The first round of the 2008 CCC (China Circuit Championships) was held on April 19^th - 20^th at the same circuit as last years final round, the Shanghai International Circuit. This year there are 16 cars competing in the 1600cc class and 19 in the 2000cc class. The field was a little shy of last year’s entrants, but out of the 19 cars in the 2000cc class, 9 were using TEIN shock absorbers. With 50% of the field TEIN users, a heated battle unfolded.

Last years championship team, the FRD FOCUS suffered from engine trouble, transmission trouble and other problems affecting the endurance of the cars. From this season, the team de-tuned their engines to place more importance on endurance. The ‘dark horse’ of the pack is the HONDA ACCORD teams. Last de-tuned their engines last season, but still with 280ps from a naturally aspirated (NA) 2000cc engine. With speed not being a problem with these cars, they set up and warmed up their cars on the 19^th, and waited for the qualifying session, but with only 1 problem, the rain.

The cars went out into the qualifying session with ‘wet’ settings. TEIN cars, #16 KIA CERATO took pole position with the #7 ACCORD in 4^th, #2 FOCUS in 5^th, #1 in 7^th and #3 in 10^th position. On race day, the 20^th, all the cars took part in the warm up runs in the morning preparing for the start of round 1. The mood was thick, as the cloud loomed over ahead and felt like it could rain any second. At the start of the race, the #1 FOCUS starting from 7^th position overtook his team mate, #2 car, into the first corner. (Later we found out that the #2 car lost its 2^nd gear). The ACCORD also had a great start, and the heated battle began.

No one could match the speed of the #7 & #6 ACCORDS as they took control of the race. But unfortunately the there was already a retirement in the race, as the #1 car suffered from clutch trouble and retired. The driver left with a look of repent. Mid-race, the #10 car had engine trouble and spilled oil over the track. The safety car came out, but once the race restarted, the ACCORDS took control again and the #7 TSB ACCORD went to get the checkered flag.

The #9 car came home in 3^rd, the #16 KIA CERATO in 4^th and last years champs, the FRD #12 in finished in 6^th, and the #3 car in 10^th. But just when the celebrations were about to begin, tragedy struck. Due to illegally overtaking when the pace car was out, overtaking when the yellow flag was out, the #2, #7 and #9 cars were struck with a 30 second penalty. Because of this, the #7 car was demoted from 1st to 2^nd. The 3^rd placed #9 car to demoted to 8^th, and the 6^th placed #2 car to 11^th. With the unfortunate penalty behind them now, all the drivers will use any frustrations they have and aim for all-out victory in round 2 in Beijing!