On August 8–9, 2026, rider Liam Ao Ieong made his debut at the 2026 Yingzhong Auto Cross-Strait (Xiamen) Motorcycle and Automobile Super League, held at Xiamen International Circuit.
Having competed mainly in Macau, this was his first visit to Xiamen and his first opportunity to take on a completely new circuit and racing environment.
What was it like to compete on an unfamiliar track, with an atmosphere quite different from the races he was used to? After the event, we spoke with Liam Ao Ieong about his experience and what he took away from his first appearance.
A First Race That Began with Nerves
—— What was your first impression of competing in this event?
It was really fun.
However, I was already very nervous before the race started, so I wasn't able to perform at my best. I feel a little disappointed about that.
——What impressed you most when you actually got out on the circuit?
Xiamen International Circuit is beautiful, and it's a really enjoyable track to ride.
I especially like T10 and T11. I'm more confident in corners where I can lean the bike over quite a bit, so those two corners are my favourites.
—— Was there anything different from what you had imagined before the race?
Since I usually race in Macau, I initially thought it would be more or less the same as the races I'm used to. But when I arrived in Xiamen, I realised I was surprisingly nervous.
The event in Xiamen was larger in scale and had a very professional atmosphere overall, which made me feel even more nervous than usual.
Finding Ways to Improve Through Practice
—— What do you think you did particularly well during this event?
I was able to gradually improve my lap times from the practice sessions onward.
With each practice session, I identified areas where I needed to improve and worked on them step by step. I think that was something I did well.
—— What would you like to improve before your next race?
At T1, I'd like to brake a little later.
I hope I can apply what I learned from this experience to my next race and perform even better.
A Message for the Next Rider Taking on the Challenge
—— What would you say to a rider who is considering competing in this event for the first time?
You'll definitely feel very nervous at first. But I believe I can do much better next time.
Xiamen International Circuit is a great track to ride, and I highly recommend that everyone come and give it a try.
Every Challenge Is an Opportunity to Grow
Riding at different circuits and gaining racing experience in a variety of environments are important parts of a rider's learning and development.
Through participation in races across different regions and professional training programmes, Silver Steed Racing Team continues to support riders as they improve their skills and take on new challenges.
If you are interested in competing in races or taking part in motorcycle racing training, please feel free to contact us anytime.
