The Hub, which is expected to be ready by the end of 2011, will feature a permanent racetrack of at least 3.5km, along with a permanent sheltered grandstand offering unblocked views of the entire track for at least 8,000 spectators.

It will house its own racing academy and will serve as a regional training and research and development centre for motorsports. It will host top international motorsports competitions - including FIA Grade 2 races - and Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Exhibition (MICE) events. Motorsports-related and general retail outlets, restaurants and other engaging lifestyle and entertainment offerings will also be available at the Hub.

The SSC hopes to attract potential consortia that comprise entities such as racetrack designers, architects, property developers, sports developers, events and entertainment organisers and retailers.

The RFP will be available from the SSC from 3pm on Monday. A $10,000 deposit is required for the RFP, which will be refunded upon submission of a conforming proposal. Proposals must be submitted by 4pm on Aug 27, 2009.

The CMH is a major project initiated by the Government that will contribute to the Government's vision of a S$2 billion sports industry by 2015, along with the goal of employing 20,000 people in sports related jobs.


http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_356423.html

http://www.gulfnews.com/images/08/10/14/20_sp_f1_abudhabi3_sup_5.jpg Abou Dhabi Racetrack.

Changi motortrack should have endorsement such as the Ferarri track in Abou Dhabi. Or maybe an Emirates racetrack or SIA racetrack. Is this proposal open to INternational architectecs. they should get involved. The whold CHangi area will be bustling then. The Eastern singapore will be waken up with hotels, offices and centres for fitness and sports as well as enginnering centres for vehicles.

^^ Actually I already wonder why there are no hotels around here. Only one is at the airport and one in Changi Village, while Bedok and (especially) Tampines could have some.

I never knew why...... We should have lots of hotels near the beach area. Have something like Miami beach ocean drive or even the keys.
http://www.lindagproperties.com/images/mosaic/views/mosaic_Aerial-Facing-West_500w.jpg

^^ Actually I already wonder why there are no hotels around here. Only one is at the airport and one in Changi Village, while Bedok and (especially) Tampines could have some.

Because URA did not plan and zone lands for this. I think URA may have to re-zone the lands again surrounding Changi for hotel uses when the demands start to show up.

The Miami Beach area is what I feel the Concept Plan's Long Island should be.

As for the Changi Motorsports track, I think we'll get a clearer picture of Changi East's development direction when the plans for Terminal 4 are unveiled to the public.

Why are we building so many terminals?Most of the departure gates are empty as it is already.

^^ We're building so many terminals because Changi at peak hours, doesn't have enough parking gates and we need to cater for these few hours because Changi's reputation depends on those few hours.

We need some beachside/seaside hotels. Marina Bay not counted.

Why are we building so many terminals?Most of the departure gates are empty as it is already.

Peak hours are between 5pm and 9pm where many regular flights arrive and depart daily. So packed that there are not enough counters and gates to handle flights, causing some flights departing to go into late night and early morning. As result, we have 42 remote bays and 92 aerobridges. Within one hour all 92 aerobridges would be occupied. Scores of remote bays would be allocated to arriving planes and parking planes for their next flights.

While premium traffic is clearly declining on many main flights, the traffic steadily increases on budget flights with more expansion on most budget carriers.

^^
Oh,I was under the impression that Paya Lebar airport will be moved to Changi terminal 4/5,and the height restriction will be lifted.

^^
Oh,I was under the impression that Paya Lebar airport will be moved to Changi terminal 4/5,and the height restriction will be lifted.

This sounds interesting. Where info from?

^^
I was juz thinking that since terminal 4/5 could potentially handle more air traffic,this will help alleviate the situation in the other smaller airports like paya lebar.They're also reclaiming a lot of land eastwards.I can imagine Changi linking up with Tekong/Ubin in like 10-15 years time.You also need to understand that with more land,we essentially have more "airspace"/open space for planes to navigate.Also with the new space port and everything located around this region,Changi is seen as the new aeronautical town.I juz wish they could close Paya Lebar airport since there's going to be a major redevelopment there in a few years to make Paya Lebar into a new hub or something.

^^ Changi won't be connected with Tekong, as the maritime routes to JB/Woodlands are going through there.

Paya Lebar is quite large actually. There may be only one runway but there's vast maintainance and air force facilities there. If all of that was supposed to move from there to Changi East, it means huge development and at least new runway (apart from existing AB).

Well, I dono if i want Paya Lebar to close. Its troublesome but holds some of our heritage, and beside its quite cool to watch all the C130s passing low above Geylang... just imho

Quite hard to imagine such a gigantic move...

As Singapore intensifies its air force build up and as our status as an MRO base grows, moving the infrastructure to Changi Airport might actually impede scope for commercial expansion, especially if intra-ASEAN traffic continues to grow at its current rate.

Remember, after T4/T5 is built, that's it, no more land has been set for expansion.

^^
By then ppl won't be flying planes anymore,we might have hybrid flying hovercars.

^^ That's a pipe dream. And honestly, it's not like T4 is damn far into the future. 2020 is when LHL said it would come up.

I guess that CAAS must design the masterplan of Changi Airport East as if it were its own airport, so that it will be able to accommodate existing plus increasing passenger numbers, thus, a more efficient use of the land. That's why I think T4 is going to be a mega terminal to be built in phases.

This will then allow CAAS to remodel, or even rebuild T1/T2/T3/BT when to allow for capacity renewal. But even then, I guess Changi planners should be secretly hoping that it never has to handle 100 million passengers.

Three vie for Changi Motorsports Hub

28 Aug 09

3.5km race track will have grandstand for at least 8,000

SINGAPORE) It's all systems go for the Changi Motorsports Hub (CMH).


Three of the seven parties that applied for the Request For Proposal (RFP) to build and manage the 41 hectare hub submitted tender proposals by the 4pm deadline yesterday.

And the outcome is one the Singapore Sports Council (SSC) is happy with, given the challenging economic climate.

Submissions came in from Singapore Agro Agriculture, Sports Services, which is linked to Haw Par Corporation, and SG Changi, a consortium of different partners.

The winning party will be known by the first quarter of 2010.

'Haw Par submitted a bid before the close this afternoon,' Haw Par confirmed yesterday when contacted by BT.

The other four parties that initially expressed interest in the tender documents when they were released at end-March include SUTL Group and Peter Kwee's auto group Exklusiv.

The three tender proposals received are 'a good indication that the value proposition for Changi Motorsports Hub remains strong,' said SSC chairman Alex Chan.

'This milestone will take Singapore a step closer to becoming a premier motorsports destination.'

However, BT understands that some parties raised concerns during the months leading up to the tender submission deadline.

These ranged from the stringent terms in the RFP to securing the several hundred million dollars required for the project, especially during the downturn.

CMH, which will be ready by end-2011, will feature a permanent race track of at least 3.5 km and a grandstand for at least 8,000 spectators.

A little over half of the 67,000 sq m of gross floor area (GFA) will be devoted to commercial activity, which can include entertainment complexes, food and beverage facilities, retail outlets and convention halls.

Previously, the total motorsports and commercial GFA was set at 13,000 sq m, but SSC later upped the area to 67,000 sq m to make the project more commercially viable.

CMH is expected to contribute significantly to the government's aim of developing a $2 billion-a-year sports industry by 2015 and having 20,000 people in sports-related jobs.


