| Macau Grand Prix |
|
Macau’s racing history dates back to 1954 when the first ever Macau Grand Prix saw fifteen contestants in a four hour race. They completed more than fifty laps on an almost four mile circuit. In those days the official circuit in Macau left something to be desired as it was mostly loose dirt and sand. Throughout the 1950s there was a lot of repair and reconstruction to the Guia track. At first the loosely filled track was improved and afterwards the Macau Grand Prix got its first official grandstand made of solid concrete. Macau racing contestants received ten pits and 300 seats for spectators who became really fond of racing entertainment. In the beginning of the 1960s foreigners were granted permission to compete in Macau racing at the Guia circuit and the Macau Grand Prix slowly began being recognized on the international racing map. Afterwards many racers from around the world began setting records at the Grand Prix drawing attention to the exciting Macau events happening. During the later 1960s motorcycles became a favorite mode of racing transportation and many flocked to see the exciting Macau events take place. The 1970s saw many racing records being set in Macau drawing much attention from around the world. Austrian, German, Chinese, Italian, and Australian drivers were reaching unprecedented levels lapping other contestants by miles and setting some of the fastest racing times in the world. By the 1990s Macau racing was truly in the global spotlight. The Grand Prix gained so much attention over the years that many bought tickets for the big Macau events in racing. Though gambling is the highest activity on the list for many during a Macau vacation, racing was another form of exciting entertainment and locals and visitors began attending in droves. Each November top racers showcased their skills at the track. To date, the Grand Prix is one of the biggest Macau attractions in the city for race fans. The sport spawned the Grand Prix Museum in Macau, a well-known place located beside the Wine Museum on Rua Luis Gonzaga Gomes. In addition to the many great casinos like Emperor Palace, Crown Macau, MGM Grand and the Wynn Hotel and Casino, visitors will get a chance to soak up an interesting element of Macau history. One of the most exciting opportunities for watching the Macau Grand Prix races is from the Mandarin Oriental, where full views of the track, near the outer harbor, are afforded from high up in the resort hotel. The Mandarin offers two and three night packages for those looking for a birds-eye view of any race. Forget sitting in the grandstand when you can watch the action from up high in total comfort and luxury! With these prime views of the starting line and the entire circuit, racing fans enjoy an added element of excitement to games. Visitors heading to the Grand Prix Museum can expect to see a host of Macau racing cars on display. The past forty-five years of racing in Macau are highlighted by many excellent exhibits. Videos, photos, champion records, racing cups, articles and more can all be perused at the Grand Prix Museum. The building of the museum dates back in Macau history to 1933 when locals decided to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Grand Prix races with a special commemorative project. Many motorcycles and roughly twenty formula racing cars, driving by world famous race car drivers, can be seen on display. There’s also a racing simulator so visitors can experience what it’s like to fly around the track at mock speed. Those who want to visit the Grand Prix Museum during Macau tours can do so any day of the week between 10:00am and 6:00pm. There’s a small admission fee and children less than ten can enter for free. Visitors can purchase tickets to Macau events at the Grand Prix directly from the grandstand or from the Macau tourism office. Seeing a highly anticipated race is definitely one of the top ten things to do in Macau so be sure to get your tickets as far in advance as possible. Some Macau hotels and casinos offer discounts for tickets to Grand Prix races so make sure to ask at the front desk of your accommodation. The Macau cultural center may also offer discounted tickets to races and other exciting events like Jazz concerts, art exhibitions, various operas and other great Macau shows. |
