Rivalries heat up as the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia returns to Ningbo with scores to settle
Following the series’ competitive Ningbo International Speedpark debut two-weeks ago, the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Presented by AximTrade is back once again to take on one of China’s hottest new circuits from 17-19 September for a weekend of unparalleled high-speed excitement. With all drivers now well accustomed to Ningbo circuit, this weekend promises a particularly thrilling set of races.
Ningbo International Speedpark was opened in August 2017. This 22-turn track has played host to many prestigious events including F3, WTCR and WTCC. This weekend will be the third time in a row the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Presented by AximTrade has held an event on the circuit, following the series’ frst visit to Ningbo in July for the mid-season Test Days, and the series’ /rst competitive event for Rounds 5, 6 and 7 two weeks ago.
Going into Round 8, the top spot in the season standings couldn’t be more contested, with just a single point separating Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Presented by AximTrade veterans Cui Yue driving for Porsche Holding, and Daniel Lu Wenlong driving for Team Jebsen. Trailing the top two we have newcomers Ling Kang for Meidong Racing, Leo Ye for BD Group and Yu Kuai for Team StarChase. All three Pro drivers made their Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Presented by AximTrade debut this year, and as we enter the second half of the season Ling Kang trails Daniel Lu by 23 points on 111 points, while Leo Ye and Yu Kuai are tied on 104 points apiece.
The Pro-Am standings are similarly tight, albeit with a clear frontrunner in the form of two-time reigning Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Presented by AximTrade champion Bao Jinlong racing for Team Shanghai Yonda, who leads the pack on 148 points. Behind him, we once again have a tight battle between three drivers making their debut this year. TORO Racing’s Min Heng is in second with 118 points, followed by Absolute Racing’s Bian Ye on 117 points and Meidong Racing’s Zhou Bihuang on 115 points. All three drivers have spent the season proving their worth and are set for a decisive battle this weekend.
Having been introduced for the /rst time this season, the Am category hassimilarly seen plenty of action this year. The clear star of the show has been long-time Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Presented by AximTrade driver Eric Kwong,in his unmistakable KiddyWorld Racing livery. Eric has secured a stunning five out of seven victories so far this year, and is understandably sitting pretty at the top of the table with a daunting 172 points. Not to be deterred, driving for Triple Ace Racing we have Henry Kwong chasing the leader with 121 points, and then Silver Rocket’s Li Jia on 116 points.
The Dealer Trophy has been another hotly contested category this year, with Porsche Holding and Team Jebsen repeating their tussle for the top of the Overall points table, being separated by just two points in the Dealer Trophy. With entrants in both the Pro and Pro-Am categories, Meidong Racing are on 108 points, followed closely by reigning Dealer Trophy champions Team StarChase on 103 points, with BD Group rounding out the top five and remaining in striking distance with 101 points.