Macau Grand Prix Gives Formula 1 a Run for its Money

by Josh Lew on

The eyes of the world’s auto racing fans will be trained on Shanghai this weekend. The Formula 1 race held there is one of the year’s hottest tickets. But it won’t be the only chance to see fast cars in Asia this fall. In fact, it might not be the best racing event in China.

On November 13th, the Macau Grand Prix kicks off for the 55th time. Sure, the top race in the former Portuguese colony will be Formula 3 (kind of a minor league for F1), but the event is one of Asia’s oldest auto races and that counts for quite a lot in terms of atmosphere and prestige. Plus spectators will get to see sports cars and motorcycles have their turn on the course, which is one of the world’s best street courses.

There are more reasons to visit Macau during the race. There is the gambling, of course. But there are also other happenings. The Macau International Food Festival, a gigantic bazaar and seaside firework displays. Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa won’t be behind the wheel there, but the history behind the Macau GP and the other November events on offer make it a good bet for a good time.

[Via Globespotters]

Hong Kong-Macau Bridge to be Built

by Josh Lew on

Hong Kong is now connected to Macau by ferry. Long-running negotiations for a bridge connection between the two cities, and their mainland neighbor Zhuhai, have led to nothing but hurt feelings and finger pointing. Enter Beijing. The government of China has a rare chance to play the good guy in the former colonies. And it will only cost them a few billion dollars. According to The Standard, Beijing has stepped in to take over the project and will spend 7 billion yuan (HK$ 8 billion) to get things off the ground.

The result: in 6-7 years it will be possible to drive from the mainland to Macau to Hong Kong without having to board a ferry or even get out of your car. Impatient compulsive gamblers will not have to deal with sea-sickness or tardy ferryboat captains on the way to Macau. The bridge will also do wonders for the mainland, turning an already crazy shopping scene into an orgy of consumerism and name-brand knockoffs.

But what about the storied ferry service? Will it disappear? Probably not. When the tunnel was built under Victoria Harbor, ferries continued to do a brisk business up above. The same would probably be true for the HK-Macau service. Emphasis on probably.