Formula, American Open-Wheel, sport car in Asia, and Formula E before making a new commitment to Le Mans with David Cheng, who graduated from American racing carrying a Le Mans dream for a long time.
Despite the steady growth of domestic racing, to found a private team and to compete in a world championship that is relatively smaller compared to F1 to Chinese public is not the easiest thing in China motorsport industry. However, Cheng did it with the support from Hollywood action hero Jackie Chan, who happens to be a big fan of Steve McQueen.
When David finally came back to the garage from media session, Winnie welcomed him with open arms. As a mother, she keeps supporting her son’s dream mentally and practically as Anthony Hamilton to Lewis and the late John Button did to Jenson.
Jackie Chan unfortunately missed Le Mans this year due to attending Shanghai Film Festival. However, he was on Facetime when Tung and Gommendy crossed the line. And he also sent lovely messages to the team at the post race celebration party.
It was sort of disbelief a Chinese entrant finished in overall Top 3 at the most famous endurance competition. If any thing could have been better, it only would be one step higher, which could have happened had #2 Porsche been delayed longer.
Over 250,000 spectators came to Circuit de la Sarthe to watch the 85th edition of 24 Hours of Le Mans. Three hours after the race finished, the Village was completely empty. I went back to Media Centre to continue my report. When I left, there was no one else except the security. The moon was high; the paddock was quiet; the memories were flashing back.
I woke up early in the morning to catch a train to Paris. Waiting at the station, I sent the Me-and-Ho-Pin photo to Julie because she was the special girl I wanted to share the special moment in my life with.
More surprisingly, it was not the end because the next day #13 Rebellion, which finished as third overall and second in LMP2, was disqualified for a technical infringement, promoting #37 to the third overall and the second in LMP2, leaving Jackie Chan DC Racing to secure double podium overall and 1-2 finish in LMP2.
“Unbelievable”, David replied to my message.
Until today, I still need some time to sink in when recalling that afternoon, which was too beautiful to believe but it DID happen.