By Dhany Osman

When Mr Jacky Liew set up Motorsports Model Collectibles nine years ago, he never thought the Formula One race would ever be run in Singapore.

He even registered a business domain name, www.f1.com.sg, without a hitch.

His shop at the Delfi Orchard sells motorsport and F1-related items from countries like Britain, France and Italy.

When news broke in May last year that Singapore would host the event, he was very excited.

Said the 36-year-old: 'I think more Singaporeans will be exposed to motorsports now.'

He was even happier two weekends ago when tourists and Singaporeans alike flocked to his shop, as well as two stands he set up in Orchard Road.

He sold about 500 caps, T-shirts, model cars and other F1 accessories in all.

Caps were sold for $65 each, T-shirts went for between $95 and $120, and model car prices were between $90 and $200. Ferrari and McLaren team merchandise were the most popular items.

One of the best deals he struck was when a Malaysian collector bought a 1:8 scale model F1 car worth $8,000.

Total turnover that weekend was about $100,000, said the car enthusiast and Ferrari fan who is a graduate in hotel management. He said this was 100 to 150 per cent more than his usual weekend takings.

For next year, he plans to host a proper roadshow and promote his merchandise in a bigger way.

He recalled a group of three Filipino tourists who repeatedly visited his shop, buying new items each time.

'One even quipped that he wanted to sleep overnight in my shop,' he said.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on October 5, 2008.