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Is China ready for the fast track?

By Kristie LuStout
CNN

Editor's note: CNN International anchor and correspondent Kristie LuStout writes her "Shanghai Diary" as part of CNN's extensive "Eye on China" coverage. She will file stories daily from Shanghai and the surrounding region.

Jiang Tengyi is one of China's budding stars on the international racing circuit.

SHANGHAI DIARY

• Part 1: 'Real Ales Served Here'

• Part 2: Making the right impression

• Part 3: The real Shanghai deal

Gallery: Springing onto the global stage

China's athletes chase golden goal

SPECIAL REPORT

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SHANGHAI, China (CNN) -- With his pop star looks, Jiang Tengyi could be an extra in a boy band. But this 21-year old is racing for the pride of China.

Make way for this budding "Yao Ming on wheels."

"I feel proud to be an A1 Team China driver," Tengyi tells me. "Especially for this race. A lot of people come to watch our race and give us all the support."

Jiang and dozens of other drivers from around the world have been in Shanghai for season finale of the A1 Grand Prix -- the so-called "World Cup of motor sport."

The A1 is motor racing with a twist. The drivers race in identical cars... so it's a level playing field where the most talented driver wins.

Every driver competes in a single make, eight cylinder high-performance car -- manufactured by a British company that A1 keeps under lock and key until they're ready for the race.

And every driver represents his home country, arousing a surge of nationalism among the fans -- including one flag-waving university student named Cheng Ci.

Cheng tells me he's here to cheer for Team China and feels so proud that this is the first time Shanghai is hosting the A1 finale.

He paid more than 1,200 yuan for his ticket -- that's $150. Cheng says it's a trivial amount for a fan, but it's roughly one month's salary for the average Chinese worker.

The speed freaks in the stands may be crazy about the sport -- but what about the masses? When most people can't afford to buy a car -- let alone a ticket -- China may not be revved up for racing.

But A1 organizers such as Chief Operating Officer David Clarke disagree.

"It's relevant to China because people like to see their countrymen excel in any activity," says David.

"I think also that with the growth of the automotive industry in the Chinese Mainland, we'll see increased interest from Chinese auto manufacturers in marketing through motor sports and auto sports."

(That's A1's big hint to Geely, China's fledgling automaker, to pony up for the next big race.)

As for the season finale -- I head straight to the finish line. The racing world's answer to Yao Ming has finished in... 16th place.

That's out of 22 teams.

Jiang Tengyi blames a last-minute car switch for his disappointing performance. But his fingers are crossed for more opportunities to test in the next year.

All he wants is another chance to hone his skills and edge closer to the ultimate prize -- becoming the hero of his homeland.

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