Rd.1 of 2009 China Touring Car Championship was held between May 23^rd and 24^th in Shanghai International Circuit. Due to recent change in economic climate, number of participants has been somewhat moderate compared to previous year, and TEIN will be competing in 2000cc class along with total of 15 drivers. Few regulations has been changed starting this year, including wheel width widened from 7 inch to 9 inch, tire width set to 240mm, enlarged brake disc, and redline toned down from 8500RPM to 8000RPM. As you can see, teams were faced with number of challenges to overcome such obstacles.

 

Blessed with clear skies, sitting in a good grid position with high hopes, the final race went along. But right before the race, Car No.5 778 KIA Cerato (equipped with TEIN damper) was struck by an engine stall, and faced with a painful pit start. After the restart; Car No.6, the other 778 KIA Cerato (equipped with TEIN damper) rockets out of the pack and passes HANKOOK Accord, previous year champ to take the lead. Meanwhile Car No.10 FRD Focus, fully supported by TEIN, positions himself in 3^rd place. In lap 11, Car No.10 FRD Focus passes Car No.1 HANKOOK Accord and steps up to 2^nd place, allowing group of TEIN users to lead the pack.

 

While 3 cars battling tail-to-nose, lap 16 becomes a crucial moment among the leading group. Car No.10 FRD Focus makes a move and trades paint with Car No.6 778 KIA Cerato to take the lead, but unluckily, he was a bit too ambitious on his decision and was penalized to sit out in the pit stop. Car No.6 778 KIA Cerato seems to be on a cruise for the rest of the race, but in last 3 laps, he loses speed due to mechanical failure, and allows Car No.1 HANKOOK Accord to take the lead. He pushes hard to stay ahead of the rest, but Car No.6 778 KIA Cerato finishes 2^nd, and the highest place attained by TEIN supported TEAM FRD was 6^th place finish.

 

Rd.2 will be held in Shanghai Tiarma Circuit between June 27^th and 28^th. The battle has just begun, so expect more breathtaking action from TEAM FRD and all the TEIN users.