Upclose with Darryl O'Young
Local racing hero Darryl O’Young was the first Chinese person to participate in the World Touring Car Championship, and has recently won the championship for the Portuguese leg of the race. He talks a mile-a-minute, as a racecar driver would, to Johannes Pong.
I grew up in Canada. Ever since I was two or three, I’ve been going to the racetrack with my dad.
He was an amateur racer for almost 30 years. He grew up racing on the streets in Shek O in the 50s and 60s. I don’t condone that, but it was definitely part of Hong Kong’s history!
When I was eight, I got my first go-kart, and I’ve been racing ever since. I just turned 30, and it’s my 23rd season this year.
I remember telling everyone that I’d become a racecar driver when I was young. It’s one of those things every boy would say, but to actually be able to do it, and to represent Hong Kong… it’s awesome.
But I’ll tell you a secret—I’m not really into cars. But I love racing against other people, and the competition. I’m very competitive.
When I was 12, 13 years old, I knew my dream, and was already working for it. I think I’m quite lucky because I had such a clear goal at such a young age.
It’s a tough sport to make into a career because you need so much financial support to race. I’ve thought of quitting, but I never really let it happen.