There were only two Fairladys (or is it Fairladies? Lol) present competing in MegaLAP Round 1. This green 280ZX driven by Kevin Kong managed a 2:40.509, a mere 3 seconds off pace from the newer 350Z. While the 280ZX may not hold a cult status similar to the 240Z, it is still a thoroughbred Nissan 2-door sportscar. We caught up with Kevin and asked him a few questions. Here’s what we had talked about…
MegaLAP: How did you start taking up racing, more specifically time attack events?
Kevin Kong: I have only started taking part in motorsports since 2005 after a 10 year stint in the USA and had the funds to build a car of my desire. The intention was always to run my own little time attack against myself for kicks and thrills.
I was even involved in running on track back in the batu tiga days where I flipped my blue Honda City Turbo 2 when I was 17yrs old (not proud of it but it’s an experience money can’t buy).
Racing has always been in my blood and its been instilled from my family from young. Time Attack has only now officially emerged as an event but I believe like many of the MegaLAP participants, we have been doing this types of events internally against ourselves form the moment we decide to enter the track.
Megalap is an avenue to officiate our times and allow us for some bragging rights. If there is a top 3 podium position involved, the better it would be. Although getting on the podium is a bonus while we get to do what we love…
ML: Care to share the specs of your Z? Any plans for further development of the car?
KK: My 280zx is a 1980 year make and it has been lightly modified to withstand the rigours of track duty. I have however installed a Nissan RB25DET engine in it to exploit the competent chassis ability to corner.
ML: Why the 280ZX and not any other car? What would be the ideal car for you in a time attack event?
KK: I like being the underdog and the 280zx has nice lines. I always liked the shape of a classic and the engine bay allows me to dump in almost any engine I desire. My car is an expression of myself and it’s truly one of a kind. I try to keep things as simple as possible and didn’t want any electronic aids or its problems in the future hence I went with an old platform with a newish heart.
I was also only looking for an FR platform to allow me the odd drift and grip sessions in Gymkhana/autocross so there you go, the 280ZX.
ML: Any tips on driving fast in Sepang?
KK: I am the one who need tips to drive faster in Sepang so I should be the one doing the asking here!!! Anyone who wants to coach me is welcomed to come along for the ride in the next Megalap session. 
Thank you Kevin for the insight of how you became a driver and an enthusiast. I know many of us would have the same passion, but have we done enough to feed the enthusiast inside?
Make a date with MegaLAP Round 2 this 21st April and be the enthusiast that you can be!
