Why we love Weng Sun Mok by his teammates!
Weng Sun Mok’s retirement from racing was met with paddock-wide respect last month. The linchpin of the Clearwater Racing team said a fond farewell to the paddock in Shanghai. Now he, Keita Sawa and Matt Griffin look back on their time together.
“Keita and I became great friends quickly and he has been coaching me to become better from the beginning,” said Weng Sun Mok in China. “He and Matt have been great teachers and we have got along famously which has contributed hugely to the great team atmosphere and dynamic we have enjoyed.”
When Mok and Keita switched their program from Porsches to Ferraris, the Prancing Horse sent over Matt Griffin to assist with the car back in 2010.
Above all though, Mok has savoured his time racing in the WEC after having made 14 appearances, taking one pole and that famous Silverstone 2017 debut win. But, as he told us previously, it is the people and the WEC that he has the fondest memories of.
“I talked to a lot of pro drivers in 2016 about the WEC and they said ‘I had to do it’ because it was the pinnacle and it was also so well organised and great fun too. They were right, I have loved it.”
For Keita Sawa, the feelings are mutual and Japanese LMGTE Am ace paid a glowing tribute to his partner.
“I am sad to be here for the last time racing with him, but I am also so proud and happy to see what he and the team has achieved over the last few years, it is very special,” said Sawa.
“Personally for me the WEC is so super to race in and the best championship I have raced in during my whole career. Almost every professional Japanese driver wants to come but only a few get here, so it is special for my life but also to spend it here with Weng.”
As well as the glowing tribute paid by Sawa, Matt Griffin was also quick to praise his outgoing teammate after being a significant part of the Clearwater story over the years.
“Weng has always been naturally pretty good behind the wheel. The first time I raced with him was with Gimmi (Bruni) at the Sepang 12 Hours and then we did various GT Asia and several Bathurst races together, so it has been real fun,” said Griffin.
“Specifically, the last two years in the WEC have been a mega adventure and I feel lucky to have been a part of it with Weng and Keita."
Griffin also acknowledged the way that Weng Sun Mok had consistently applied the knowledge imparted by himself and Sawa over the years.
“As a driver he really raised his game,” said Griffin. “It was really evident last year when we qualified on pole at Fuji because Weng was magnificent that day, absolutely first class.
“He is a super nice guy but takes his racing really seriously. As gentleman drivers go, he is perfect to race with and I will miss him big time, as a teammate and just as a friend too.”
As will the whole paddock. Thank you Weng Sun Mok!
