Teenagers who love the books by Han Han should pay attention to car racing news this month. The popular young writer, who surprised the nation when he quit high school, is to come to Beijing in a roaring racing machine.

Following his criticism that China's high school education is too exam oriented, Han chose in 1999 to write his novel instead of staying in school. Now the 23-year-old has done it again and fully devoted himself to car racing. As a strong competitor in the final section of the China Circuit Championship, which is held in Beijing on October 28, he aims to be first runner-up this year.

"I had hoped to win the championship at the beginning of the season, but one tyre of my car broke on the last section in Shanghai that pushed me back to second position," said Han Han with a smile. "In car racing it is really competitive, it's different from writing. Becoming champion is my goal next year."

Han said that taking part in car races has been his dream since he was a little boy. He changed his career from desk to wheel in 2003. After only two years he had become a core driver in the Shanghai Volkswagen 333 Race Club, and won his first section championship in Zhuhai, Guangdong.

"To win is a matter of timing. I can drive at high speed with enough skill, the only thing I need is a little bit of good luck," Han says.

Driving and writing are quite similar, according to Han. He said that in order to control the car you must be calm and make the right decision in a very short time. As for writing, you should control you creativity the same way.

Han has described all his experiences of being a car racer in his new book that comes out at the end of the year.

"I chose it, I love it," said Han when he talks about his career switch. He hopes the racer Han Han can be as successful as the writer.

(21stcentury.com.cn October 9, 2005)