Satish Cheney

Dear cyberworld - hello.

My name is Satish (you probably figured that out by now) and this is my first blog entry for CNA Blogs.

I’m a reporter at the Singapore desk and hope to use this online space to express opinions and add photos to inform or maybe just to entertain.

So, it’s been a few weeks and people have stopped asking me to get married and have babies. Phew, finally.

Well, maybe everyone except my mom. But you know mothers…

Anyway, I have to say I’m more interested in getting some Formula One action when it all happens here in Singapore this month.

I wasn’t really a fan of fast cars before.

It all started when I was in Australia and I was assigned to cover the Gold Coast Indy 500 as part of QUT NEWS at my university. The first thing that really got me was the loud thundering sounds of the engines.  But that’s not the only thing which drew me.

There’s something about the loud sounds mixed with smoke in the air and a massive number of people converging.

But then again, It could just be the alcohol and well, maybe the grid girls as well. You know what I mean, like in a club where people are usually buzzed slightly..

But add fast cars and loud sounds - something happens.

And these are the things you hardly get to see if you don’t actually attend these races.

The atmosphere is just too electrifying to miss.  And that was just the Indy 500.

A few weeks ago my friend invited me over to Malayasia’s Sepang International Circuit for the Merdeka Millennium Endurance race. It’s a 12 hour race with teams from Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc taking part.

My friend’s team from Singapore - HKS GARAGE R came in third in the Class A division.

For me the town of Sepang is rather sleepy and well, just not ‘happening’ enough - but the weekend was still great. The excitement levels were high and a big element of appreciating the sport, is understanding how it all works, and the various roles everyone - from engineers to pit crews to investors - plays.  I’m no expert in racing but when I learnt more and spoke to more folks involved in the sport - it all made more sense.

Recent reports on how, a significant number of Singaporeans weren’t even aware of the Formula One race happening in Singapore, simply surprised me.

But then again I suppose you can’t expect the people of a country where motorsports is not exactly the most accessible sport, to huff and puff and fight for annual leave with their work mates in advance, to watch the F1 races at home.

We can host the next Cricket World Cup but the average Singaporean will probably still be watching the EPL.

I mean, we’re not exactly all running out there and talking up ping pong now are we, just because Singapore won Olympic silver in the sport?

Speaking of ping pong - I am suddenly reminded of the victory parade the Singapore Olympic paddlers were given upon their return.

I really hope the authorities can arrange an even bigger one for Singapore’s Paralympic sportsmen and women - not just for those who’re returning with history-making medals - but the entire contingent.

After all, I think the Paralympic athletes are the ones who truly embody the often-spouted Olympic Spirit these days.