Start Your Engines: V1 Auto Racing in Beijing's Backyard

If you're like me, when you think of car racing, some of the first events that come to mind are Le Mans, Monaco, Monte Carlo, or Daytona. However, my guess is that one day in the near future China will earn its own spot on the list of internationally renowned tracks. Case in point, Shanghai already claims one of Asia's top 10 tracks, the Shanghai International Circuit. All of which suggests that as China continues to become a formidable player on the world stage, its burgeoning state-of-the-art racetracks will also soon become an industry standard.

China is home to a total of 13 FIA-approved racetracks, one of which – V1 Auto World – is a mere 19 minutes by train from the Beijing Railway Station or a 60-minute drive. The V1 Auto World racetrack is actually in Wuqing, a district in Tianjin, but it's almost nearer to Beijing than Tianjin itself, and though the track in Wuqing isn't as well known as Shanghai's, it is the newest of its kind in China, boasting an array of unique features, and has already hosted some amazing international events.

An unbelievable experience

My first visit to this exclusive track was something of a surprise, and though I haven't had the pleasure of visiting the world's most recognizable tracks such as Le Mans, Monaco, Monte Carlo, or Daytona, I still had the feeling that Wuqing's facilities were no less top-notch, distinct, and elite. As I toured the garages and their impressive collections of cars, walked through the event areas, sat in the grandstands, looked out from the control tower, and even took to the track, the feeling was nothing short of incredible, and I could vividly imagine all of the races, events, and VIP invitationals that have and will take place here.

The project as a whole is truly an international affair and includes sponsorships, partnerships, collaborations, and investments from a global mix of affiliates. The track design is one-of-a-kind, courtesy of Tilke, a German company that has specialized in track design since 1983, and has built some of the finest all over the world. Wuqing is capable of adapting to various types of races with its “FIA Certified, Grade 2 Flexible Multi-Module Racetrack,” and there are different configurations that will allow the track's lap length to adjust with four different designs, ranging from 2.4 kilometers to 4.3 kilometers.

More than just a racetrack

There's little doubt that Beijing is a cosmopolitan city on par with Paris, Los Angeles, Berlin, and the rest, and V1 Auto World was designed with this in mind. The facility as a whole will earn the approval of even the most distinguished race enthusiast, whether they come from Beijing or abroad. What's more, the track and surrounding area are modern to the hilt, with aesthetics that will please even the most elite visitor. Likewise, the facilities within the track are as diverse as the track itself, with spaces for everything from workshops to private clubs and events, plus a few features that are currently under construction including the off-road driving experience and boutique hotel.

Whether you're a novice or seasoned driver, the area has something for you, and their experienced instructors are ready to provide various levels of training depending on the skill of the drivers interested. The V1 Academy is equipped with professional race cars and trained professionals and the team says that this is “The first academy in China to use FIA and DMSB double certified factory race cars as training vehicles.” Adding that, “these cars are currently the most suitable training vehicles on the market, and are easy to operate, yet sophisticated enough to be used for advanced technique training.” 

The Events

At the moment, the track is still in its infancy, and apparently, there's a lot more planned for this area of Wuqing. Nevertheless, since opening in November 2018, some of the largest events to be held at V1 Auto World include The Chinese Endurance Series and Championship, The V1 Speed Festival, The EV1 Motorsports Festival, and The China GT Championship, the largest of which attracted a crowd of more than 10,000, with over 450,000,000 viewers tuning in online.

So whether you're a race fan, adrenaline junky, or simply looking for a new experience, make sure and add The V1 Auto World to your list of places to check out. If you're interested, view their racing calendar at http://www.v1aw.com.cn/

READ: Six Cosmic Places to Get Spaced Out in Beijing

Images courtesy of the Wuqing Race Track