By NISHA RAMCHANDANI
Business Times

I never knew why...... We should have lots of hotels near the beach area. Have something like Miami beach ocean drive or even the keys.
http://www.lindagproperties.com/images/mosaic/views/mosaic_Aerial-Facing-West_500w.jpg


Because Miami beach is sandy and water is clean and clear :cheers:whereas our East Coast water is filthy and smelly with litter from people and from ships...:ohno:

^^

Is the grass always greener out there? Or in this case, is the sea always 'bluer' elsewhere? :)

I used to live in Florida and have visited Miami several times. And guess what? The water there was not crystal clear and, yes, you could see huge container ships too.

PS: Don't be fooled by the pictures. Water bodies of polluted water can come out very nicely (very blue) on aerial photographs.

im getting negative abt anything involve either the "Spore sports council", ot the term "hub"...

SG Changi wins
It will finance, build and run the Changi Motorsports Hub
Leonard Lim
The Straits Times
Friday, 26 March 2010

http://motoring.asiaone.com/a1media/motoring/09Sep09/others/sg_changi.jpg

SG Changi has won the bid for the Changi Motorsports Hub, which will boast a permanent race track that can host any race except Formula One and have grandstands for at least 8,000 spectators.

Yet, it was the group's keenness to position the Hub as a magnet for non-racing enthusiasts that gave it the edge over 2 other bidders.

The Straits Times understands that it will be declared the winner at a press conference today.

Fronted by Jurong Kart World and with prominent Japanese involvement, the group's design will provide entertainment for a wider crowd and not just petrol-heads.

'It will be a destination for the entire family rather than just a venue holding men's sport,' said a line in its press release last year.

Video arcades, a 120-room 3-star hotel, a motorsports museum and beach activities were part of its proposal when the consortium unveiled its plans to the media last September.

'Its design was also key to the win. It was more conventional and tried and tested in other circuits around the world,' said an insider.

Its 3.7km race track is the shortest of the 3 proposed designs that were submitted to the Government, and is seen as making the best use of the 41-ha site that faces the sea.

SG Changi's head, Thia Yoke Kian, declined to reveal much yesterday. He said: 'There'll be an official announcement tomorrow, so I'll say more after that.'

He is one of four directors of SG Changi - the others are Genji Hashimoto, Fuminori Murahashi and Eddie Koh.

The Hub - SG Changi's version will cost about $280 million - will be sited near the Singapore Airshow grounds.

The other 2 consortia who put in bids are Singapore Agro Agriculture and Sports Services, which is backed by public-listed leisure and health-care products firm Haw Par Corporation.

Singapore Agro Agriculture was hunting for funding as late as last month, and this could have been a hitch when it was being evaluated.

Sports Services boasted a 4.2km track conceptualised by renowned F1 track designer Hermann Tilke and included turns from the most famous circuits around the world.

The winning bidder has to finance, build and manage the facility. The Hub is expected to be ready late next year.

The permanent track is crucial to Singapore's push to be an international motorsports destination. SG Changi has secured letters of interest from 2 grand touring car series - the FIA GT and Japan Super GT. These will help strengthen the Republic's position on the international motorsports calendar further, after the success of the Formula One night races.

A governmental panel used 5 criteria in evaluating the bids:
1. Ability to position the Hub as the preferred venue for international motorsports events (40%).
2. Contribution towards developing a centre of excellence for motorsports training and education (20%).
3. Financial and business sustainability (20%).
4. Contribution towards developing the local motorsports ecosystem (10%).
5. Attractiveness of commercial mix and events (10%).

All eyes will now be on whether the Changi Hub can avoid the delays that have beset the $1.87 billion Sports Hub. The Kallang project, which was awarded to the Singapore Sports Hub Consortium in January 2008, has been stalled because of the financial crisis.

Instead of its completion date of late 2011, the new National Stadium will now be ready around late 2013 or early 2014.

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/ChangiMotortrackprojects2009-1.png

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu22/don_diego_2000/ChangiMotortrackprojects2009-1.png



Cool. Looking forward to spending time on the track when it's completed.
:banana: :banana:

Looking foward to the Changi Motorsports HUB. Its a pity they did'nt upsize the track so that it can host a Formula One Race.

Motor Racing: Another boost for Singapore motorsports




SINGAPORE: Singapore has received a strong endorsement in its drive to develop motorsports, with the world's largest motorsports marketing firm choosing to open an office here soon.

Just Marketing International (JMI), one of the big boys in the motorsports industry, is attracted by Singapore's increased support for the sport and this will be the American company's first Asian office outside the US and Europe.

JMI took two years to decide to park its Asian office in Singapore and is confident that the sport will move fast, at a time when American and European markets are feeling saturated.

John Church, Executive Vice President, Partnership Development, JMI said, "Asia is the place for growth in the next 20 plus years. Singapore, specifically with the magnificent Grand Prix that you have, with all the various governmental agencies, such as the EDB (Economic Development Board) and the Singapore Sports Council have just demonstrated a very good understanding of what motor racing represents in terms of business opportunities."

JMI will assemble a team and office in the next three months and the company says it could have its office at the new Changi Motorsports Hub in future.

Meanwhile, the company will look for new sponsors, and enhance ties with existing one, as more companies are projected to come on track. JMI was the first to bring two major Asian companies into motorsports – Lenovo from China and LG from South Korea.

It's projecting an estimated US$50 million in sponsorship business per annum from Asia, in the next five years.

The added buzz is also good news for smaller players like Aries Capital, which brought Canon and Brawn GP together for the Singapore race last season.

"For the sponsorship to make sense, you will be looking at a few years and a series of programmes, definitely to encourage Canon to come back. We are definitely close to closing and if we are fortunate it might be more than one deal," said Kevin Kwee from Aries Capital.

The Singapore Sports Council confirmed that it had convinced JMI to set up shop here instead of Hong Kong. And the company will help to divert more sponsorship dollars to the country and also speed up the transfer of knowledge in this area. - CNA/fa

Construction of Changi Motorsports Hub to start in August


SINGAPORE: Construction will start in August for the Changi Motorsports Hub, and is on track to be completed by end 2011 says the company behind Singapore's first permanent motor racing track, SG Changi.

The 3.7 kilometre-long FIA Grade 2 Track will not be able to host F1 races, but other events that are being planned.

SG Changi says it is in talks with prospective race promoters and should have more details by June next year.

A racing academy will also be part of the project.

Up to 15 drivers will be recruited together with an equal number of engineers, to run the academy.

Fuminori Murahashi, executive chairman, SG Changi, says: "At this moment, we don't have any definite number of students we are going to take. This school will be a kind of open school where racing academies from Japan, Korea and China will come here and operate their classes."

Racing will not be the only activity as the Hub wants to be seen as a 24/7 lifestyle destination.

Among the attractions, F&B outlets and a museum.

Other highlights include a warehouse for 750 cars and even a hotel.

Fuminori Murahashi says: "We see (the hotel) as a phase two, it will not be together with this 2012, it will perhaps be another six months down the road."

"The development of the Changi Motorsports Hub will also present opportunities for the exchange of cultural elements between Singapore and Japan.

The organisers are considering introducing traditional sumo wrestling and Japan's Spring Festival for the enjoyment of Singaporeans and all visitors. - CNA/jm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WghmKDVtqc&feature=player_embedded

Here it is. Pretty awesome.

A Toyota/ Honda/ Subaru museum could be very interesting.. since we are doing a co-operation with the japanese. Their expertise in this matter is sought after. Qatar may have Ferrari museum/ house. What we can built is the Asian perspective of the European counterparts... Of course having a Maserati or Rolls musuem is cool too...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WghmKDVtqc&feature=player_embedded

Here it is. Pretty awesome.

Looking really good!!! Can't wait till opening!!!!!!!!!:cheers:

Looking really good!!! Can't wait till opening!!!!!!!!!:cheers:
I'm sorry to burst your bubble but renders of projects in Singapore almost always disappoint PLUS the use of fireworks will halt Changi Airport operations.

