In the world of sports, youth is a premium.

For motor racing, it is almost a prerequisite.

So when businessman Kevin Kwee,38, signed up to take part in this year's 12-hour Merdeka Millennium Endurance
Race in Sepang, Malaysia, he is racing against the clock in more ways than one.

Especially since he has not driven competitively for 12 long years.

"I have always loved racing. I want to do this when my body can still do it," says the man who in his 20s took part in races such as North America Honda

Michelin Series, Asia Pacific Ferrari F355 Challenge and Taiwan's Formula Campus.

Now the executive director of carand-leisure enterprise Group Exklusiv, he attributes his return to right timing.

"I now have a bit more time on my hands because I am less involved in the day-to-day car retail business. And I
found a racing team that is dedicated and understanding."

The team is fielded by Choon's Motor-Works, a car workshop that has been involved in racing since 1989.

The two other racers in the team are fellow Singaporeans Kenneth Lin, 31, and Luke Netto, 22. Mr Lin is a senior executive with a logistics firm and Mr Netto is a student. They will be driving a rebuilt

1992 Honda Civic VTi EG6.

"Besides the bodyshell, everything about the car is new," Mr Kwee says.

Its 1.6-litre normally aspirated engine has been tuned to make over 190 horsepower horsepower and 180Nm of torque.

It redlines at 8,800rpm and is good for about 240kmh.

The drivers will take turns in it over 12 hours at the circuit on Aug 30, with each not lasting more than 75 minutes.

To get in shape, Mr Kwee has been dieting, running, doing yoga and gone back to the gym to build more muscle mass.

He has also gone for lasik surgery to correct his 275-degree myopia.
"I can't use contact lenses, I don't think my eyes can last 12 hours with them," he says.

What does he think of his chances of winning?

"After such a long absence, my first objective is to qualify. Then, we'll aim to complete the race and hope for a podium position," he says with a smile.

He says this may not be his last race, especially since his banker wife is supportive of his rekindled love. The couple have a three-year-old daughter who appears to be equally supportive.

"They made me a teddy bear as a mascot," Mr Kwee says.
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