Getting around Hong Kong doesn’t require a supercar but 300hp helps

Professional racing car driver Darryl O’Young, 36, says he gets all the high-speed performance he needs on the race track

“I’m currently driving a Volkswagon Passat V6 3.6L wagon here in Hong Kong. I really like wagons because they can be convenient for city use and just getting around. It really helps that this car has 300 horsepower, but it is also an easy car that my wife can drive as well to get around town.

Sport combined with comfort is something I look for on the road as I only own one car, but if I had a second, it would probably be a bit sportier.

This car has an interesting history as it was actually a Macau Grand Prix safety car, which they used for several years on the legendary Guia circuit. A friend told me a few of them came back on the market at a low mileage, so I picked it up. I’ve been asked if I like to name my cars, but I don’t usually name anything I drive as I’ve never had a personal connection with any of the cars I have driven or raced to date.

My car tastes haven’t really changed over the years, but because I’ve been involved with motorsport since I was a kid, I’ve always just looked for a car with a sporty performance. Now I also look for comfort for the road because I get all the high-speed performance I need on the race track.

This wagon is great to drive in Hong Kong. Most people don’t really expect the car to have 300hp because it’s a Passat wagon, so it’s viewed as a car that parents might drive to take kids around town.

I do get some funny looks if someone recognises me driving the car because everyone expects a race car driver to be driving a supercar rather than a wagon. However, if I had a second car at home, it would probably be a 911 because I’ve always had a weakness for older Porsches, particularly the 964 or 993. I had better save more cash as the classics keep rising in value.