Redbull Rookies 2012

“You want to be in the driver’s seat of your own life
because if you are not, life will drive you.”

I know I’m driving my life, are you?

Having shortlisted as the Top 32 candidates during the roadshow, we went through the first
elimination round at the Kartright Speedway and emerged as the top 20;
representing Singapore to compete against the Malaysians and Bruneians
for a place in the rookie team:

Unlike last year (where the challenge was only made for females),
Redbull heard the boys and decided
to hold a “Battle of the sexes”,
in search of 2 males & females racing icons to be part of the Redbull Rookie Team.

We then headed up Kuala Lumpur over the weekend for our defensive driving course and practical driving test,
to fight for the top 30 spots in this second elimination round; amongst the 66 candidates.

Arrived after a 5 hours coach ride,
and we got changed into our customized Redbull Rookie Female’s Tee!

With no time to spare since we were only there for 2 days,
we quickly had our first defensive theory lesson by our friendly trainer, Kenvin Low!

This amiable looking man has such an extensive driving portfolio, you wouldn’t believe your eyes.
He even pursued professional driving in Japan etc.!

I don’t even remember what I was laughing at,
but you can probably tell that we were pretty entertained:

As a representative, group photos everywhere is one of the requirement:

Redbull treated us to a sumptuous buffet dinner at a Thai restaurant,
where we chilled around and mingled more amongst ourselves :

Our bond became so much closer,
this is how we lounge around + play monopoly deal whenever we have the chance:




Finally… the day of our practical test, where we would be battling it out:




My turn! Zoom zoom~ I’m scooting off:




Taking my timing:




What?? You thought I went through the driving test myself?

Of course not!!!
Luckily I had my trainer with me, otherwise that would have been a crazily dangerous attempt!
I haven’t driven a manual car since like forever,
approximately 1 year since I’ve gotten my manual license?!

And immediately, I was thrown into this modified racing car with
freaking no numbers indication on the gear box! LOL

I know I know, I just didn’t expect that I have to go PRO so fast.
I must have scared the shit out of my instructor.
Look at his face after the completion of my rounds.

Marcus: “PHEW, thank god I’m alive!”




Anyway, I was just kidding.
We had a very friendly competition and are very supportive of one another!




With Malaysia’s top notch drivers, our judges for the challenge:




The true spirit of “battle of the sexes!”




”But the truth is, we are actually this close.”
I miss each and everyone of you already!

And I’m just glad that I made it to Top 30 (Top 15 females)
with some of my favourite people.
Looking forward to the fun trip for our semi-finals next weekend :D

Hopefully, I would have more chances to share my rookie experience
in professional racing with you all!
Wish me luck k? :D

Thanks to Redbull for the great opportunity!

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