I'm sorry to burst your bubble but renders of projects in Singapore almost always disappoint PLUS the use of fireworks will halt Changi Airport operations.

I dont think all disapoint. The Marina Bay Street Circuit may have been but it think this one will be better as it is a permenant track.:)

Work begins on Changi racing hub


$380m motorsports project on track to be completed by end-2011
Christopher Tan, Straits Times 14 Dec 10;

CONSTRUCTION of Singapore's first permanent motor racing circuit has begun.

SG Changi, developer of the Changi Motorsports Hub, which costs around $380 million to build but which could spin off much more for the tourism industry and other businesses, got its permit to start work from the authorities last week.

Despite the late start since SG won the bid in March, its managing director Teh Leong is hopeful that the facility can be competed by the original target of end-2011.

It will include a 3.7km track that can host all motor races except Formula One. He expects the first race - a car event - to flag off by March or April 2012.

'We have to work harder to make sure it is ready on time,' he said yesterday . 'If not, it might affect the 2012 airshow which is in February 2012.'

The Singapore Airshow site is next door to the hub's 41ha grounds off Changi Coast Road. If construction is still going on, visitors to the airshow will be inconvenienced by the traffic diversions, noise and dust.

The news of progress being made also puts the brakes on speculation about SG Changi being cash-strapped.

'Rumours about us not having enough money to start are not true,' Mr Teh said.

The site has been left largely idle since SG Changi, a Japanese-led group that includes home-grown Jurong Kart World, beat two other bidders to build and operate the racing facility for 30 years.

This sparked talk that the development could have stalled, fuelled by the sudden resignation of director Genji Hashimoto, a former race driver. He has been replaced by businessman Moto Sakuma.

But since SG received its provisional permit (PP) to begin work, heavy machines have rolled in. 'The truth is, I wish the PP could have come earlier,' Mr Teh said. 'But I understand this is not a condo or shopping mall. There's no precedent here so everybody is extra cautious.'

The star draw at the venue will be MotoGP, the motorcycle equivalent of Formula One which is said to have a worldwide audience of 400 million. It is held in 18 venues globally, including Japan, Australia and Malaysia.

Asked how SG Changi intends to make the hub a viable business given the track record of loss-incurring circuits elsewhere, Mr Teh said: 'Singapore is a unique location. It has safety, security, convenience and ample logistics. We also have a lot of motorsports enthusiasts.'

He added that unlike most other facilities, the project here will rev up with shopping, F&B outlets, a motor museum and a racing academy.

Plans are afoot to build a 250-room hotel on site and develop a 400m stretch of beach fronting the track, after the latter is up and running.

Said Mr Teh: 'It will have a carnival atmosphere. We intend to bring in sumo wrestling, kickboxing and motor shows.'

The venue will be geared towards attracting car companies, with showrooms for rent and a bonded warehouse where 750 vehicles can be stored without paying registration taxes.

The track can be used for R&D work on new models and car launches. Mr Teh said the facility is slated to have 20,000 permanent seats and 10,000 temporary ones but can be expanded to accommodate up to 60,000 spectators.

He said SG Changi is in talks with car clubs on membership schemes for those keen to use the track for private races.

Nevertheless, the main purpose of the hub - which can be operated 24/7 - is competition. Mr Teh aims to hold more than 10 races, both night and day, a year.

Mr Tan Teng Lip, president of the Singapore Motor Sports Association, is relieved the hub is a step closer to reality after years of discussion and planning by the Singapore Sports Council and other parties.

He is optimistic that the builder can meet the December 2011 deadline. 'It is not close to a residential area so they can work round the clock if necessary.'

He said the crucial parts - pit building, grandstands and track - should be finished on time.

This is great for locals who want to do racing and drifting (legally) and other motorsports stuff......but don't want to travel far into Sepang in Malaysia to do that.

So yeah, it works for them :)

Source:http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2011/01/06/changi-motorsports-hub-tender-under-investigation/

Changi Motorsports Hub tender under investigation
By Angela Lim – January 6th, 2011

In a move that has shocked the motorsports industry, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) has launched a probe into the tender for the S$380 million Changi Motorsports Hub.

According to The Straits Times, a senior official at the motorsports development arm of the Singapore Sports Council (SSC) and a few others have been summoned for interviews and lie detector tests.

The CPIB launched investigations last year, after it was tipped off about possible irregularities in the tender — won by the SG Changi consortium in March last year – for the upcoming motorsports hub.

SG Changi, led by home-grown Jurong Kart World along with its Japanese partners, edged out two other bidders for the right to build the 40,000 square metre-large facility off Changi Coast Road.

The two other consortia who submitted bids were Singapore Agro Agriculture and Sports Services, which was backed by Haw Par Corporation, a public-listed leisure and health-care products firm.

Last March, government officials were impressed by the winning bid’s innovative 3.7km track design that allows two races to be staged simultaneously, the quality of the international and local events to be brought in and the group’s financial strength.

The tendering process for the mega-project was handled by the sports council’s motorsports department, which was set up in recent years to promote the sport here.

It is staffed by a small group of officials, including those seconded from other government departments.

According to reports, the senior official at the heart of the probe is known as a passionate champion of motorsports and his involvement in the investigations has come as a shock.

After months of investigation, the CPIB case is believed to have been extended to include the consortium, which received its permit to start work from the authorities last month.

Last month, SG Changi’s director Genji Hashimoto, a former race driver, was reported to have suddenly resigned. Businessman Moto Sakuma has since taken over.

When contacted on Wednesday by the same paper, both the CPIB and Mr Sakuma declined comment. Mr Alvin Hang, SSC’s director of corporate communications and relations, said, “We are unable to comment on this matter at this point in time.”

The motorsports hub - aimed at cementing Singapore’s reputation as a regional motorsports hub following the Formula One (F1) night race here in 2008 – is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The Changi track is set to host its first race early next year, and there has been talk of it staging a MotoGP leg, motorcycle’s equivalent of F1.

It remains unknown if the investigations have been conclusive thus far, but according to Mr Chia Boon Teck, a partner at Chia Wong law firm, lie detector tests are standard procedure in graft cases where the evidence is not clear-cut.

“These tests are not compulsory, and it is up to the suspect whether or not to undergo it,” he added.

^^Well, let's just hope they are able to finish this project as scheduled. At the same time, I hope there is no corruption involved in the bidding as it will affect the image of the country. :ohno:

Source:http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1110714/1/.html

Work on Changi Motorsports Hub halted
By Ian De Cotta | Posted: 14 February 2011 2215 hrs

SINGAPORE : Work on the Changi Motorsports Hub has been stopped since the middle of last month.

This comes after SG Changi, which won the bid to build the facility, failed to deliver an instalment for the S$50 million piling work.

MediaCorp has learnt from SG Changi that the S$10 million outstanding amount will be paid on Tuesday, after company chairman and shareholder Fuminori Murahashi secured a personal loan.

"The amount will be enough to cover the entire cost of the piling work, but it is not going to cover the amount needed to complete the project," SG Changi's director and general manager, Moto Sakuma, told MediaCorp.

He added: "We have secured US$200 million from investors in Hong Kong that would have allowed us to do so, but they have frozen the funds."

The S$370 million project came under scrutiny after recent reports said the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau had begun a probe into the tender for the project.

It was revealed the consortium's only other shareholder, Thia Yoke Kian, had been assisting the bureau with investigations since November.

The Singapore permanent resident led the group to beat two other consortiums in their bid to build the track, but was dropped from the management team in July.

