CTCC Shanghai Jiading Station concludes with a grand finale
News & Announcements China Shanghai International Circuit September 22
On September 21st, the 2025 CTCC China Circuit Professional Circuit Championship (CTCC) Shanghai Jiading Station once again kicked off with a thrilling contest. The three major events—CTCC, CHINA GT China Supercar Championship, and Lynk & Co Cup City Racing—concluded their competition, with consecutive rounds of intense competition bringing the atmosphere to a climax. Over the weekend, the total attendance exceeded 40,000. The spectator area was equally bustling, and the multi-faceted collaboration elevated this speed feast into a spectacular weekend showcasing the region's vitality and promoting the deep integration of culture, sports, and tourism. Award presenters: Du Guangyu, Deputy Secretary-General of the Aesthetic Education and Art Branch of the National Education Calligraphy and Painting Association; and Ma Ben, Michelin Asia Pacific Race Director. In the CTCC-TCR China Championship, Lynk & Co. Jiekai Racing's Zhang Zhiqiang and Zhu Dawei took first and second place in the Driver's Cup. Jiekai Racing's Pan Dejun took third place overall in the Driver's Cup and first in the TCR China Championship Challenge Cup. Zhang Zhiqiang received the Michelin Fastest Lap Award for this round of the TCR China Championship. Award presenters: Du Guangyu, Deputy Secretary-General of the Aesthetic Education Art Branch of the National Education Calligraphy and Painting Association; and Ma Ben, Michelin Asia Pacific Race Director. Deng Baowei of the Macau MACPRO Racing Team won second place in the TCR China Championship Challenge Cup category, while Hu Heng of Guiyang DTM Racing By FORCE took third place. In the TCR China Challenge, Team TRC took the top two spots, with Zhang Hongzhi and Chen Haoting taking first and second place, respectively. Liu Zichen of the Zhejiang 326 Racing Team took third place in their category. Award Presenter: Julien Barbalat, Director of Supply Chain and Logistics for Michelin China. Liu Zichen won the Michelin Fastest Lap Award for the TCR China Challenge. In the CTCC China Cup, Zhejiang 326 Racing Team's Liu Ning/Zhao Shiyan/Yang An/Wu Yifan took first place overall, clinching their second TCR championship of the season. Hunan Jiren Ziyou Tianxiang Racing Team's Fu Bin/Zhang Wentao won the TCS class. Beijing DTM Racing's Wang Haosen/Wang Junyao/He Xiaole triumphed in the TC1 class. LPCC Team's Li Dan/Zhu Juan took first place in the fiercely competitive TC2 class. Guangzhou Spark Racing's Liang Jinsheng/Cheng Yaofeng triumphed in the TC3 class.
At noon that day, the CTCC Shanghai Jiading Station held a departure ceremony. He Jiandong, Full-time Vice Chairman of the China Automobile and Motorcycle Sports Federation; Zhou Wanchun, Director of the Jiading District Sports Bureau; Liu Peng, Vice President and Sales Director of Michelin China; Lin Guoping, Executive Vice President of the Shanghai Automobile and Motorcycle Sports Association; Pan Wei, Racing Manager of Pirelli Tire Co., Ltd.; Li Dan, Autosport Director of Lynk & Co/ZEKR; Wang Jian, Party Secretary and General Manager of Sinochem Petroleum Sales Co., Ltd.; Ma Ben, Asia Pacific Racing Director of Michelin; Shi Shizhou, Head of Marketing Strategy of Chepu Group; Geng Yingqiang, Party Secretary and Chairman of Zhengzhou Cultural Tourism and Sports Group; Masahiko Iida, President of DJ Holdings; Li Qian, Customer Racing Manager of Audi Sport Asia; Yan Liyan, Sales and Marketing Manager of Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific; Li Jingwen, Customer Racing Support, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Asia; Deng Dawei, General Manager of Shanghai Qingsu Event Planning Co., Ltd.; Chen Bo, General Manager of ARTKA; Liu Guangchao, Chairman of Zhengzhou International Auto Park; Cheng Guang, Chief Operating Officer of the China Auto Circuit Professional League (CTCC); and other leaders attended the opening ceremony. He Jiandong, Full-time Vice Chairman of the China Automobile and Motorcycle Sports Federation, announced the start of the race. 40,000 Enthusiasts Drive Jiading****The Race Economy Booms
Following the vibrant first race day on Saturday, the Shanghai Jiading race saw renewed interest on Sunday, with over 20,000 spectators and guests attending the race that day, bringing the weekend's cumulative attendance to over 40,000. The auditorium remained consistently full, and the spectator activity area was bustling with activity, fully demonstrating the growing public appeal and market vitality of Chinese motorsport.
