I heard rumor about HK is talking about builting a F-1 Track

not necessarioy a F1 track, but yes the officials are really considering this option to build a "Hong Kong International Race Circuit" to bring down the percentage of people street racing and also to make some profit. but some officials also worries about the small amount of automotive enthusiasts in HK that the circuit may not generate revenue, and besides..automotive tax in HK is rather not cheap and gas is also expensive, and also pollution is another issue. (comparing to various other places of course)

but yes, an international race circuit is a rather good idea, i of course will then spend most of my time there.

 

Where are they gonna find land to build one?? The old airport?

 

I seriously hope they build one soon. Otherwise, the TR's 5th gear never gets used!

There so many exotics and souped-up ricers here that I don't think they will have problem making the money back. Charge each car US$100 or something for a 2 or 3-hour session and I can see a long waiting list to get in.

The old airport isn't viable, IMO. Too many people live around it, and they gonna whine about the noise. Also, the value of the land there with its full harbor view is very high. The government could make lots more money by selling the old airport to developers.

There is a small military airport (now used by some Cessnas I think) to the north near the Shenzhen border that's hardly used. It's tucked in a valley and quite beautiful. Not too many people live around it, but not sure if it's big enough The Chinese army has a barrack near there, but don't think they would mind.

Come to think of it, when the new airport was being built, they should have reclaimed more land as spare. Putting a track near an airport would solve the noise issue.

Also, they were also claiming a big chunk of the sea for Disneyland, they could've claimed more for a track.

Alas...lack of foresight by the government.

 

I heard something more along the lines of a Formula 3 or smaller track. I seriously doubt they could do something suitable for F1. Even Zhuhai was unable to secure the F1 deal (although there could have been any amount of "other" reasons for that).

Anything close to a "real" car track will IMHO be a winner. Look at the amount of money going over to Zhuhai from HK, in terms of track days, racing schools, and race events. Should try and keep some of that cash here.

Is it just me, or does anyone else feel that HK is now playing "catch up" all the time?

 

Alas, it's not just you. Typically, the people in charge are 100% hindsight and 0% foresight.

 

I know this is an old thread, but of my relatives came back from business in HK after a few weeks, and told me he heard this rumor.

Looking back, looks like its old and nothin really has materialized? If they couldn't build a F-1 level track, maybe they can try to get ChampCar?

 

It's more than a rumour. The HKAA tell me the track will be on an unused section of Chek Lap Kok (new airport). There was a fake map going round which was actually the Croft circuit. I think they want to get Disney out of the way first, plus the new convention and exhibition centre at the airport. Then they can focus on the track. It will be an F3 FIA certified track to help with the Asian F3 and F BMW race series. The car will be fully booked most of the time by rice cookers. I think HKAA will get first rights on all bookings so best to have your clubs sign up with the HKAA just like the Lotus Elise club.

 

Could you ever see Champ Car coming? Follow the path of Cleveland and Edmonton on running 2-3 day events on unused airports?