Jim Ka To

Jim Ka To
Jim Ka To
Born	November 28, 1984 (age 41); Hong Kong
Occupation	Racing driver
Years active	2004–present
Known for	Competitor in China Touring Car Championship, FIA World Endurance Championship, World Touring Car Cup

Jim Ka To (; born 28 November 1984 in Hong Kong) is a professional motorsport competitor active in the China Touring Car Championship. As the son of renowned Hong Kong street racer Jim Chong Shing, he embarked on his racing journey at a young age at the Zhuhai International Circuit. Showing considerable promise in the China Formula Campus series, he further honed his skills at La Filière in France through training with Formula Racing Developments.

At just 16 years old, Jim clinched pole position during the Asian Formula 2000 event held in Macau. Nevertheless, his progression within single-seater racing stalled, prompting a transition to touring car competitions starting in 2011.

2004

In 2004, Jim achieved second place in the Asian Formula Renault Championship and secured pole position for the Macau Formula Renault race, outperforming notable drivers such as Kamui Kobayashi, Scott Speed, and Bruno Senna. Although he suffered a crash during the race, he escaped injury. He was selected for the Red Bull young drivers' program in 2005 with Motorpark Oschersleben but withdrew prior to racing due to medical reasons.

2007

Throughout 2007, Jim competed in the Asian Formula Renault Challenge, winning two races at Zhuhai and emerging as the leading Asian driver. His participation was with Formula Racing Developments under the management of Kenneth Ma. Later that year, he joined Team PTRS for the 2007/08 season of the Asian Formula Three Championship, partnering with British driver Matt Howson.

2008 season

In 2008, Jim returned to contest the Asian Formula Renault Championship representing Formula Racing Developments and backed by sponsorship from Frestech Electrical Appliances. He also took part in the closing rounds of the Formula BMW Pacific Series during the Macau Grand Prix.

Between 13 and 16 November 2008, Jim competed in the Formula BMW Pacific race at Macau. Starting from 12th on the grid, he was involved in a crash that led to a race suspension; ultimately, he was classified seventh in the final standings.

On 13 and 14 December 2008, Jim secured victories in both concluding rounds of the Asian Formula Renault Championship, earning him the overall 2008 title ahead of competitor Geoffrey Kwong.

2008 Assault case

On 4 November 2008, Jim was detained at the Hong Kong–Macau Ferry Terminal on allegations of assault. He faced charges including assault occasioning actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm. Subsequently, on 26 May 2009, the Kwun Tong Magistracy found him guilty and sentenced him to 15 months imprisonment on 16 June 2009. After serving three months, he was released following a successful appeal on 16 September 2009.

2009 Formula BMW Pacific

Following his release from incarceration, Jim participated in the 2009 Formula BMW Pacific event during the Macau Grand Prix, achieving a fourth-place finish. This marked his eighth time competing in Macau.

2010 Formula BMW Pacific

Jim returned for the Macau round in the 2010 Formula BMW Pacific season, qualifying in 13th position and concluding the race in seventh place.

2010 accident and conviction

On 23 June 2010, Jim was involved in an accident where his friend's vehicle collided with a taxi on Cherry Street, Hong Kong. He was subsequently convicted on charges of careless driving and operating an uninsured vehicle by Kowloon City Magistrate on 10 January 2011. He received a fine of HK$2,900 along with a one-year suspension of his driving license.

2011 and 2012 China Touring Car Championship

During the 2011 and 2012 seasons of the China Touring Car Championship, Jim competed behind the wheel of a Kia representing 778 Autosport.

2013 World Endurance Championship

On 8 March 2013, KCMG revealed its driver roster for the no.47 Morgan-Nissan LMP2 car at the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship season's 6 Hours of Silverstone, featuring Jim alongside Alexandre Imperatori and Matt Howson. The squad secured sixth place in their category and twelfth position overall. For the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans, Chinese racer Ho Pin Tung took over Jim’s seat.

2019 World Touring Car Cup

KCMG announced on 9 October 2019 that Jim Ka To would join regular WTCR drivers Tiago Monteiro and Attila Tassi as a wildcard entrant for the Suzuka round of the 2019 World Touring Car Cup. Later, on 24 October, it was confirmed that Jim Ka To would also compete for KCMG in the FIA WTCR events held in Macau.

External links

Driver Profile - 778 Autosport