One of the founding members of China's first purpose-built Formula One race track has resigned, ending an era.
Joe Lim, who was a driving force behind the success of the Zhuhai International Circuit (ZIC) just over the border, has stepped down as general manager to concentrate on his family's property business.
'There comes a certain time in your life when you have to move on and do other things,' said Lim, 47, a Malaysian national.
'I had to decide which was more important; my position at ZIC or my family business. I also need to take care of my 84-year-old father. I found it hard shuttling back and forth from Zhuhai to Penang. I have decided to return to Penang.'
Lim was a member of the circuit's management team since its inception in 1992. The track was officially opened in 1996 and was on the provisional list to host a round of the Formula One championship in 1999 before it was removed. Shanghai eventually got the nod to host China's first Formula One race in 2004.
The ZIC has staged many regional and local motorsport events over the years and will play host to the China round of the FIA GT Championship in 2007.