While Mr Sakuma said they have handed their accounts and records to the Bureau and cooperated fully, they are unsure if the probe in still ongoing or has been concluded.

A karting circuit, a quarter-mile drag racing strip, a motor museum and 35,000 square metres of commercial space are also being planned for the Motorsports Hub.

The probe has spooked interested parties, especially those from Singapore, and SG Changi now plans to court investors from Japan and Europe.

This could inevitably lead to the country's first permanent motor race track being under the total control of foreigners when completed at the end of 2011.

- CNA/ms

CHANGI MOTORSPORTS HUB UPDATES
With reference to the recent media reports on the Changi Motorsports Hub, the Board of Directors
of CSC Holdings Limited (the “Company”) wishes to provide an update on the status of the
Company’s involvement in the project.
CS Construction & Geotechnic Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company was awarded a
piling contract by SG Changi Pte Ltd (“SG Changi”) amounting to $50 million in October 2010. As
of 16 February 2011, certain progress payments amounting to approximately $10 million were
outstanding.
The management of the Company had met representatives of SG Changi on 15 February 2011
and are in active discussion to find a resolution for the payment of the outstanding sum and for the
outcome of the project. SG Changi will revert to the Company on a proposed settlement plan.
The Company will make further announcements of any material developments in due course.

Somehow I have a bad feeling

^^ Well, hopefully, they can get the loans to pay their contractors. Otherwise, there could be another bidding exercise which would take months and would take an even longer time.

Maybe some big developer like CDL, Far East or some racing team linked company should be invited to save / manage it.

Maybe some big developer like CDL, Far East or some racing team linked company should be invited to save / manage it.

Local developers shun these kind of projects that don't pay for themselves. Even banks aren't keen to fund such projects hence the private investors.

Pardon me but the investors/developers for this project are all quite obscure.

Pardon me but the investors/developers for this project are all quite obscure.

Precisely. Local developers have to answer to shareholders if they pump funds into duds. No one in top management is willing to risk their positions for such projects. Hence all the obscure private investors.

Can't the Government intervene in this? After all this is one of those projects, like the IRs & the F1 that is meant to transform Singapore. Someone need to think out of the box on this one. The benefits are far reaching plus we don't want our motoring enthusiasts to continue going up north for their fix.

^^ Well, the government is ready to go back to the bidding process if it fails. The government is not known to be the type to just bail someone out of financial trouble. "If you can't do it, we 'll get someone else".

Can't the Government intervene in this? After all this is one of those projects, like the IRs & the F1 that is meant to transform Singapore. Someone need to think out of the box on this one. The benefits are far reaching plus we don't want our motoring enthusiasts to continue going up north for their fix.

Transform Singapore? I hardly think so. If was one of those projects, you would have seen an expedited tender process and rapid construction thereafter. It's just another one of SSC's public blunders.

Source:http://www.todayonline.com/Sports/EDC110330-0000051/Finally,-good-news-for-SG-Changi
Finally, good news for SG Changi
Consortium in talks with potential local investors to help fund stalled hub project

by Ian De Cotta
04:46 AM Mar 30, 2011

SINGAPORE - Work at the 41-hectare site started last December but was suddenly suspended in mid-January after piling 1,000 of the 6,000 points at the proposed S$380-million Changi Motorsports Hub.

Developers SG Changi were struggling to find funding to continue the project.

Initially slated to be operational at the end of the year, no one at SG Changi could even give a firm answer as to the fate of the project.

Finally, though, MediaCorp understands SG Changi are in talks with a potential investor, believed to be a local company, who are looking at a partnership which would jump-start the construction of Singapore's first permanent race track.

According to a company source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, a tie-up looks "very promising".

Confident the consortium have finally turned the corner, Andrew Ujiie, SG Changi's head of people innovations, said yesterday: "We are currently engaging several people in Singapore and things look positive. Things are looking more positive but we are confident in meeting our commitments to build the track."

The Hub near Changi Airport was scheduled to hold its first event in April next year and after a new work schedule issued by their architects, SG Changi believe they can still make that target.

Construction stopped after SG Changi only paid S$5 million of the advance payment sum of S$10 million to CSC Holdings, the company contracted to do piling work at a total cost of S$50 million.

CSC are also contracted for piling work at the Singapore Sports Hub.

A source told MediaCorp: "There is a new schedule in place to meet the original deadlines and it is designed in a way where other construction work can begin around the track after each stage of piling work.

"But for this to happen, work must begin within the next few days.

"If the delay doesn't go beyond April, they will only bust the deadline slightly and the first race can still be held as planned."

SG Changi won the bid to construct the Hub in 2009 but faced difficulties raising funds after one of their directors, Thia Yoke Kian, was called up by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau in November to help them in a probe into possible irregularities in the tender process.

The consortium say they have co-operated fully with investigations and with the appointment of a local investor a distinct possibility, Ujiie is confident they can now move forward.

Said Ujiie: "We've so far signed with Japan's Formula Nippon to race here next year and we are still in negotiations with other championships like MotoGP, Australia's V8 Supercars as well as the Superleague Formula series where football sides like AC Milan and Roma have entered cars to race in.

"We have to make adjustments in the new work schedule but we are determined to do whatever it takes to deliver this track on time."

^^ Darn, you beat me to it. Anyway here is a pdf scan of the article. :)

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TZMX5TR76SI/AAAAAAAAC6M/qd3sNFYb6OM/s512/Changi%20Race.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_1IkMQf4n9z8/TZMX5TR76SI/AAAAAAAAC6M/qd3sNFYb6OM/s512/Changi%20Race.JPG

Formula Nippon could make its way here

http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Sports/Story/A1Story20110620-284945.html

IT IS the highest level of formula racing in Japan, and drivers from the series used to progress to Formula One. Currently held only in Japan, Formula Nippon will make its way to Singapore when the Changi Motorsports Hub is completed.

Said Hiroshi Shirai, president of Japan Race Promotion: "Our aim is to expand it, beyond Japan, into a prestigious and reputable formula racing series in Asia.

"We are in discussions with (South) Korea and Singapore, but we have to negotiate the Singapore deal again as the initial plan to hold it next May has been changed because of the halt in construction of the Changi track."

Piling work has been stopped since February because of an outstanding $10-million sum owed by SG Changi, the consortium in charge of building the hub. When contacted, the consortium declined comment.

The first time Formula Nippon ventured outside of Japan was in 2004, when a round was held at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit. However, poor attendance dashed hopes of a return.

This Formula Nippon season saw the debut of former F1 driver Kazuki Nakajima, who is competing with the Petronas Team after a one-year hiatus from racing.

Said the former Williams driver during the series' second round at the Autopolis International Racing Course two weeks ago: "I did not race at all last year, but continued to maintain my fitness.

"As a Japanese and supported by Toyota, it is only natural that I return to Japan to race. Racing in Japan has always been an option."

Despite a poor qualifying result, Nakajima made a stunning comeback from 13th place on the grid to take the chequered flag.

He said after his win: "People are expecting me to do a good job and I will try my best.

"Formula Nippon is of a very high standard and the drive is different from F1's. That said, though, I would like to help promote Japanese racing like Formula Nippon and increase its popularity."

His father, Satoru, is chairman of the Formula Nippon race organisers.

Said the senior Nakajima: "I believe Formula Nippon is just as competitive, compared to European racing series. "We really want to bring Formula Nippon to Singapore in the near future, and we hope that the circuit will be built soon so we can resume negotiations."

