Fellow Motorist: Johnny Wong, racing driver & managing director of Best Chemical Co.

Mr Wong, 50, is a motoring enthusiast with more than petrol running in his veins, because his Singapore company distributes automotive fluids such as engine lubricants and race fuels.

When did you get your driving licence?

 In 1991.

What do you like about motoring in Singapore? 

I like the road quality and condition in Singapore, which has been ranked as one of the best places with high road quality and low congestion compared to other countries.

What do you dislike about motoring in Singapore?

The cost of validating our rides to keep them on the road.

Remember your first car? 

It was a 1989 Honda Accord Coupe, which I got during my first year studying in the US.

What were your three most memorable past cars? 

1993 Honda Civic VTi EG9, 2010 Audi R8 4.2 manual, 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Red Vapor limited edition 6.4-litre.

You have a JDM car collection?

Yes. Honda NSX NA1, Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 and Fairlady 300ZX Twin Turbo Z32; Mitsubishi GTO, 3000GT MR and Evo VIII MR RS. I also have a Nissan Silvia K’s Autech Convertible S13 and a Toyota GR Yaris.

What is your daily drive?

My 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic AMG Line.

What would be your ultimate dream car?

Porsche 997 GT2. With 530bhp, a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, this car is built for excitement. Sliding it around with the rear wheels smoking will be pure adrenalin!

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job role in Best Chemical?

Working with key players in the chemical industry and having the opportunity, as a distributor for Petronas and VP Racing, to combine my passion and work by collaborating with professionals in the automotive industry. This unique blend allows me to bridge my professional expertise with my personal interests, making my job both fulfilling and exciting.

And what is the most challenging aspect?

Ensuring the company remains relevant in an ever-changing and competitive world. This requires constantly diversifying the range of products and services we offer to meet evolving market demands and stay ahead of industry trends. Balancing innovation with customer needs while maintaining our reputation for quality is a continuous challenge, but it drives me to think strategically and stay adaptable.

Johnny Wong in his Honda Accord Coupe when he was an 18-year-old undergrad in USA. 

What do you miss most about the good old days of Singapore motorsports?

The regular motorsport events at Kallang Car Park, along with the camaraderie that came with them. Now, there are few to no venues available for motorsport events in Singapore.

How did you feel when the first Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix night race was confirmed for 2008?

I was part of the inaugural team of FIV (First Intervention Vehicle) drivers, now called MIV (Medical Intervention Vehicle), for the Singapore F1 Grand Prix. At the time, I was excited about the prospects of the Singapore F1 night race, thinking it would elevate local motorsports. However, it didn’t quite live up to those expectations.

What is your favourite racetrack and why?

Kallang Car Park was where I bonded with friends and fellow racing enthusiasts in the 1990s. It was a grassroots community, all about experimenting with modifications through trial and error, without the internet to rely on for information.

Who is your favourite racing driver? 

Ken Block, because his incredible control and flair behind the wheel have shaped the way I drive.

What are your hobbies?

Working on car restoration projects and enjoying leisure drives with friends who have similar passions.

What is your favourite food and drink?

Chilli crab and soursop juice.

Johnny Wong with his EG9 Civic VTi "rally car" at Kallang Car Park B circa 1999.

Read More: Fellow Motorist: Ringo Chong, race team director & ex-racing driver

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