KC Motorgroup Ltd. (KCMG)’s Paul Ip suffered a heavy fever during the Autopolis round of the Super Taikyu endurance series, leaving no choice but to withdraw from the event.
Having set the benchmark times in class on board the #501 Honda Civic Type R TCR FK8, Matt Howson, Jim Ka To and Paul Ip were set for a weekend of promise and potentially their first victory in the series.
However, on Friday Paul came down with a strong fever, which led to the team forfeiting qualifying. It was hoped that being able to race would still be possible but, with strong penalties applied for not running one of the listed drivers, it was decided the best option was to pack up early.
The penultimate round of the Super Taikyu series will take place on 14-15 September at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit.
Matt Howson: “We completed our best pre-race test in Super Taikyu at Autopolis, taking the fastest TCR time, being competitive in all conditions and looking very strong for victory. Sadly, Paul was hit by a sudden and debilitating fever on Friday evening which, while we prepared for the race, was always going to be too much too soon for Paul and his health is clearly more important than the racing. Lots of promise from this weekend as KCMG looked like the team to beat, and we take that for a strong finish of the season at Motegi and Okayama.”
Jim Ka To: “It’s a shame we never really got the chance to get out there and show what we had because I think we were very strong contenders for victory this weekend. Of course, the main thing is that Paul is okay, it would have been too much to ask him to compete in his condition and I hope he recovers quickly.”
Paul Ip: “I’m sad that my health is what has stopped us from racing this weekend, but it’s just one of those things. The car looked really strong in the little running we had so we must stay positive for the final two rounds, where I aim to be back in top shape.”
For more information about KCMG please visit www.kcmg.com.hk. To keep track of all the latest updates, please like KCMG’s Facebook page or follow on Twitter and Instagram.
Who is KCMG?
KC Motorgroup Ltd (KCMG) is an international motorsport services group established in 2007 by Paul Ip. The group, with its headquarters located in Hong Kong, has operations reaching across the Asia Pacific region. KCMG operates closely with many partner companies and racing organisations around the world to provide unrivalled motorsport services, equipment, team management and quality distribution in the automotive industry. For more information on all of the team’s activities please visit www.kcmg.com.hk or email info@kcmg.com.hk.