Formula Drift set to grow its calendar

http://www.todayonline.com/Sports/EDC110611-0000047/Formula-Drift-set-to-grow-its-calendar

http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/cmsfileserver/showimageCC.aspx?144&240&f=2217&img=2217_393853.jpg&h=144&w=240

SINGAPORE - The S$380 million Changi Motor Sports Hub project will almost certainly not be operational by the end of the year, but the delay has not stopped organisers here from making a bid to host the Formula Drift world championships.

The VIP Formula Drift Singapore 2011 Presented by Achilles Radial flags off at the F1 Pit Building this weekend as part of a four-leg series that will travel to Indonesia and Thailand in October and November, respectively, before the Grand Finale in December in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

There are now Drift Series in three regions, with the Middle East featuring two races in Abu Dhabi and Doha. The other two series are in the United States and the four-stop version in Asia - Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia.

Formula Drift Asia co-founder, Marcus Lim, told MediaCorp yesterday: "Singapore is always great for being first for everything, so I want to make it the first home for the world championships in one to two years' time.

"Hosting the event will take motorsports to the next level ... we can show Singapore that not only can we do Formula 1, but we can do many other forms of motorsports as well. It's not just about pumping in S$400 million for one successful event, but a S$1 million event of smaller scale could have as much impact."

Back in Singapore for its fourth edition, this weekend's drift event will see 44 drivers from Japan, Australia, the United States and ASEAN do battle in front of around 7,000 fans. A new judging format will be used this year, with more emphasis given to criteria like line, angle and style, rather than speed.

Besides individual honours, this year's four-leg series will also see teams battle for championships points at each stop for the first time, with an overall title to be awarded in Malaysia after the Grand Finale. Plans are also underway to introduce a new race in China next year, and the Formula Drift USA series is also looking to expand to Brazil.

V8 Supercars switch into high gear

http://www.todayonline.com/Sports/EDC110617-0000495/V8-Supercars-switch-into-high-gear

SINGAPORE - V8 Supercars Australia will submit their proposal for a Singapore street race within a month.

Revealing this to MediaCorp yesterday, V8 Supercars representative Teh Leong said his team had met with officials from the Singapore Sports Council (SSC), Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Singapore Motorsports Association (SMSA) for preliminary discussions.

"We will submit a proposal within a month according to what is required by the authorities here. We understand there will be a few reviews done by Government agencies here and we want to get it done fast, so that we can make amendments if required," he said.

The Australian based racing series organisers are hoping to seal the negotiations within the next couple of months, including getting sponsors and possible joint-venture partners so as to ensure they have enough time to prepare for a street race here by November next year.

Issues raised during the talks included road closures and disruption to traffic, said Teh.

The country already shuts down some roads in the city for the annual SingTel Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix night race, which has been running since 2008.

But Teh reassured the parties that the series organisers understand the concerns and will factor these in their plans, "V8 have more than 20 years experience in running street races in Australia," he said.

"They will ensure minimum inconvenience. In fact they might want to get a referral letter from the Gold Coast State Government on how efficient the V8 has been in conducting the races there on public roads."

The group will also need the approval of the FIA, the world governing body for motorsports, said SMSA president Tan Teng Lip. "They will have to submit the circuit plan for approval to the FIA. When it is finally confirmed, then SMSA will sanction it," Tan told MediaCorp.

Both the STB and SSC said they are open to the prospect of Singapore hosting their own V8 Supercars series.

Said STB's Justin Chew: "The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has always welcomed innovative and new events that add to and enhance the vibrancy of Singapore's calendar of events."

But both the STB and SSC added that they could not provide more details as the talks were in the early stages.

V8 Supercars had earlier planned to stage a race at the Changi Motorsports Hub in April next year. But with SG Changi - the consortium that won the right to develop and operate the facility - running into financial difficulties, the original deadline for the permanent race track to be operational by the end of this year, will almost certainly not be met.

The V8 organisers, however are not giving up and are looking at staging a street race instead, as they consider Singapore to be an important destination in Asia for their expansion plans.

Prior to all these good news (above posts), it was reported that SG Changi will not meet the deadline, but it has not stopped many organisers from making bids to host international races.


SG Changi admit they can't make Hub deadline

Future of permanent race track cloudy, as some in industrytalk of a re-tender


http://www.todayonline.com/Sports/EDC110528-0000055/SG-Changi-admit-they-cant-make-Hub-deadline

SINGAPORE - The country's first permanent motor racing track could be heading for an unnatural death after its embattled developers admitted yesterday they would not be able to get the facility operational by the end of the year.

SG Changi are also likely to default on another major milestone: To complete a 2,000-lot car park before the start of the Singapore Airshow 2012, scheduled from Feb 14 to 19, which will be held next to the facility.

With prospects bleak for the consortium, some in the motor-racing industry feel even a re-tender is now possible, to ensure the Changi Motor Sports Hub project is fulfilled.

Work at the 41-hectare site on the eastern tip of Singapore ground to a halt in January after SG Changi - they pipped two other challengers to win the bid to build and operate the S$380 million project in 2009 - could only pay S$6 million of an agreed advance payment to piling contractors CSC Holdings.

They owe CSC Holdings S$8 million, which includes progressive claims for piling work on 1,000 of 6,000 points at the site.

SG Changi can try to fulfil their contractual obligations but would require millions more pumped into the project. However, raising funds has been the problem for the consortium.

Andrew Ujiie, the company's head of people innovations, admitted that after a four-month delay, the cost to get the 4km FIM Grade 1 and FIA Grade 2-certified track ready by December would be extremely high.

Speaking to MediaCorp from the United States, where he is on a business trip, Ujiie said: "I think that is the reality. Although nothing is impossible, to get the track ready by the end of the year is now going to cost us a lot more."

CSC, who were contracted to do piling work for a total of S$50 million, are hoping that if the Government in the end calls for a re-tender, they will be given "preferential consideration" if a new consortium takes over.

"We are weighing our options," said CSC president and group CEO See Yen Tarn. "Pulling out is one of them, but we are holding out for a better outcome. If a new consortium comes into the picture, we hope they will consider resuming work with us.

"Even with a new design, what has been piled into the land need not be yanked out and we will be able help them work things around."

In March, MediaCorp reported that a group of interested parties had met SG Changi directors Fuminori Murahashi and Moto Sakuma, with a view to taking a share in the company.

After submitting plans to considerably reduce the cost of building the Hub and hoping that the deadline for the project would be extended, the potential investors are moving cautiously.

"With the Sports Hub (at Kallang) allowed a delay, they were banking on the Singapore Sports Council (SSC) indicating they were open to extending the deadline for the permanent track as well," said a source close to the negotiations.

"Their plan hinges on this because at this stage, it is clear to everyone that the costs are going to be extremely high to meet the Motor Sports Hub objectives if the SSC stick to their guns."

More bad news for the Changi track?


Motorsports fans upset as Changi hub plan stalls
By Leonard Lim | StraitsTime.com (http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_710670.html) | 8 September 2011

Fans, officials and motorsports racers here are dismayed that, after getting their longstanding wish for a permanent race track granted, the project seems to have skidded to a screeching halt.

But they remain hopeful that the $380 million Changi Motorsports Hub will still be built - somehow, following news that the allegedly cash-strapped consortium that was to build the facility has been asked to show that it can see the project through.

For economist Song Seng Wun, the prospects of seeing MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi race here are rapidly dimming.

^^ I hope they can solve these issues soon.....:)

More details from the article. I seriously hope that SSC takes the project back and have another tender.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/293328_10150367775492040_671067039_10285278_252441697_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/293328_10150367775492040_671067039_10285278_252441697_n.jpg

SINGAPORE: In a last-minute scramble, SG Changi - the consortium contracted to build the Changi Motorsports Hub - submitted the names of two new investors and a revised timeline to the Singapore Sports Council (SSC) on Thursday.

