China TCC: Ford Series Championship summary

Changan Ford Racing Team clinches 2009 CTCC Championship

Sunday's last race of 2000cc was no doubt the major focus of the CTCC finale at the new Guangdong International Circuit (GIC), as the team and driver titles were still open. In the end, Lo Ka Chun won the race with Billy Zeng 2nd and Changan Ford racing team lead driver Rainey He capturing 3rd. Changan Ford Racing team successfully clinched the team champion title as the team had promised at the beginning of the season. In addition, Rainey He grabbed the driver 1st runner-up title in 2000cc.

The race started at 2:40 p.m. with pole sitter Lo Ka Chun getting off to a good start and managing to lead the race from the very beginning. Rainey He followed Lo very aggressively, waiting for his chance to overtake while trying to extend his lead on Billy Zeng. Meanwhile, Andy Yan's tire burst due to car contact forcing Yan to head back to pitlane for a tire change. Changan Ford's technical team showed its typical impressive efficiency and sent Yan back to the competition very quickly. In the early stages of the race, Tengyi Jiang maintained 6th place. During the race every Changan Ford driver had a clear mind that teamwork and consistency were important and Rainey He chose to leave the door open for Billy Zeng, following the team strategy of being conservative. Team LF drivers Ken Look and Song Jiancheng maintained 4th and 5th position, respectively.

The race entered its late stages with Martin Cao retiring from the competition after being hit by another car. Soon after that, two cars made contact in a right hander and the safety car was sent out. In the end, Lo Ka Chun won Sunday's final CTCC race with Billy Zeng 2nd and Changan Ford driver Rainey He 3rd. Tengyi Jiang captured 7th while Ken Look and Song Jiancheng finished 4th & 5th, respectively. Changan Ford Racing team gained a valuable 8 points in the CTCC finale to win the 2009 team title. It was indeed a promise fulfilled.

Rainey He said in the press conference:"I got off to a good start and managed to stay 2nd at the beginning. Billy followed me very closely during the race and I left the door open for him to avoid contact and finish the race. Points were vital as we were aiming for the team title. I am very happy to be a part of the championship-winning team and would also take this opportunity to thank our sponsors Changan Ford, FRD, BP, YOKOHOMA, Castrol, TEIN, Advanti and all the friends of the team."

-credit: frd