By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
Across the world, there are millions of enthusiastic motor-racing fans, from those seeking the energy of Formula 1 to the hoards who buzz from the thrills of NASCAR.
Koreans, though, have been marked by their disinterest in the sport, despite the country being the fifth most powerful in the auto market.
Perhaps this is a consequence of Korea's developing during a short timeframe and a large portion of the population's penchant of saving money. Others have complained that motor racing is not fun, but noisy and a waste of time and money.
But as Korea moves further in the direction of the west, many have started investing more in motors, by purchasing imports or taking their existing cars for a tune-up.
And the outlook appears to have turned full-circle. People now watch motor racing for the some of the reasons that previously led them to dislike it: thunderous, roaring sounds.
Despite the interest lag, motor racing first took root in Korea two decades ago.
Though it stands in the shadow of international spectacles such as F1, the 20 years since its birth have seen a number of advances.
Known as CJ Super Race, the local take an motor racing has found its home in Yongin, Gyunggi Province, with enthusiasts able to watch four levels: Super 6000, GT, Super 2000 and Super 1600.
Super 6000, the highest class of engine in Korea, began by trying to replicate the NASCAR model. The United States-based event is probably the world's best-known stock car racing series, and those involved in Korean motorsport believe it is the best standard from which to draw.
Stock cars, produced purely for motor racing, use 6000cc displacement engines, which have 525 horsepower and accelerate up to 340 kph.
As the Super 6000 series uses the same car, the combined skills of technicians, mechanics and drivers represent the way forward, organizers say.
The other three classes use touring cars, essentially tuned from an everyday car available on the open market.
GT and Super 2000, though, are the most popular, both of them using a 2000cc engine, with the only difference that the GT class can tune a car to compete in more categories, while the GT class also has to carry out one pit-stop..
On Nov. 16, the weather was cold and windy, more than 10,000 people flocked to the Yongin circuit to cheer on their favorite drivers at the CJ Super Race Championship final.
The excitement levels were palpable. It was the last event of the season, and the title race remained wide open.
Among the contenders, Kixx PRIME racing team, sponsored by the oil company, GS Caltex, had been the best team since 2004, winning three straight years at GT class _ the most developed class and most attractive. This year, it won again.
Kixx PRIME manager Kim Jung-soo explained that the key to racing lies away from the driver's cockpit.
``Drivers can be representative of our team but without us he can be nothing," he said. "That's why the teamwork is most important in motor racing.
``If drivers can't believe in the technicians' skills and manager's strategy he can't win the race. If the technicians don't do their best, they could put the driver to the death.'' Kim said.
``Trust is the best thing to make the best team, and Kixx PRIMEracing team is definitely the best.''