While the original contract stipulated the facility would have to be operationally-ready by the end of this year, the new schedule will see 80 per cent of the project completed by next June.

At press time on Thursday night, an SG Changi insider said company directors Fuminori Murahashi and Moto Sakuma were still in the midst of finalising deals with the new investors.

The consortium rushed to meet the deadline to answer a show-cause letter issued by the SSC a fortnight ago, after work on Singapore's first permanent race track stalled.

Construction ground to a halt in January when contractors CSC Holdings failed to receive an advance payment of S$10 million for piling work totalling S$50 million.

They only received S$7 million and pulled out of the project last month.

When contacted on Thursday night, SSC's director of corporate communications and relations, Alvin Hang, revealed they had received submissions from SG Changi.

"We received it at 7.45pm and will be reviewing their submissions," said Hang.

SG Changi were embroiled in difficulties when one of their original directors, Thia Yoke Kian, was called up by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau last November in a probe into possible irregularities in the tender process.

According to the insider, Thia, who had failed to pay for the 35 per cent shares he owned in SG Changi, was removed as director of the company on Aug 27.

"They removed Thia as director of the company and have delivered an affidavit to him that is asking for a summary judgment from the courts on Oct 20," the source said.

When contacted on Thursday, Thia said: "Yes, they dropped me as a director and I will be returning all my shares to them."

Right now, the two directors in the company are Murahashi and Sakuma, who together hold 65 per cent of the shares.

Many motorsports enthusiasts fear the project will be dumped if the last ditch attempt by SG Changi fails.

But, according to sources, a re-tender is likely to be called, after the authorities engage various stakeholders and potential investors seeking their views.

And in the revised timeline, the facility could be up by 2014.

Singapore Agro Agriculture and Haw Par Corporation, who lost out to SG Changi last year to build the hub, have previously said they were still interested in the project.

Arthur Tay, chairman of ONE°15 Marina Club, headed a group that withdrew their tender at the last minute.

Speaking to TODAY, he said: "We have the integrated resorts and the Sports Hub is coming soon, and as a regional hub of sorts we need a place for motor racing. There is a growing interest in the sport after the arrival of Formula One and people need a place where they can indulge in it. I am still interested in the project but the terms and conditions need to be revisited for it to be viable for us."

Apart from building a motorsport culture, a permanent track has economic spin-offs, according to Kevin Kwee, executive director of Group Exklusiv.

"A vibrant motorsports calendar will not only trigger the growth of auto-related industries but create jobs even in tourism," said Kwee, who decided not to make a bid after initially expressing an interest in the project.

"We do need a place to help young talent and the number who have taken to motor racing is increasing." - TODAY

Here is the article on the TODAY paper.

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/313712_10150368744607040_671067039_10290128_468505211_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/313712_10150368744607040_671067039_10290128_468505211_n.jpg

Here is an update on the issue.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/300002_10150370031047040_671067039_10297140_1752963193_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/300002_10150370031047040_671067039_10297140_1752963193_n.jpg

Looks like we going to have a new tender. :ohno:


Motor Racing: SG Changi axed from motorsports hub project, say sources
By Ian De Cotta, TODAY | Posted: 12 December 2011 0648 hrs

SINGAPORE: The axe has finally fallen on SG Changi, the consortium which was contracted to build Singapore's first permanent race track.

Sources have told TODAY the Singapore Sports Council (SSC) has exercised its contractual rights and terminated the agreement with SG Changi.

A formal announcement is expected later on Monday, when the SSC is also expected to provide details of a new tender exercise that will see the Changi Motorsports Hub completed by 2014. The SSC had awarded the tender to SG Changi to build the hub in March last year but the consortium struggled to raise most of the estimated S$380 million needed to complete the project.

The hub had been earmarked at a 41-ha site along Aviation Park Road and was supposed to be operational by the end of this month.

But construction stopped in January after SG Changi could only pay CSC Holdings half of a S$10 million sum due in advance payment for piling work.

SG Changi were unable to raise the funds to restart work and after they were issued with a show-cause notice by the SSC in late August, submitted a revised schedule to complete 80 per cent of the project by next June.

In a last-ditch attempt to keep the project alive, SG Changi - headed by chairman Fuminori Murahashi and director Moto Sakuma - who had been scrambling to get investors on board and as of late last month, were negotiating with at least two parties from Malaysia and China. But the efforts were futile.

They were also in talks with CSC two weeks ago to restart work but made no headway as they still owe the piling contractors around S$6.9 million.

When contacted on Sunday, CSC president and group CEO See Yen Tarn expressed disappointment at the turn of events.

Mr See told Today he will wait for the official word before deciding on the next course of action.

"I am disappointed to see things end this way and will have to do what is right for CSC and our shareholders," he said. "We had hoped things would work out for SG Changi so that we could restart work and to be fair, I think Mr Fuminori tried very hard and did his best to raise the money."

Mr See said CSC will keep tabs on the new tender exercise as they are still keen on the project.

The first signs that SG Changi was in trouble surfaced when one of their original directors, Mr Thia Yoke Kian, was called up by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) in November last year to help in a probe into possible irregularities in the tender process.

Mr Thia had led a team that featured former Japan Super GT driver Genji Hashimoto which beat Singapore Agro Agriculture and Haw Par Corporation for the tender to build the hub and run the facility - its main feature is a 4km track - on a 30-year lease.

Not long after, Mr Hashimoto was replaced by Mr Sakuma. Three months ago, Mr Thia was removed as a director of SG Changi after failing to pay for the 35 per cent shares he owned in the consortium.

- TODAY


source:http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sportsnews/view/1170766/1/.html

The article on the TODAY paper.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/391789_10150517143787040_671067039_11029167_1253207006_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/391789_10150517143787040_671067039_11029167_1253207006_n.jpg

Guess they will need to award to a stronger listed company to prevent similiar unpleaseant incident. May be the future successful winner for the project need to place a big deposit or full sum in a escrow account to ensure that they complete the project in time.

Reflect quite badly, first the sports hub now motorsport hub

:ohno:

^^ The Sports Hub was due to the recession. This one is more of bad money management on the part of the winning team. :ohno:

^^ The Sports Hub was due to the recession. This one is more of bad money management on the part of the winning team. :ohno:

Financial crsis/recession is not a very good excuse, they have 2 other stronger bidders to choose from:-

1. Singapore Gold consortium that was back by Macquarie Group

2. Alpine Consortium back by Alpine Mayreder Bau GmbH / Alpine
Bau Deutschland AG


:ohno::ohno:

Need to learn from the past & move on

:ohno:

^^ The problem is that it is joint private and public sector joint project. Since there is some public money used, they need to be careful with the money spent. Besides, it makes sense as the materials cost a lot more then due to the recession.

Okay, settle for their poor judgement lah

LOL

Here is the official news on CNA.


SG Changi, SSC end Changi Motorsports Hub contract
By Patwant Singh | Posted: 12 December 2011 1821 hrs

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) announced that it is terminating the Changi Motorsports Hub project that was awarded to SG Changi.

SSC said it has given SG Changi a notice on 7 December to terminate the Project Delivery Agreement.

Both parties had agreed to the termination and all arrangements are to be sorted out by the end of this year.

SSC said it is "a difficult decision".

But it has to terminate the contract in light of current circumstances, one of which being SG Changi's inability to meet the contractual agreement to complete the project by this month.

SSC added it has not yet decided if it wants to call for a re-tender at this point of time, as it wants to reassess the market conditions before making any decisions.

