Snake racer: From being criticized for 'knowing nothing about cars' to a professional team leader

Mr. Tien Tran, racer and safe driving instructor - Photo: HOANG VU

In the "On the Seat" program on February 4th, racer and safe driving instructor Tien Tran shared insights into his work.

* Over the past year, you've experienced many changes in your life and career, no longer focusing on tour guiding and car tours as you did before. What were the reasons for this, sir?

- In previous years, people knew me for my activities in the automotive industry, such as leading car shows, racing, or organizing car test drive events.

I think everyone wants a stable job and a stable place to live so they can take care of their family; nobody likes such disruption. But once my work has yielded certain results, I want to expand into other areas as well.

Before entering the automotive industry, I also worked in another field. Now I'm expanding my career into other areas such as construction.

When an opportunity arose in the construction industry, I decided to dedicate more time to the new job while still maintaining a certain amount of time for the automotive industry.

Because cars are truly my passion. When I was in high school, my school overlooked Nguyen Trai Street ( Hanoi ). During recess, I saw a BMW 3-Series and shared this with my friends. However, what I received in return from those friends was a comment I still remember to this day: "What do you know about cars?"

Later, after starting work, I had the opportunity to own a car and join car clubs, gaining practical experience with vehicles. I also modified cars and participated in off-road races in Vietnam. These experiences gave me a lot of knowledge that enabled me to work in the automotive industry.

* In the year of the Dragon, which trip do you remember most among all the journeys you've taken?

- Working in the automotive industry, my job is diverse, encompassing test drive events and racing competitions. Of particular note is my involvement in organizing trips for the media and clients.

Over the past year, the trip I've been most proud of was with the Ford Territory. Just before the trip was about to begin, Typhoon No. 4 unexpectedly hit central Vietnam, starting right in Hue City. Many options were considered, including postponing the trip, or even canceling it entirely.

The day before the event, Phu Bai airport was almost in the eye of the storm, and the team members who arrived early to prepare had to wait a long time for the plane to land.

The following morning, fortunately, it was only a light rain, and both flights carrying journalists from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City were able to land on schedule.

Thanks to that, our journey went as planned. At departure, it was only drizzling. On the second day, the weather was sunny and beautiful, and the whole group had a perfect third day.

* Now, in the "Welcome to the Year of the Snake 2025" series of the "On the Chair" program, I have 10 interesting questions for you.

First question: Tour guiding or business?

- Business.

Racing or leading the convoy?

- Racing.

Working alone or in a team ?

- Teamwork.

Freelance, self-employed, or employed?

- Of course, in any job or field, I think everyone wants to be their own boss. Perhaps people only choose to be employees out of necessity. Besides, many young people nowadays prefer to work independently.

Personally, I choose to be my own boss.

Korean cars, Japanese cars, American cars, or Chinese cars?

- I prefer American cars. My passion is cars and speed. The first car I actually owned was an American car. I upgraded and modified that car a lot.

SUV, pickup truck, or sedan?

- Previously, I chose pickup trucks. But now, prioritizing my family, I've chosen SUVs.

If you had 10 billion, what would you do?

- I enjoy business and being my own boss. Therefore, if I had 10 billion VND, I would invest it in business.

If you could choose 10 billion VND to buy your dream car, what name would come to mind?

My dream car is a Land Rover Discovery.

If you only had 1 million left, what would you do?

- This is a difficult question. I think I'll have to look for some kind of investment to start rebuilding.

If you retired early tomorrow, what would you do?

If I retire early, I'm sure I'll still look for something related to business.

Alternatively, with my experience and knowledge, I can guide or advise those who want to form a racing team to participate in domestic or even international racing events such as the AXCR Asian Cross Country Rally.

* You're truly a workaholic. This man absolutely refuses to retire. What are your plans for the Year of the Snake?

- For me, the year 2025 (Year of the Snake) will be a challenging year. But I think challenges come with opportunities, and I will always be ready for such challenges. Currently, I have two big plans.

First, I will dedicate more time to construction work.

Secondly, I will still dedicate a certain amount of time to my work in the automotive industry. After the Ford Territory journey, I will team up with a friend to continue organizing and conducting automotive industry journeys, bringing unique and emotional experiences.

As someone born in the year of the Snake, and having lived through three "cycles" (a period in the lunar calendar), with 2025 being my birth year, I would like to wish all viewers of " On the Chair" a peaceful new year and success in their work.