This event not only features fierce competition, but also redefines the meaning of a "racing weekend" with its multi-layered, cross-industry experience design. To ensure fans enjoy the thrill of watching, having fun, and enjoying the delicious food, CTCC event organizer Fang Lisheng Sports began preparations months in advance: the circuit was redesigned, and security checks and emergency exits were repeatedly rehearsed to ensure orderly entry and safe exit. On race day, every ticketed spectator received a unique CTCC wristband, each color-coded to the grandstand area, allowing them to pinpoint the desired scene. A high-performance modification appreciation event was held in the spectator area of the waterscape plaza in front of the stands. This was a paradise for car enthusiasts, with exhibits showcasing various aftermarket modification brands, including tires, brakes, and shock absorbers. There were also exquisite modified art cars on display, attracting many fans to take photos. On the other side of the event area, a global food court was set up, offering renowned brands like Master Kong Iced Tea, Starbucks, and Dairy Queen, along with snacks from around the country, satisfying the spectators' appetites and fueling their energy as they watched and cheered. The most exciting event for fans was the autograph session with the drivers. Spectators interacted closely with the CTCC drivers and enthusiastically cheered them on.
A variety of special activities also delighted spectators. During the race, CTCC and Dongchedi launched a prize-giving event, giving away racing merchandise to fans. CTCC's diverse on-site activities seamlessly integrated with the race, creating an immersive experience for spectators that combined sports competition, cultural consumption, and leisure and entertainment. In June 2025, the State Council's "Opinions on Promoting High-Quality Development of Service Consumption" proposed supporting the development of integrated business models such as "events + tourism," and explicitly called for promoting these models. By integrating ticketing resources for events, performances, and exhibitions with consumption scenarios like cultural tourism, accommodation, and dining, cross-sector discounts can be created. Shanghai has pioneered the "ticket stub economy," supporting the development of "ticket +" themed products. CTCC fully implemented this "ticket stub economy" model at this event, successfully transforming enthusiasm for the event into actual consumption. During the Shanghai Jiading race week, many spectators, armed with their tickets, stayed at hotels in Jiading District, sampled local cuisine, and visited surrounding attractions, integrating "local consumption" into an essential part of their experience.
Stars shine****Cross-border drivers ignite a new wave of Chinese racing
During this racing weekend in Shanghai Jiading, cross-border drivers ushered in a collective outbreak, becoming an important force in promoting racing to "break the circle". Wang Yibo performed steadily in the CHINA GT, joining teammate Pan Junlin on the podium in Saturday's final. Han Dongjun made his CTCC and Lynk & Co Cup City Racing debut, taking third place in his category in Saturday's CTCC final and taking home the championship in the Lynk & Co Cup. Aarif Lee returned to the CTCC China Cup, winning the championship alongside Gao Huayang. Xu Weizhou also successfully completed his circuit racing debut in the CTCC China Cup, marking a new chapter in his racing career.
In recent years, the CTCC has actively developed a Golden League model, sparking a trend of crossover drivers competing in the Chinese automotive world. At the Shanghai Jiading race, the Golden League once again showcased a star-studded field, attracting a large number of fans to the event and sparking heated discussions on social media, bringing unprecedented attention to Chinese motorsport. Through its comprehensive competition system, professional event operations, and innovative communication strategies, the CTCC provides a platform for crossover drivers to realize their competitive dreams, further solidifying its influence as a benchmark platform for Chinese motorsport. Han Dongjun is enjoying the competition very much: "I'm so happy to be participating in a professional event like the CTCC. I even didn't sleep well for two days because I was thinking about it. This is my first time participating in the CTCC and my first time running a race, so there's so much to learn. The CTCC helps me effectively control the wear and tear of the car's brakes, tires, and other equipment, and learn to manage my physical fitness. Dealing with the many complex factors in the fierce competition is one of the challenges and charms of this sport. Learning to quickly adjust my mindset during complex races is also a treasure that racing has brought me. I want to continue participating in various competitions to constantly improve my mindset and accumulate experience." Xu Weizhou said, "This time, I have very professional teammates like Sun Chao, Gao Huayang, and Aarif Lee—a gathering of car enthusiasts. The CTCC China Cup is a team sport, requiring close collaboration with teammates and the car. I used to be a drift racer, but I believe drifting and circuit racing both require a keen sense of grip. This competition will help me improve." Boosting Independent Power** Innovative Categories Stimulate the Vitality of the Racing Industry** <img src="https://img2.51gt3.com/wx/202509/45acea96-ddcd-460c-a720-56e90f7e5aa4.jpg" alt="" The participation of crossover drivers has garnered significant attention for the CTCC China Cup. The introduction of several new models has further expanded the competition. The TCS class, representing China's independent racing car modification efforts, has seen an expansion in its lineup. The all-new Lingdu L GTS and Chery Arrizo 8 race cars made a dazzling appearance at the last race, competing against traditional, popular models such as the Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, and Audi RS3. The TCS cars also performed brilliantly at the Shanghai Jiading race, not only taking first place in qualifying but also battling fiercely against cutting-edge international TCR cars in both races.
