TCR World and life

You were born in Hong Kong, but live in Canada and became the first ever TCR champion in the Canadian Touring Car Championship. Can you describe your feelings and summarize this successful season that saw you switching from the Honda Civic FK2 to the new FK7? “I’m incredibly happy to win this title because it’s the first one, and I’ve been waiting many years for this! There have been opportunities along the way, but because of business commitments, I’ve never been able to do a full season. This year, the schedule worked out, so this was the big chance. We got it done too. Three race wins, was a very good season. It was obvious from the first event that the new cars in the series, like Hyundai and Audi, meant that you needed the latest machinery to be competitive, so we ordered the new car in April. I was still able to get some good results in the Civic FK2, but you could immediately feel the difference with the FK7. It’s more reliable and has a power curve that is better-suited to the tracks we raced on. Our car is the first in CTCC, so at its first race at Trois-Rivières, I had to carry a lot of weight while they worked out on the BoP. Thank goodness it rained and the heavy car was probably a bit of a help in the conditions and we got a one-two with Tom winning in the old car and me second.” You have mentioned Tom, your younger brother and teammate. How much did he help you in the title bid? “We have a very good relationship. Racing was my hobby and as soon as Tom was old enough, he joined me. We’ve been racing together for twenty years. The competition between us is good. We have crashed into each other a few times, but that happens. He hasn’t done a full season this year, so he’s been able to support my bid for the title whenever possible. At Bowmanville, at the end of the season, I was behind him, but I knew I didn’t need to pass him for the title. It was great to have Tom winning and me becoming champion in the same race.” Three questions to… GaryKwok TCR is becoming more and more popular in North America. Have you noticed this? And what are your plans for the future? “Now, when I go to functions, people know who I am. When I’m in the paddock, I’m asked to sign a lot more autographs. Even at home in Toronto, in the Chinese neighbourhood, people recognise me. It’s a strange feeling like a bit of a celebrity, but CTCC is on TV in Canada and the younger fans are watching it on YouTube. As for my plans, I’d love to go to the USA and try the IMSA Michelin Challenge with Tom as my co- driver – so far we’ve always been in different cars when we’ve been teammates. The chance to race in the Daytona 24 Hours and Sebring 12 Hours is extremely tempting. I’d also like to do some wildcard WTCR events. I’ve competed at the Macau Grand Prix four times and did the WTCC races there in 2011. If there’s a chance to get in there this year with my Honda, I’ll take it. If not, I’ll try to get an entry next year.”