Stories behind Macao Grand Prix
By Sarina Ao

 

The Lisboa Bend is one of the bends that have a high accident rate in the history of the Macao Grand Prix.

One of the most famous annual sports events, Macao Grand Prix, will be held in mid-November. The preparation is already underway.

The safeguard rails have been set up along the main streets for the racing circuit while workers are busy building metal structures for new spectators' stands at the Hotel Lisboa Bend and the Reservoir Bend. The old ones are made of cement.

Each year, the Grand Prix attracts many international motor racers and tourists. Therefore the government takes the event very seriously. A committee led by Fernando Chui Sai On, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, has been formed to decide on the budget, which covers all the infrastructure preparations for the Grand Prix. The committee is also responsible for appointing a shipping company, which offers reasonable prices for shipping race cars and accessories to Macau. The competing vehicles and accessories arrived at Macao on November 9.

Starting in 1954, this is the 48th Macao Grand Prix this year. It is organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) in cooperation with the Macao Sport Development Board.

Competitors will race on the Guia Street circuit, which is one of the specialties for the Macao Grand Prix. Since the track is so narrow and twisty, drivers who follow behind cannot see what happens to cars in front of them. Accidents will usually involve several cars at least. So professionalism is required for racing in the Guia Street circuit.

But this also makes the racing very exciting. Spectators are particularly thrilled to see how drivers can race their cars in this type of circuit in a lightening speed.

However, the game is also very dangerous for drivers if accidents occur. To prevent accidents, the surface of the road must be paved as part of the preparation work. This has to be done by an experienced construction company to guarantee the quality. The roads that will be used as the racing track will be closed during November 15-18.

The safeguard rails are another way to prevent accidents. Some sections of the track are on the hilly road or along the seashore. Without the safeguard rail, cars may run into the ocean or fall down the hills if accidents happen. The safeguard rail can reduce the possibility of fatal accidents.

Behind the scene, many people are working diligently to make the Grand Prix run smoothly.