Ang Moh: Why Shut Out Peasants from F1?

[makapaaa]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR>Sep 27, 2008
SINGAPORE F1 GP
</TR><!-- headline one : start --><TR>What will make race a hit: Visitor
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->WHAT will it take to make Singapore's first Formula One Grand Prix a success? My wife and I flew into Singapore from Britain for the race and we feel that for the event to be a success, the racetrack atmosphere must be very festive.
It isn't enough just to put on a good race or have efficient facilities or only have an exciting, challenging race circuit.
In this respect, I am glad to note that Singapore's unique culture will be on display at the circuit. The wide range of international and local talent attest to Singapore's world-class presence.
I'm especially happy to see that some of the best Singaporean hawkers will be represented within the race-circuit park as well as a wide range of other foods. My favourite Singapore foods happen to be Malay, Peranakan, Indian and Chinese.
Of course I expect the the world's first F1 night race to be a memorable one. But I'm equally happy it will be a festive event as well, which will display the many cultural facets of Singapore.
Mark J. Topolski

 

[makapaaa]

Sporns are only meant to serve NS and protect us watching the race, OK? *hee*hee*​

 

[makapaaa]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR>What's in it for the man in the street?
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I REFER to Mr Carl Skadian's insightful article on Thursday, 'Pride in F1 race missing'. He notes the lack of interest in the race in the man in the street. The reason is simple: We were not invited.
The whole event is pitched as the exclusive domain of the wealthy and glamorous. Tie-ins with $20,000 timepieces, Michelin-star chefs and after-parties for the absolutely fabulous are the order of the day. Hotel room rates have tripled.
With concrete and metal fences lining the roads, downtown Singapore looks more like a set from Escape From New York.
I feel that, at least in this first season, the organisers should have left these screens down, so the public could have got a glimpse of the race, even if it meant craning their necks.
I don't think ticket holders would feel cheated: After all, they have the best views and the ability to move freely behind the safety barriers. As it is, if you ask your friends if they are going to Marina this weekend, instead of 'I wouldn't miss it for the world', you are more likely to hear, 'No point, can't see anything'.
Michael Price


If it's not an ang moh writing in, dun expect this letter to be published!