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Focus · Written by Kim Samuel Photographed by Studio Kenn
No Limits
Korea International Circuit
A green flag heralds the beginning of a race at the Korea International Circuit (KIC) in Yeongam-gun County,
the biggest sports facility in Jeollanam-do Province with a seating capacity of 120,000.
The KIC also has Asia¡¯s longest auto racing track at 5.61 km that allows a top speed of 320kph.
© Jeonnam Development Corperation
Equipped with a 6,200cc engine and 460 horsepower, a stock car is created for the sole purpose of racing at incredible speeds. The top level of racing in Korea is the ASA 6000 Class, which is the also only stock car race in Asia. The GT Class features engines modified to offer a more dynamic experience. The BMW M Class race features drivers racing in the 450-horsepower BMW M4, and the Radical Cup Asia Series is the only one-make prototype series featuring the SR1.
Thus a combined 96 cars in five classes race at the Korea International Circuit (KIC). The circuit has 18 turns—11 left and seven right—and is designed to be raced in a counterclockwise direction to test driver prowess and add excitement to a race. The facility can accommodate 120,000 spectators, but the best seats are at the Main Grand Stand, where 16,000 can take in all the action occurring at the start-finish line. A large LED screen also displays the flow of a race at all times.
The speeds seen on the Korea International Circuit (KIC) blow away anything seen on normal roads.
Course Layout
As soon as the race starts, a high-speed section tests a Formula One car¡¯s engine power. Turn 1 is the first overtaking opportunity as drivers slow to 100kph, much to the delight of the fans in the Main Grand Stand. The race grows even more intense in the 1.2-km-long main straight section where top speeds can reach 320kph.
At Turn 3, extreme concentration and tire management skills become crucial factors since drivers quickly slow down once they pass this section at maximum engine capacity.
The second section, the most essential part of the circuit, tests a car¡¯s cornering setup. After the straight, drivers take on Turn 3 to Turn 4 with a left-right-left corner sequence. Competitors can turn things around at the three corners in the north from Turns 7 to 9. At these high-speed corners, they utilize late braking to catch up to other cars or extend their lead.
The third is the Marina section toward the finish line. The short straight limits top speed and its corners demand sudden directional changes between low and mid-high speed corners. Speeds drop to 100kph at Turn 15, which will be included in a street course as the county furthers its urban development. The highlight of the circuit, the view of the scenic Yeongamho Lake on Turn 17, brings to mind images of tracks in Monaco and Valencia, Spain.
A driver shows his confidence of winning before a race.
The KIC hosts events in which drivers and fans can interact with each other.World-class Venue
The KIC has hosted four F1 races as a Grade 1 Circuit (top grade) licensed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, auto racing¡¯s world governing body. Since its opening in 2010, the KIC has steadily grown more popular every year, hosting 280 open tracks last year alone. It has also held 27 domestic and international events, including Korea¡¯s largest professional motorsports competitions CJ SuperRace Championship and Jeonnam Grand Touring as well as the TCR Asia Series and Asia Motorsports Carnival. This year will also see the circuit host a host of top competitions. With more than a million visitors so far, the KIC is undoubtedly a leading attraction in the region.
A major reason KIC events run so smoothly is the 80-100 marshals who keep everything operating without a hitch. Seen at every corner of the circuit, they send signals with their flags by the track or corner or manage the control tower, pit, security and records. Given the importance of this aspect of operations, KIC management has trained 1,000 staff so far and another 200 this year.
The green flag starts a race.
Year-round Use
Winter is typically the sport¡¯s offseason but in Yeongam-gun, the mild temperature allows drivers to continue training. The circuit is often rented out to organizations or individuals wishing to experience an F1-grade circuit.
Near the circuit¡¯s entrance are other facilities such as campsites, a baseball field and an off-road experiential hall. The park here even hosts small sporting events. While certain circuits are criticized as being white elephants that serve no further purpose after a major international event, the KIC has become a regional landmark that attracts people both from Korea and overseas. With its multiple functions, the circuit is not just the national hub for motorsports enthusiasts but also a prime tourist spot in Jeollanam-do Province.
Fans cheer as cars turn the corner. © Jeonnam Development Corperation
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