Cars that you can identify. Models that you see in the street. That’s what the World Touring Car Championship is all about, and they’re all in Macau this weekend.

The WTCC is a series for two-litre saloon cars, which has brought hordes of BMWs, Alfa Romeos, Chevrolets and even cars from the Spanish manufacturer SEAT, together in a head-to-head. All the different brands have led races this year, but as they head to Macau for the final two rounds on November 19, it is an Alfa Romeo that leads the pack. Incredibly, after 18 rounds in nine countries, they come to Macau where any of nine drivers can win, depending on the outcome of the final two races.

The last two meetings immediately prior to Macau were in Turkey and Spain, with victory in the first race at Istanbul Park going to the redoubtable Alessandro Zanardi. Italian Gabriele Tarquini won the second race ahead of team mate, Germany’s Peter Terting, both driving SEAT Leóns.

Italy’s Alessandro Zanardi of BMW Team Italy-Spain first made it into the list of WTCC winners last season at Oschersleben. The remarkable Alex Zanardi celebrated his first world championship race win after his serious accident in 2001, in which he lost both legs in a CART (Championship Auto Racing Teams) race.

Zanardi had exited the pits on cold tyres, although in themselves, they are not considered to be the main cause of the accident. Alex says in his book My Story: “There were no signs of rear skidding. I had consistent acceleration, but the car took off in an inexplicable manner … I was already pushing to the limit and lost control, went on to the grass and then ended up in the middle of the track.”

He goes on, “… Patrick Carpentier avoided hitting me. Then his team mate Alex Tagliani arrived and hit me full on in the side.”
The impact shattered Zanardi’s car and instantly severed his legs above the knees. After many months in hospital and the eventual fitting of prosthetic legs, two years later Alex Zanardi returned to the Lausitzring to symbolically complete the 13 remaining laps of the race that had nearly cost him his life.

In 2005 he also clinched the Italian Touring Car Championship and won a race in the European Touring Car Cup in Vallelunga. His WTCC race win in Germany was the highlight so far of his motor racing comeback. Zanardi drives a BMW with special modifications developed for his particular requirements. A truly amazing comeback.

At Istanbul Park in late September, a perfect start from Zanardi saw him beat the SEAT of Rickard Rydell into the first corner to take his first victory of 2006.
“My first win in Oschersleben was unbeatable in terms of emotions,” said Zanardi after the race. “However, my legs have not grown back so it is still hard to win, therefore this moment is also very special for me,” said Zanardi.

Heading the drivers’ championship is
Brazil’s Augusto Farfus with a slender one-point lead over Andy Priaulx and Jörg
Müller, tied for second place. Gabriele Tarquini is in fourth spot, only two points further back, while Rickard Rydell is only another three points adrift of Tarquini.
In the manufacturers’ championship, it
is even closer with BMW and SEAT both vying for the title, just 10 points separating the two brands. Alfa Romeo is a distant third.

In Valencia at the beginning of October, Augusto Farfus took race one, putting himself in contention for the title. Starting from pole, Farfus was immediately challenged by local favourite Jordi Gene. The Spaniard though was judged to have jumped the start and was awarded a penalty. Following various incidents on track, three title rivals were eliminated, with Priaulx, Tarquini and Rydell all retiring.

In the second race, Jörg Müller snatched victory from Duncan Huisman, but a fifth place finish for Augusto Farfus puts him in the lead of the championship as the circus heads for Macau.

Farfus said after his extraordinary
Valencia weekend: “I am extremely
happy with this weekend and to be in the lead of the championship. I had understeer in both races but I did my job so I am content.”

Jörg Müller meanwhile said: “Did I expect to be in this position now? You can’t make any prediction for Macau and it is worth remembering how many drivers can actually win the championship.”

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Arty Swimming
If you enjoy watching the arty side of swimming then drop by to the 2006 Synchronized Swimming Open Competition. Synchronized swimming is a hybrid of swimming, gymnastics and ballet. Unlike normal water events that judge the speed and score to determine the winner in synchronized swimming the contestants are judged on performance and their artistic impression. In this year’s competition be sure to see a number of contestants from different parts of the globe showing us their artistic talent. See different events such as the 25m Head First Scull, 25m Propeller and many more. Most importantly have fun, chill out, do a bit of dancing and watch beautiful girls and beautiful displays of flexibility and grace.
What: Synchronized Swimming Open Competition 2006 When 24-26 November Where: Kowloon Park Swimming Pool How much: Free Enquiries: 2572 8594

Strike Three!
“Don’t throw so hard” they may say. But there’s no need to worry anymore, cause softball is definitely the sport for you. Softball is a direct descendant from baseball, and is suitable for people of both genders and for all ages. It is very similar to baseball, but it instead, the pitcher throws underarm and the field is relatively smaller. In this year’s Women’s Invitational Fast-Pitch Softball Tournament 4 teams will be competing: Chinese Taipei, Singapore, Jiang Fu & Nanjing and Hong Kong. Last time this competition was held was in 1983 and won by China. Will China’s representatives Jiang Fu & Nanjing shine like China did? Or will Hong Kong win for the first time on home ground? Why don’t you come and watch for yourself and see if they really do throw like girls.
What: 3rd Women’s Invitational Fast-pitch Softball Tournament When: Nov 17-19, 17th (1700- 2130), 18th (10.30- 20.30), 19th (0800- 1700) Where: Tin Kwong Road Softball Field How much: Free Enquiries: www.softball.com.hk

Rolling Inline
Now in its sixth year the Hong Kong Inline Cup features fast paced rolling action and spectacular goals. Similar to ice hockey, inline hockey is played by 2 teams of 4 skaters and one goalie on a 44 metre by 22.5-metre dry rink. Featuring 400 athletes competing in 7 divisions and representing 12 countries, teams have come from as far as the UK, Australia and even Iran to compete against the best local inline skating teams. Will last year’s men’s winning team, Team Digi (Australia), have what it takes to win their 3rd consecutive Hong Kong Inline Cup? What about the ladies? Will last year’s ladies’ winning team, Hong Kong Dragons, be able to defend their title? Watch them roll their way of the rink or to the finals for a slice of victory.
What: 2006 Hong Kong Inline Cup When: November 23rd-26th Where: YMCA King Park’s Centenary Centre How Much: Free Enquiries: www.kpcc.ymcahk.org.hk