Following an impressive Le Mans 24 Hours debut in June, KC Motorgroup Ltd. (KCMG) shifts its gaze back to the Far East as it takes on the prestigious 2013 Asian Le Mans Series which will be held on August 4 at Inje Speedium, South Korea.
In line with this, the international motorsport group unveils its driver line-up for the inaugural event of the highly lauded Asian series. The team will be represented by KCMG aces from different Asian championships, namely Gary Thompson and Akash Nandy.
Thompson has driven for KCMG in its 2010-2012 campaign in Japanese Formula 3 and has delivered significant victories in Japan. Meanwhile, 16 year old Malaysian driver Nandy – who is currently contending for the championship title in Formula Masters China Series – has attained the necessary license to be able to compete in the series and will be supported by Rembawang Group in his new initiative in endurance racing. Thompson and Nandy will be joined by a third driver which will be named very soon.
The much anticipated re-launching of the world-renowned sports car endurance championship highlights a 4-event calendar which will be held on premier circuits around Asia. Apart from Inje Speedium, the races will be staged at Fuji Speedway, Japan, Zhuhai International Circuit, China and Sentul International Circuit, Indonesia. As KCMG cements its participation in the series’ upcoming season, the team will run its blue and white Morgan-Nissan LMP2 in the forthcoming motor racing event.
Asian Le Mans organizer, Automobile Club de l’Ouest has announced that the series will be divided into four categories: LMP2, LMPC, GTC andGT Am category. Notably, the series winners in the GTC and LM P2 class will be awarded entry into the Le Mans 24 Hour race in 2014.
Gary Thompson, Asian Le Mans Series Driver: “I’m delighted to be driving for KCMG in the inaugural Asian Le Mans Series event. It’s great to get this opportunity after being involved with KCMG for so many years. The team produced inspiring results in Silverstone and Le Mans, so we hope to be able to build on the team’s experience and get a good result at Inje.”
Akash Nandy, Asian Le Mans Series & Formula Masters Driver: “To drive for KCMG in the Asian Le Mans Series is a dream realized for me. This would be one of the highlights of my career and I am looking forward to take part in such a high level competition. This is a big step forward for me and I would like to thank Rembawang Group and Paul Ip for this opportunity. The expectations will be high after what the team has achieved in Silverstone and Le Mans, but with a brilliant and supportive crew such as KCMG, I know I am ready to take on this new challenge!”
Paul Ip, KCMG Managing Director: “We were very fortunate to have been given a chance to make history by becoming the first Chinese team to compete in the 6 Hours ofSilverstone and particularly, Le Mans 24 Hours at Circuit de la Sarthe this year. Sports car endurance racing is one of the most challenging motorsport disciplines and to be able to race and have a venue here in Asia is really exciting. My special thanks go to ACO for kicking off the Asian Le Mans 2013 season and for giving us this opportunity to participate in such a prime event.”
To find out more about the 2013 Asian Le Mans Series, visit www.asian-lemans-series.com.
For more information about KCMG, visit www.kcmg.com.hk. To keep track of latest updates, please like KCMG’s Facebook page or follow @KCMotorgroup on Twitter.
