The TCR Asia Series season opener kicked off in Sepang last weekend and Craft-Bamboo Racing were quick to find success, taking a podium in two of the three races which see, Eric Kwong, currently sit second in the drivers’ championship. After taking a break from racing, Eric returned to touring cars and demonstrated that he hadn't lost his touch, showing fantastic progression throughout the weekend, making steady improvements from practice right through until the final showdown on Sunday.

For the maiden round of the season, the TCR Asia Series would be running a three race format, with the first race beginning on Saturday. After starting the ten lap race in P8, Eric made a quick pass up the inside to take several places before moving into a defensive position for the coming laps. After a fantastic battle with, Kenneth Lau, that lasted most of the race, Eric crossed the line in P5 and completed his first TCR Asia race firmly in the points.

Eric started in P4 for race two on Sunday and made it smoothly into the first corner to begin his podium challenge. Locked onto the Honda ahead, Eric used his growing experience in the #99 SEAT Leon to close the gap and take his first podium of the season in only his second race of the series.

Starting from P4 once more, for the final race of the weekend, Eric was determined to continue his rise up the leaderboards and the podium itself. Executing another strong start, the Hong Kong driver took P3 at the first corner and over the next few laps fought hard in a tight battle with the other drivers. Demonstrating his excellent car control, Eric was able to make a pass and take P2 by lap five. Eric was now driving flawlessly, recording ever increasing lap times and creating a gap between those behind. Pushing from lights to flag, Eric finished in P2, taking his second podium of the weekend and finishing the round with the second largest points haul .

The next round commences in two weeks at the Marina Bay Circuit, where both the TCR Series will be supporting the Singapore Formula One. Craft-Bamboo Racing regular, Frank Yu, will take over from Eric and pilot the #99 SEAT Leon around the famous street circuit, hoping to build on the success that was started at Sepang.

Quotes

Eric K, Driver #99 Seat Leon

“The car has shown great reliability all weekend and that is testament to all the preparation from Craft-Bamboo Racing. Their knowledge about the car and the series has allowed me to reach my full potential once again, even without being in a racing car for quite some time. It was a fantastic weekend; the series is well organized and ran very smoothly. I had a lot of fun and it is great to come away with a strong result and to be second in the championship.”

Richard Coleman, CEO of Craft-Bamboo Racing

“It is great to see Craft-Bamboo Racing score two podiums on debut in the TCR Asia Series. The team has learnt a lot from running three cars in the international program where they currently lead the drivers’ championship. It was a brilliant weekend of racing and Eric did a fantastic job to take home these results against such a strong field of cars and drivers.”