SSC had awarded the tender to SG Changi in March last year.

The group had beaten two other bidders - Singapore Agro Agriculture and Haw Par Corporation - to build and manage Singapore's first permanent race track (measuring some 3.7km) at Changi.

The S$380 million project had also planned for a 1.2km karting track and racing academy.

It was supposed to be completed by the end of 2011.

But SG Changi ran into various problems, from construction delays due to a lack of funds, to a corruption probe into alleged irregularities in the tender process.

- CNA/ir


source:http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1170863/1/.html

Here is the articles on TODAY regarding the issue.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/378054_10150519811502040_671067039_11038082_59089960_n.jpg
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http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/379777_10150519811407040_671067039_11038081_278201813_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/379777_10150519811407040_671067039_11038081_278201813_n.jpg

Here is the official news on CNA.

^^ There is even a corruption probe?! :ohno:

If the modern Summer Olympic venues are any indication, it's that sports facilities are not good investments, with little returns... Unless the corporate sector is involved in every part of the operations, such as the British Premier League and Formula One Grand Prix.

Here's an idea: Invite the luxury car dealers to make a combined bid. The track will be useful for them for obvious reasons.

Here are some news on interested companies in the TODAY paper. :)

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/391939_10150522358632040_671067039_11045754_694573884_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/391939_10150522358632040_671067039_11045754_694573884_n.jpg

Here are some news on interested companies in the TODAY paper. :)

^^ With some of the foundation work performed halfway, I would presume the new tenderers will be rather constrained in terms of design and layout ... ... unless they are willing to reinstate any previous work done.

I certainly hope this won't be the next Big Box (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=804568&page=3). Then we'll have one in the West and one in the East.

Latest news on the project.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/379914_10150524415937040_671067039_11050554_2004663007_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/379914_10150524415937040_671067039_11050554_2004663007_n.jpg

An article on the TODAY paper.

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http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/375423_10150539503787040_671067039_11106338_319554036_n.jpg

Source:http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_799540.html
SSC ends agreement with SG Changi on Changi Motorsports Hub

[SIZE="1"]Published on May 16, 2012
By May Chen/SIZE]
The Singapore Sports Council's (SSC) chief executive officer Lim Teck Yin announced on Wednesday that the SSC has reached a termination of its Project Delivery Agreement with SG Changi on the Changi Motorsports Hub.

The two parties signed off on the deed of termination on issues relating to the 41 ha site and SSC will be repossessing the land on Thursday.

SSC will now conduct a market sounding exercise - the second such exercise since 2008 - through a Request For Information to assess the level if interest among potential investors for a motorsports hub.

The exercise is expected to start in August and complete by the end of the year. The SSC will then decide whether or not to proceed with a re-tender, or if the land could be used for other purposes.

Here is the same article on CNA.


Changi Motorsports Hub contract terminated
By Patwant Singh | Posted: 16 May 2012 2036 hrs

SINGAPORE: The construction of the Changi Motorsports Hub may finally be called off, after the final termination papers were signed on Wednesday.

The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) will take back possession of the land from the SG Changi consortium on Thursday.

SG Changi could not complete the Changi Motorsports Hub as the company had ran into various financial difficulties.

The next step for SSC will be to see if there are any parties interested in taking up the project.

The Request for Information phase will last from August up to the end of 2012.

A decision on whether a re-tender will be called will be made in the third quarter of 2013, SSC elaborated.

SSC CEO Lim Teck Yin said there could have been more stringent criteria in place when it came to examining the financial strengths and organisational ability of the bidding consortiums.

"We could have gone further to require a level of assurance about being able to finance the entire project, maybe through the likes of a bankers guarantee for the entire project, and not just the ability to buy the land," he said.

"That could have benefitted the project, since we were also trying to achieve other national objectives, not least trying to get the hub up on time and ready."

"But those are the lessons learnt," he added.

SSC said it welcomes both local and overseas investors and is also keeping its options open to both motorsports- and non-motorsports-related concepts.

In informal sessions, it has already met five or six interested parties and will be engaging the services of a consultancy to help it with the feedback process.

- CNA/wm


source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/1201703/1/.html

An article in TODAY.

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https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/556764_10150947400382040_671067039_12258682_593539959_n.jpg

Singapore Sport Council will call for RFI (Request for Information) vis GeBiz end of this year, decision to call for new tender will be decided by 1Q 2013

Interested parties/investors can contact either PWC or SSC directly


新加坡体育理事会重新取回原本用于兴建樟宜赛车中心的土地后，现在又对有兴趣的投资者发出信号。

　　体理会正展开四个月“探温”活动，包括在今年底前通过在政府电子商务网站（GeBiz）招标征求信息（Request For Information），了解潜在的本地和海外投资者对工程的兴趣和想法。

　　体理会昨天在文告中表示，目前是通过与潜在投资者沟通，了解他们的想法，好让他们在正式招标征求信息的时候提供建设性意见。

明年第一季

再决定是否招标

　　体理会说：“在这之后，体理会会考虑所收到的反馈，并在明年的第一季度决定是否对这块地进行重新招标。”

　　这块占地41公顷、在新加坡航空展场隔邻的土地原本是由新加坡樟宜（SG Changi）标得，打造樟宜赛车中心。但后来因为该财团陷入财务问题、团队大换血，还传出投标文件伪造等丑闻，导致工程一拖再拖，以致体理会必须终止合约。


体理会之前已与新加坡樟宜签署与土地租赁相关的终止项目契约，并在今年5月重新取回土地的拥有权。有兴趣的投资者可联络体理会或为其提供咨询的会计与财务公司普华古柏（PwC）。

I'm a motorsports fan, and I would love for Singapore to have a track. having sais that, I'm pessimistic it would happen, unless an exceptionally creative vendor comes up with attractive alternative uses for the site aside from just relying on a track. I'm mentally prepared for this site to be sucked into the Changi airport expansion plans. :(

News related to the Changi Hub track. It seems Peter Lim decided to build one in Johor instead of Changi.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/481839_10151320219897040_936413205_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/481839_10151320219897040_936413205_n.jpg

source: TODAY (www.todayonline.com)

An article on the loss of investment to the project in Johor.

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https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/546763_10151330619677040_1286272800_n.jpg

source: TODAY (www.todayonline.com)

Sad to see such a major project get scaled down to this.....:ohno:

Source:http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Sports/Story/A1Story20130306-406580.html
Changi Hub to turn into kart track

http://news.asiaone.com/A1MEDIA/news/03Mar13/others/20130306.085028_motor_kart_cheryltay.jpg

By Cheryl Tay
My Paper
Wednesday, Mar 06, 2013

SINGAPORE - A new international-standard karting track is being constructed on the same grounds that the Changi Motorsports Hub was to be built on.

Backed by private investors, the Singapore International Karting Circuit will become the second karting facility in Singapore, after the Kartright Speedway in Tuas.

Construction on the 41ha land will start soon and is targeted for completion by the second or third week of next month.

There have been no concrete plans to build a permanent racing circuit at Changi since the Singapore Sports Council ended its partnership with SG Changi - a consortium which won the bid in 2009 to build the original Changi Motorsports Hub - in May last year.

SG Changi had run into financial troubles, and construction had stopped since February 2011.

Mr Benjamin Tan, managing director of luxury-car broker AutoInc, is one of the stakeholders of the new Changi track.

He told My Paper: "Finally, we will have an internationally-recognised karting track for Singapore motorsports. This will definitely benefit the industry.

"For the past three years, we have been investing so much energy and resources in this sport. This will help the sport to grow as we offer local drivers and also international drivers the chance to explore their potential."

