Chinese driver Huayang ‘Zack’ Gao has been confirmed as Eurasia Motorsport’s second signing for the 2019 TCR Asia series, joining Filipino racer Daniel Miranda in the team.
Gao will join the Philippine-based team for their first season in the Asian regional TCR series, with both drivers campaigning the race-winning Hyundai i30 N TCR.
Gao has a long history in touring car racing, having first competed in the Chinese Touring Car Championship in 2004, where he has been a regular front-runner ever since.
“I remember back to 2003 when I saw an advert in a local Beijing newspaper advertising drives in the Polo Cup and much to everyone’s surprise, I finished second,” recalls Gao, who is also known as an actor.
“I was fortunate to get a seat in the then-new Chinese Touring Car Championship the following season and that has been my home now for some time.
“I’m therefore delighted to be joining Eurasia Motorsport and working with Daniel this year in TCR Asia – a new challenge for me to look forward to.
“The car is new to me, as is the team and the Sepang circuit, so it will be a challenge even if expectations are high.”
Team Principal Mark Goddard explains that it was important for the team to have two experienced drivers for its first TCR Asia season, with 23-year-old Miranda having a background in single-seaters, including the 2018 Asian Formula Renault series.
“Having already confirmed Daniel for the programme this year, we’re thrilled to have Zack on board with us as well,” said Goddard.
“He has shown well in China Touring Car Championship circles over recent years and he is an important addition to the team. Having two quality drivers is really important for us.
“We know the Hyundai i30N TCR is a race-winning car, but we have had limited testing ahead of the first round of the championship in Malaysia.
“With the two entries we can share information across the garage, and this will be beneficial to us as we chase wins in our first season of TCR.”