Sensational Recovery Drive to P2 for SJM Theodore Racing in Shanghai
Shanghai, May 17, 2025:
Supported by long-time partner, Macau-based integrated resorts operator SJM Resorts S.A., SJM Theodore Racing raced to a sensational second place finish in Race One of the Shanghai double header in the Lamborghini Supertrofeo Asia Round Two event.
Starting from the front row of the grid in P2, Macau's Charles Leong was hit from behind by another competitor early on lap one and then began an epic recovery drive from the back of the field.
Running 19th of the remaining 20 cars in the 50-minute race, the field regrouped behind the safety car and Leong settled in for a long battle through the pack in the 620 BHP Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2.
When the race resumed after five laps, the Macau star quickly moved up to 13th place and two more places were gained on the following lap. He was up to 7th by lap seven which became 4th by the ninth tour when the pit window opened for the mandatory pit stop.
Staying out to maximise track position for the second part of the race, the SJM Theodore number 32 car was in third place by the time Leong stopped to let Alex Denning take over.
The Irish driver was quickly up to speed and recording lap times faster than the leader. He took over second place when the car immediately ahead incurred the first of two penalties and then recorded fastest lap of the race as he chased the leader.
In the end, despite carving seconds out of the deficit to first place, Denning ran out of time to mount a bid for the lead but he and Leong could reflect afterwards on a thrilling race and an epic recovery from a perilous position to further extend their championship lead ahead of race two on Sunday morning.
Charles Leong:
“It was a really positive result. We started P2, and then got the shunt at turn six by the car 11 and then I came back during my stint to P2, so it was a really, really nice job done together as a team. We made a huge change for the car as well after qualifying which worked really well and for sure there is still something we can fine tune, but everything is showing that we're the best at the moment and we have the speed and everything is together.”
Alex Denning:
"I think we can be very happy with that one, to be honest. You can come up to the last corner of the last lap and everyone crashing, you win the race, and you say it's a good result, but there, we really, really had to fight for it. It was just about remaining positive. You know, when you're hit with those bad scenarios, it's just 'OK, let's regroup, let's see what we can do.
"Charles did a mega job, picked them off one by one. He gave me a bit more of an easy job, and as soon as I got into the car, the pace was mega. None of this would be possible without SJM Theodore racing. We had a bit of a backward step for qualifying. We found out the source of the problem. We regrouped, overcame it, and I think we're going for the win tomorrow."
Teddy Yip Junior: “The team can be proud of a fabulous bounce back to make it three podium visits from three races this season. We've been fighting to extract the maximum performance from the car all week and our task was made even harder when we were the innocent victims of another competitor's error on the first lap.
Charles, Alex and all the team can be proud of how they responded during the race and they took the maximum of what could be achieved. It sets us up nicely for race two which will be equally challenging.”
Qualifying: Charles Leong qualified second for race one in the first of two qualifying sessions on Saturday morning. Alex Denning then took over the SJM Theodore Lamborghini Huracán for the second qualifying session to determine the grid positions for Sunday's second race.