Indeed, AutoInc has been investing in motorsports, with its own stable of AutoInc Racing drivers and sponsoring the Singapore Karting Championships (SKC).

Another founder behind the project, Yuey Tan, said: "Motorsports is a science and we want to bring the science to Singaporeans in a bid to develop Singapore's next international race driver.

"Having this track allows people to understand the possibilities of full-time racing. We want to build the base of a motorsport pyramid, and that is where it all begins."

Yuey Tan is well-known in the local racing circle, as he races in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia. He also runs the Havelock Speedway company, which is the promoter for the SKC. The karting track is planned to be just under 1.1km in length and of international standard.

It can be configured in six different ways, to the extent that two separate karting activities can be held on the track simultaneously.

For example, there can be race-kart practice on one part of the track, and rental-kart fun on the other.

Yuey Tan said that a Singapore Karting Academy will be set up to train youth from the age of eight.

Adopting the syllabus from the Yamaha racing school in Japan, drivers will be put through a structured programme, including regular races in a one-make Yamaha karting series.

The SKC, previously held at Kartright Speedway and at the Formula One Marina Bay street circuit, will be held at the new karting track once it is ready.

myp@sph.com.sg

^^ Well, at least the land is still being used. I have a feeling it will be redeveloped again when SSC releases another tender within the near future. Anyway, another article on the issue.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/559866_10151501857257040_2020196145_n.jpg
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https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/150398_10151501857287040_852113513_n.jpg

source: mypaper (www.mypaper.sg)

News about the interim use of the land.

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https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/295568_10151503494222040_2058200067_n.jpg


source: TODAY (www.todayonline.com)

^^Great:) thanks for the update:cheers:

^^ Don't mention it. I think it is wise to let the land be used for a short term before a proper tender can be send out for a proper racing track. :)

This is about the Nusajaya track with a small part on the Changi track.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/577668_10151526473357040_371217451_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/577668_10151526473357040_371217451_n.jpg

source: TODAY (www.todayonline.com)

An article from 90 cents about the track.

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https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/882675_10151548967582040_731938348_o.jpg

source: The Straits Times (www.straitstimes.com)

News from TODAY.

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https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/396942_10151587180422040_1836305931_n.jpg

source: TODAY (www.todayonline.com)

News from CNA.


Operators of Changi Karting Circuit looking to groom race drivers
By Patwant Singh
POSTED: 29 May 2013 10:00 PM


Singapore's newest karting track in Changi might be temporary but it is hoping to make a permanent mark on the motor sports industry here.

SINGAPORE: Singapore's newest karting track in Changi might be temporary but it is hoping to make a permanent mark on the motor sports industry here.

Opened in April, operators of the facility are also hoping to produce future race drivers.

Singapore Motor Sports Association president Tan Teng Lip said: "With this, we can increase the number of community karting events here. That is one way that we can increase our community outreach programme."

More recreational karting will also help increase the talent base.

The 1.1-kilometre track is set to go into overdrive in June when Asia's top karters race here as part of the National Championships.

Elite racing aside, a karting academy catering to schools has also been rolled out to bring new drivers through a structured curriculum and set them on they way to become professional race drivers.

Yuey Tan, founder of Changi Karting Circuit, said: "Part of that programme is to build sponsorship awareness around drivers that maybe are not quite so lucky, that don't have the correct funding. We want to build an industry so that a driver from anywhere in this country can be found, and he can go racing and money wouldn't be a deterrent, as we think it is right now."

- CNA/fa


source: CNA (http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/operators-of-changi-karting-circuit-look/691578.html)

Bad news from CNA. :ohno:


Changi Motosports Hub plan off, says SSC
By Patwant Singh
POSTED: 12 Jun 2013 11:03 AM


The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) confirmed Wednesday it will not proceed with the re-tender for the Changi Motorsports Hub site, effectively putting an end to the ambitious race-track project.

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) confirmed Wednesday it will not proceed with the re-tender for the Changi Motorsports Hub site, effectively putting an end to the ambitious race-track project.

This follows the conclusion of an extensive international and local market sounding and Request for Information (RFI) exercise.

The council said it was unable to proceed with the re-tender as it could not accede to certain conditions from potential investors.

These include requests for flexibility of lease terms and land use, as well as tax concessions.

SSC CEO Lim Teck Yin said the land take and proposed use under the project "do not justify an operating model that involves significant government subsidies or concessions".

The council had received seven proposals from six consortia, the majority of which were motor-sports related.

Proposed motorsports ideas included a FIA grade 2 or 3 circuit, a CIK graded karting circuit, a racing academy, a dragstrip, and bonded warehousing. Non motorsports-related ideas included a theme park and watersports marina. Common ideas cutting across the majority of the proposals include retail and F&B.

The 41-hectare site in Changi will be reinstated to authorities.

Mr Lim said: "While we work towards handing the site back to the authorities, SSC is also actively working with the relevant agencies on possible interim uses for the site for motorsports-related activities, such as karting, for the community."

The race track project has stalled since 2011 when the Japanese-led consortium that won the bid ran out of money.

- CNA/jc


source: CNA (http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/changi-motosports-hub/707284.html)

With Peter Lim's circuit coming up at Iskandar, there is no reason to have one in Singapore. Especially during a time where government is trying to discourage car ownership. Perhaps they should convert the land into home beach front holiday resorts instead.

Perhaps they should convert the land into home beach front holiday resorts instead.

With the airplanes path overhead, quite unlikely :)

News from TODAY.

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https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/8545_10151664571437040_1105850027_n.jpg

source: TODAY (www.todayonline.com)

^^ YES! The Changi Motorsports Hub was a vanity project from the get-go, and I'm pleased that it's no longer going forward. :banana:

News from 90 cents.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/7248_10151664982497040_155127483_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/7248_10151664982497040_155127483_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/5557_10151664982522040_1535586949_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/5557_10151664982522040_1535586949_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1015787_10151664982467040_1070244863_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1015787_10151664982467040_1070244863_o.jpg

source: The Straits Times (www.straitstimes.com)

News from CNA.


Motorsports community worry for future of sport after Motorsports Hub no-go
POSTED: 14 Jun 2013 9:33 PM


The no-go for Singapore's Motorsports Hub spells a loss to the motorsports community. The Singapore Sports Council said on Wednesday it will not proceed with the re-tender for the site in Changi.

SINGAPORE: The no-go for Singapore's Motorsports Hub spells a loss to the motorsports community.

The Singapore Sports Council said on Wednesday it will not proceed with the re-tender for the site in Changi.

The announcement comes at a time when the motorsports community has seen its members grow in recent years.

But they fear the loss of the project would mean less interest in the sport in Singapore.

Currently, there are only go-kart facilities in Singapore, but these cannot accommodate motor racing.

Without a proper motor racing site, racers would have to head overseas.

This could also mean losing the chance to groom local talents.

Paul Lee, team boss and coach at AutoInc Racing, said: "It is a platform for our guys to graduate from karting into the motor-car track and do formula races. Without the Motorsports Hub, I think it'll be a bit difficult for our local guys because they have to go overseas and it's very expensive to do that."

- CNA/xq


source: CNA (http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/motorsports-community/710452.html)

This is the problem when the real commitment is not there, the terms can be negotiated. Anyway it's state land, who really needs the $$$$....from the receipt of land or bid cost and the lease period can be lengthen also.

Comments in TODAY regarding the issue.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/969586_10151672177707040_1417479886_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/969586_10151672177707040_1417479886_n.jpg

source: TODAY (www.todayonline.com)