2017 Sinopec China Touring Car Championship saw its second stop in Zhaoqing on June  4, 2017. The fighting under the heat of sun at the track of Guangdong International Circuit impressed all the spectators. In the Super Cup, Dongfeng Yueda Kia Racing’s Zhang Zhiqiang won the first race in the weekend, while Changan Ford Racing Team’s James Nash brought home a champion by his outstanding performance in the second race. In the China Cup’s first race, Zongheng Racing’s Jin Bian saw his first win in CTCC, while in the second race, it was GAC-Totoya Team’s Zhang Hanbiao leading the race.

Wan Heping, Vice President & Secretary General of Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of China, Zou Yunrong, member of the Party Working Committee of Zhaoqing Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone, and Liu Xu, Deputy Secretary of Party Committee at BAIC Motor Sales Co., Ltd. attended the starting ceremony.

Super Cup: Five Manufacture Teams, Five Matched Rivals

This weekend, Dongfeng Yueda Kia Racing showcased their competitiveness as a strong rival in the Super Cup category. The Team’s driver Zhang Zhiqiang handled the competition pressure calmly and won the race. It is believed that they will keep fighting for more victories. All the Manufacture Teams are so strong that neither of them will miss the battle for the championship. The intensive competition will definitely become a  long-lasting one in which five Manufacture Teams all gear up to fight.

The fact that more and more foreign drivers take part in CTCC reflects the international influence and vision of CTCC. Changan Ford Racing Team’s fresh participant James Nash said: “It’s great to take the lead in my first CTCC race. Guangdong International Circuit is a challenging track.” James will be back in the next race weekend.

Chinese car brands also earned their credit in Zhaoqing. With a team strategy focusing on the second race of the weekend, Haima Qiangdongli Racing’s He Zixian finished second in the second race at Zhaoqing. BAIC Shenbao Racing’s David Zhu now leads the championship after two rounds in Zhuhai and Zhaoqing. Teams back by Chinese car brands have made significant progress that they are able to challenge the two existing strong teams Changan Ford Racing Team and Shanghai VW 333 Racing’s dominance in Super Cup. Shanghai VW 333 Racing’s Jiang Tengyi who finished second in the first race said:“We need to try our best to win the following races. ”

China Cup: New Geniuses, New Champions

As the most popular event in CTCC weekend, China Cup is always full of thrilling contests. In the first race held on Sunday morning, all the drivers play smartly to avoid being involved  into any accidents. The pole sitter, Zongheng Racing’s Jin Bian won the clear race, bringing his first champion at CTCC back home. Jin’s teammate Wu Zhou crossed the line in the third, earning hime the first podium position. FAW Totoya Vios FS Racing’s Gao Huayang finished second.

The second race held in the afternoon was as hot as the weather. Cars got crashed and retired, bringing out the safety car. In the last half of the race, more cars involved in a crash, bringing out the safety car for the second time. According to the reverse grid regulation, GAC-Totoya Team’s Zhang Hanbiao, who finished 12th in the first race, started from the first and won the fierce competition.

The heated contest in Zhaoqing has implied that more new geniuses have come on stage. CTCC’s new comers Jin Bian, Wu Zhou and Li Lin have proved their talent by finishing first, second and fourth respectively. So to speak, China Cup has already become a great platform for young talents to nurture their skills. China Cup will be more open to welcome new talented drivers in the future.

Next event of CTCC will take place in Junchi International Circuit in Guizhou in three weeks. Stay tuned.