Think of an international race circuit where drivers go to acheive their claim to call themselves THE champion. Names such as Spa Francorchamps, Suzuka, and Monaco come to mind almost immediately. Yet, these three circuits only represent a mere percentage of the world's reserve of world-class race circuits. This is where my story begins.
Here I am in the Guangdong Province of China, sitting in a van, trying to fight off a strong case of jet lag. I'm being told we're going to a race track, where track-purpose built cars are ready for rental to toss around the circuit. Hmm, this could be fun. Now, keep in mind, as these conversations were being had, we passed farm...after farm...after farm. I really didn't know what to expect.
We come along a standard checkpoint entering Zhuhai, a special economic zone set aside by the Chinese government. Guards stand post, as they keep an eye on incoming vehicles, especially commercial vehicles. Now, this is starting to get a bit interesting. Factories, small boutique shops, and other booths line both sides of the road. Pedestrians walking out onto the road, seeming as if no fear of death or injury exists in them.
We continue making our way through Zhuhai until we come upon an intersection. The driver makes a right turn, and we tread slowly up the crack-filled road. A few rugged speed bumps here and there, but nothing to write home about. We arrive at a small discrete gate accompanied by another guard. He makes his way around our van, peering into the dark tinted windows, as if we have illegal goods that we're trying to smuggle. He gives the driver and us a good look, and walks back to his post. A few exchange of words later, he kindly lifts the gate for us to pass. Coming into sight, a sign above us reads: "Welcome to Zhuhai International Circuit".
Wait, rewind that. "International Circuit"? As in, INTER-NATIONAL? Now, I really didn't know what to expect. I roll down my window in anticipation, and I hear music to my ears: throttles blipping, engines roaring, tyres fighting to gain traction. In front of me, a large grandstand. To my right, a glass-walled lounge completely furnished in ultra-chic modern stylings. To my left, garage after garage lining the pit lane. I don't know how, but I managed to somehow place myself into the world of Gran Turismo.
I eagerly run into the pit lane to see just what kind of machines are making such sweet sounds. No, it can't be. Seriously? Are my eyes playing tricks on me? While all these thoughts rush through my already exhausted brain, a Ferrari 360 GT sings its 8,500rpm song on the front straight, and BLAP, the next gear engages in milliseconds with a gentle slap of the column mounted paddles. I am in heaven.
Zhuhai International Circuit (ZIC) was constructed in 1996 to host China's first international race event. The FIA-approved circuit runs 4.3km and consists of 14 turns, designed specifically to challenge the drivers who find themselves upon it. Because of its design, ZIC is considered to be a high speed course. The circuit is home to a number of local and international events. Spanning from Pan Delta Super Racing Festival to FIM Asian GP to the more well-known, FIA GT (China Round). Just recently, ZIC has won the rights to organize China's first National Superbike Championship.
When the circuit is not in use for race days, it is home to over 40 race teams wanting to hone in their technique and driving skills. Teams such as Peugoet-sponsored China Dragon Race Team run laps after laps, striving to tune their machines to their run at their absolute potential. Today just so happens to be such a session.
On track, a Ferrari 360 GT, a Porsche GT3 Cup, a Lotus Elise, a number of newly-built Peugeot 307s, a handful of Honda Civic Type-Rs, and a couple Chinese-made track cars (which could definitely hold its own). Drivers from Italy, Canada, England, and Hong Kong are present as they continuously pit in and out, searching for their optimal suspension tuning setup. Spending endless hours on the track and fine tuning every single detail on their vehicle; this is where drivers are made.
As the day ended, I couldn't help but to leave in satisfaction, as I had just witnessed such a world-class facility in an area, generally thought to be, well, not so developed. China has come a long way, and is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the world. With the duo of ZIC and the more famliar Shanghai International Circuit, China may very well become a big contender in future endeavours for licensing rights and so much more. The sky is the limit. Hats off to you, ZIC.
More Photos:
Creative Design's Ferrari 360 GT pits in, as the crew checks the logs from the many sensors monitoring the vehicle's dynamics.
Driver John Shen from Canada straps into his Ferrari 360 GT, as he readies himself for the high-speed challenge at ZIC.
A Porsche GT3 Cup, driven by Walter Chang from Hong Kong, comes into ZIC's pit lane after numerous laps around the 4.3km circuit.
Peugeot-sponsored China Dragon Race Team swaps out the worn tyres from their newly built Peugeot 307 race car. The speed and force endured on the circuit is evidenced by the tremendous wear on the tyres.
