My heart is completely broken – Chang

“Right now I am angry, but I pray I will find forgiveness soon.”

Those were the words of Jamaican race car driver Natasha Chang, following the news of the tragic death of her father, Roger Chang.

The businessman was found on Sunday afternoon with several stab wounds to the back, in the community of Windsor Castle, which sits on the border of Portland and St Mary.

Despite still struggling to come to grips with the tragic news, Natasha, a newly-wed, who is currently in the United States, took time out to speak to The Gleaner about the man who she credited for not only being a supporting father, but for shaping her life in the sport of motor racing.

“He was my biggest supporter, the definition of a girl dad. He was the reason why I am the way I am. He would always tell me, no isn’t good enough, keep pushing forward. I attribute so much about me to him,” shared Natasha.

The former dexterity winner, who was a part of the Jetcon race team, said she cannot come to grips as to why someone would hurt her father.

“He was such a simple and humble man. Whenever he had time, he’d be at some other corner food shop or rum bar. He loved Jamaica and he showed it in so many ways. He was so influential to many. He would lend a hand to anyone who asked,” she shared.

Multifaceted

Natasha explained that her father was a multifaceted individual, who was involved with many associations, including the New Kingston Citizens Association, Jamaica Solar Energy Association, The Bamboo Association of Jamaica and the Jamaica College Old Boys Association. He was also instrumental in providing technical timing services at many track and field meets and road races in Jamaica.

Chang, who holds the new Guinness record for the fastest ascent of the Doi Chang Mountain Road in Thailand in her 02 Honda Civic EK6, said her father had always supported her interest in motorsports.

“I don’t think there was a race meet that he missed. He would always call me ‘mek sure my pit pass is there’ and he was so proud of my accomplishments and would send countless videos and pictures,” Natasha said. “He has a scrapbook of me with clippings of every article I’ve ever been involved with. That’s the type of father he was, he never pressured his kids and he only wanted to know we were happy. My heart is completely broken.”