The first international endurance race in Korea – RACE123, which aspires to one day become a Korean version of the ’24 Hours of Le Mans’, will be heating up the Korea International Circuit (KIC) next Spring!
Earlier today, J’s Consulting Co.,Ltd. (herein referred to as J’s Consulting) officially announced that the first international long-distance endurance race in Korea,‘RACE123’, will be held from the 20th to 22nd of April 2017 at KIC, Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam-do.
A grand total of US$500,000 prize money will be awarded to podium winners consisting of five classes (GT3, GTC, Sports Production, Touring Production 1 and 2); of which the overall winner will take home US$200,000 in prize money! With up to 200 drivers from around the world expected to participate, RACE123 is envisioned to be a lively festival of speed as the race will operate in a combined race system without classification.
Endurance racing, often known as the epitome of motor racing is a form of competition designed to push the very limits of man and machine. The durability of the car, its equipment, and the stamina of participants among the teams. Multiple drivers (3 to 4) will attempt to cover a total distance of 1,230km in a single vehicle, completing 219 laps around KIC. Previous endurance races held in Korea spanned only 2 hours, thus further increasing the attractiveness of ‘RACE123′ to both domestic and international motorsports fans!
In the top category of ‘RACE123′ will be the GT3 class, comprising of GT3 vehicles registered with the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), such as Super Taikyu STX of Japan.
The GTC class will see vehicles from supercar one make races such as the Audi R8 LMS Cup, Porsche Carrera Cup, Ferrari Challenge, Lamborghini Super Trofeo Series and Trofeo Maserati.
The GT3 class will be drawing attention from local Korean GT race drivers such as Kyong-Ouk YOU (Team Audi Korea in Audi R8 LMS Cup) and Andrew Kim (Bentley Team Absolute in GT Asia).
During the competition, a wide variety of fringe events will be organised, offering spectators various activities such as camping zones and even an ‘Oktoberfest’ styled beer festival!
Additional activities include ‘Pit Walk’ and ‘Grid walk’ sessions where visitors can actually get up close to the race cars, meet drivers, and even participate in a ‘Taxi-Ride’ event, where a lucky few will get the opportunity to sit in an actual race car!
Managing Director of J’s Consulting, Mr. Hongsik JEON, asserts “RACE123 is a significant event, as it will be the first international endurance race here in Korea that is promoted by a Korean organiser and not overseas organisers hosting a race event here”.
He also added “it is expected to expand the domestic motorsports base with this event, and I will personally be focused on ensuring that this race grows to the likes of the ‘24 Hours of Le Mans’ in France or ‘Nürburgring 24 Hours’ in Germany. RACE123 will grow to become a true representative for international endurance races in Korea, and for the Korea International Circuit. Such race events also help promote our tourism sectors, as well as help elevate opportunities for local and regional businesses.”
* Additional information including regulations will be updated within a few days.