Can Formula E coup make Hong Kong one of Asia's motor sport capitals once more?
The man who helped to make the event a reality says Hong Kong has been a pioneer in Asia but was held back by size and strict regulations
The dream started with a walk along Central's new harbourfront three years ago and will become a reality next October when Hong Kong hosts its first major international race with a leg of the 2016 Formula E series.
However, the fulfilment of this dream is not about launching Hong Kong as a major player on the regional motor racing circuit. It's more about restoring the city's lofty place among Asia's car-racing capitals.
Lawrence Yu Kam-kee, the president of the Hong Kong Automobile Association and one of two men who took that walk in 2012, said Hong Kong had a motor sport history that went farther back than that of Singapore, which now stages a leg of the Formula One circuit and Macau, which stages the annual Formula Three Grand Prix.
Actually, I must mention that Hong Kong has a much longer history in motor sports than any other country in Asia, even earlier than Japan
"Actually, I must mention that Hong Kong has a much longer history in motor sports than any other country in Asia, even earlier than Japan," said Yu.
"About 60-odd years ago, it was Hong Kong that started the Macau Grand Prix. We designed the circuit ourselves. About 30 years ago we started the Hong Kong to Beijing rally, we've had the Kart Grand Prix in the past."
"There was a lot of motor sport on the Shek Kong air strip. We started our motor racing history very early but, unfortunately, because of the limitation of land, we couldn't take it any further.
"With Formula E, I'm sure we can restart our racing heritage."