Geely expands presence in WEDZ with major auto racing events

A strategic cooperation agreement is signed between the Wuhan Economic Development Zone (WEDZ) and Zhejiang Geely Mintimes Technology Group Co on Aug 2. [Photo provided to en.whkfq.gov.cn]

A strategic cooperation agreement was signed between the Wuhan Economic Development Zone (WEDZ) and Zhejiang Geely Mintimes Technology Group Co on Aug 2, bringing several top-tier auto racing events under the Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of People's Republic of China to the zone.

Mintimes, a subsidiary of Geely Holding Group, is dedicated to creating a new commercial complex centered around racetracks, integrating automotive sports, commerce, and experiences with cultural entertainment.

It has already invested in and operates the Ningbo International Circuit, Chengdu Tianfu International Circuit, and the UMC Circuit in the United States, and holds exclusive operation rights for major event IPs such as the F4 Chinese Championship.

According to the agreement, Mintimes will introduce the FIA F4 Chinese Championship, CAMF's CEC China Endurance Championship, CDC China Drift Championship, and the MINTIMES GT Asia Series, among other high-end international and domestic events. The move is intended to promote the integrated development of the automotive sports and automotive culture industries.

CAMF is the sole organization representing China in international auto and motorcycle sports. In 2018 and 2019, it hosted the China Auto and Motorcycle Sports Festival, commonly known as "Iron Horse" in the zone, which featured influential events such as the CEC China Endurance Championship and CDC China Drift Championship.

WEDZ is building the Wuhan Intelligent Connected Vehicle Testing Ground to high standards, combining a T5-level testing ground with an F2 Formula Racing Track, making it the first of its kind in the world. The facility not only provides intelligent connected vehicle testing and certification services but also hosts auto racing events.

On the same day, Mintimes signed an agreement to manage the non-testing operations of the Wuhan Intelligent Connected Vehicle Testing Ground and to host automotive sports events.

Weng Xiaodong, president of Mintimes, stated that his company will rely on the Wuhan Intelligent Connected Vehicle Testing Ground to establish its third domestic racing circuit, the Wuhan International Circuit.

This will contribute to the formation of a layout of circuits in East China, Central China, and Southwest China, aiding in the promotion and hosting of various events.

Chen Jie, vice president of Mintimes, revealed that by the spring of 2025, Wuhan residents will be able to enjoy the FIA F4 Chinese Championship, CEC China Endurance Championship, and CDC China Drift Championship at the Wuhan Intelligent Connected Vehicle Testing Ground.

Additionally, Mintimes will collaborate with auto enterprises in the zone to establish an automotive aftermarket service center that integrates high-end brand displays, premium used car transactions, financial insurance, and more.

Mintimes will introduce automotive cultural IPs and work with WEDZ to create an automotive theme park, further enriching automotive culture and promoting the organic integration of the automotive, sports, and cultural tourism industries.