Drag racing promotes Zhuhai exhibition industry

The first Chinese professional and standard Fast4ward linear speed race put on spectacular 1/4 Mile Drag Racing at the Hunting & Zhuhai Airshow Motorsport Center from Sept 23 to 24.

The live show of more than 120 automobiles provided a mix of speed and passion. The two-car drag races covered a 400-m straight and lasted just a few seconds each.

The battle was cheered on with the brilliance of both performance and setting, which also encompassed an exhibition of modified cars, interactions between car fans, and a car boot sale.

The first of its kind in China, the event has been held mostly in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen so far, attracting 3,000 drivers and tens of thousands of spectators. It was certified by the China Autosport & Motorsport Federation of the General Administration of Sports.

It is also the first domestically famous auto racing staged since the motorsport center opened at the Zhuhai Airshow Center in June this year with the largest outdoor exhibition area in China.

Racing at Fast4ward [Photo by Zhong Fan / Zhuhai Daily]

The partnership is developed by Zhuhai Airshow Co Ltd and Shenzhen Hunting Racing, a noted domestic autodrome operator. Covering 1.3 sq km in Jinwan District, it is comprised of a 240,000-sq-m dynamic square, 1,102-m asphalt linear road for speed detection, and 70,000-sq-m cross-country experience area.

The intent is to make the area the largest and best-equipped auto testing center in South China. Support facilities include a modern multi-functional news center, large exhibition halls, guestrooms, and business service areas.

A sponsor said the venue is an optimal choice for drag racing. Because Zhuhai has extensive experience in hosting auto racing events and is adjacent to Hong Kong and Macao, they can better promote car sports culture in the Pearl River Delta and Greater Bay Area. The sponsor said that further cooperation with Air Show Center is pending.

Upcoming are the International Unmanned System Conference 2017 & China (Zhuhai) Unmanned System Exposition 2017, 4th Zhuhai International Automobile Exhibition, and China International Exhibition of Dual-use Technology 2017. These are to be held at the Airshow Center, advancing Zhuhai's competitiveness in the MICE industry, according to a spokesperson.