Macau Grand Prix Organising Committee (MGPOC) Secretary General Vong Ka Kun told reporters that this year’s Macau Grand Prix (MGP) budget is 240 million patacas, similar to last year’s.
Speaking to the media after a press conference at the Macau Science Centre in Nape about next month’s event, Vong was quick to add that Macau’s six gaming concessionaires are collectively providing 120 million patacas in funding this year, 20 million patacas each, covering half of the annual motor-racing competition’s outlay.
The press conference was also attended by Social Affairs and Culture Secretary Office (GSASC) Acting Chief Alex Vong Iao Lek, Automobile General Association Macao–China Chairman-cum-MGPOC Sporting Subcommittee Coordinator Chong Coc Veng, MGPOC Deputy Coordinator Mok Chi Hang, Sands China Limited Human Resources Senior Vice President Paulo Cheong (張國軍), MGM China Holdings Limited Executive Director-cum-President Kenneth Feng Xiaofeng (馮小峰), Melco Resorts and Entertainment Chief Advisor Kent Wong (黃昇雄), SJM Resorts, S.A. Chief Hospitality Officer Gerard Walker (紀睿德), Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) Director Philip Cheng Yee Sing (程裕昇), and Wynn Macau Limited Resort Marketing Chief Marketing Officer Zoe Zou Wenyu (鄒文愉).
According to Mok, the 72nd Macau Grand Prix will be held from November 13 to November 16 with a total of seven race events: Macau Grand Prix–FIA FR World Cup; Macau GT Cup–FIA GT World Cup; Macau Guia Race–Kumho FIA TCR World Tour Event of Macau; Macau Formula 4 Race–FIA F4 World Cup; Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix–57th Edition; Greater Bay Area GT Cup (GT4); and the Macau Roadsport Challenge.
Event tickets are already on sale, Mok said.
According to Mok, during the Grand Prix period, Family Carnivals will take place on November 1-2, an Auto Show will be held on November 8-9, aiming to “extend the event’s vibrant atmosphere into the local community”.
According to Chong, Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix riders have been selected through street races held on the Isle of Man and in Northern Ireland on the North West (NW) 200 “Triangle” circuit connecting the towns of Portstewart, Coleraine, and Portrush. Both regions are in the United Kingdom.
Chong said that the committee has invited the top and most experienced riders from these two locations, based on their race results, to compete in Macau.
According to Chong, this year’s lineup of riders includes last year’s champion, Davey Todd; the first runner-up, Ermo Kostamo; the second runner-up, Peter Hickman; as well as other street racing elites.
Chong underlined that this year’s Macau Grand Prix overlaps with the 15th National Games in terms of scheduling, which, he said, presented both “a challenge and an opportunity”.
According to Chong, the local government and the committee are working together closely, and preparations are progressing smoothly. “Everyone is confident in successfully hosting both major events simultaneously,” Chong said.
Regarding nine-time Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix champion Michael Rutter’s absence from this year’s event “due to his current condition”, Vong said that the event still boasts many other renowned and experienced motorcycle riders who have come to Macau to compete, ensuring the races remain highly exciting. In response to last year’s partial cancellation of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix due to rain, Vong said that the committee has developed contingency plans addressing weather factors. Should a similar situation occur, arrangements will be promptly adjusted, Vong said, without elaborating.
According to an article by Northern Ireland’s News Letter daily on September 3, Michael Rutter* suffered various injuries including multiple fractured vertebrae when he crashed at the 31st Milestone in the second Supertwin race at the Man TT (Tourist Trophy)), as he continues to recover from his huge crash on the Isle of Man in June.
*Rutter is the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix’s most successful rider. He has nine victories under his belt, a record that cements his title as the “King of Macau.” His wins span from 1998 to 2019, showcasing incredible mastery of the dangerous street circuit. – DeepSeek
Social Affairs and Culture Secretary Office (GSASC) Acting Chief Alex Vong Iao Lek (centre), Macau Grand Prix Organising Committee (MGPOC) Sporting Subcommittee Coordinator Chong Coc Veng (left) and MGPOC Deputy Coordinator Mok Chi Hang attend yesterday’s press conference about “72th Macau Grand Prix” at the Macau Science Centre (MSC) in Nape. – Photo: Armindo Neves