With its powerful performance and affordable operating costs, the TCS class, based on China's own independent technology, has shattered the stereotype that "low cost and high performance are mutually exclusive" in racing. Even more exciting is the fact that the TCS class is expected to see even more new cars debut at the next race. Beijing DTM Racing, a strong team in the CTCC China Cup, has announced that it will enter two newly built cars in the TCS class at the next race. This diverse range of models will further promote the development goals of balancing "low cost, high performance, and a wide variety of models," and continue to stimulate the vitality and innovative potential of China's independent racing industry. Top Showdowns Shine** Hundreds of Cars Battle for Speed**
As the race progressed, the four major events at the Shanghai Jiading Grand Prix were in full swing, with 125 cars and 200 drivers competing in exciting competition. In the TCR China Series, Lynk & Co once again dominated the standings, showcasing their impressive performance. TCR China Championship Challenge Cup driver Hu Heng led the field at one point, battling fiercely with top professionals, showcasing the competitive nature of TCR racing. Deng Baowei, driving a Honda Civic FL5 TCR, followed up his first-round victory with another victory, securing a podium finish in his class, showcasing the allure of diverse brands competing on the same track.
The morning began with the finals of the CTCC China Cup. In this category, renowned drivers such as Zhu Juan, Gao Huayang, and He Xiaole showcased their skills, while numerous crossover drivers and rising stars also realized their racing dreams.
Lynk & Co/Zeekr Autosport Director Li Dan performed exceptionally well, winning the TC2 category in his second CTCC race. The professionalism and inclusiveness of the event were fully demonstrated in the "55 minutes + 1 lap" competition. Awards presenters: ARTKA Brand General Manager Chen Bo and Li Dan said after the race: "This is my first time competing at the Shanghai International Circuit. I started this round. With such a large field in the CTCC China Cup, I approached the race with a relaxed attitude, focusing on testing the car's limits and bringing it home safely." Lynk & Co Team Sweeps the Podium****Challenge Cup Deng Baowei and Hu Heng Break ThroughAfter the grand opening ceremony that afternoon, the TCR China Series continued its round at the Shanghai International Circuit. Lynk & Co's Zhang Zhiqiang and Zhu Dawei of the Jiekai Racing team displayed excellent coordination in this round, working their way from the back to the front of the field to secure first and second place in the TCR China Championship Drivers' Cup. Jiekai Racing's Pan Dejun also delivered an aggressive performance, securing third place overall in the Drivers' Cup and first place in the TCR China Championship Challenge Cup. This marked the Lynk & Co team's remarkable achievement of securing a top-three finish overall. Zhang Zhiqiang said the victory was the result of teamwork: "I want to thank the team and am very happy to win. The Lynk & Co Jiekai team has always firmly supported each driver. My car and Wang Risheng's car were not in good condition on Saturday, but the team efficiently resolved the problem and got the car back on track. Every member of our team worked very hard, creating a great racing atmosphere. Not only are our cars fast, but we also constantly share data and privately discuss how to go even faster. I think this is also one of our strengths." Pan Dejun said, "I'm so happy. Ever since I returned to the CTCC in 2023, I've always wanted to stand on the podium for a photo with my two professional driver teammates, and now that wish has finally come true. I had a good start in this round, following the car in front of me, seizing opportunities to overtake, and maintaining my pace to pull back." Deng Baowei of the MACPRO Racing Team in Macau, China, continued his hot performance from the first round, rising from eighth to fourth overall, securing second place in the TCR China Championship Challenge Cup category. Hu Heng of Guiyang DTM Racing By FORCE bravely fought off professional drivers to take third place in his category.
Team TRC, returning to the CTCC, performed well, with Zhang Hongzhi and Chen Haoting taking first and second place in the TCR China Challenge, respectively. Liu Zichen of the Zhejiang 326 Team took third place in their category. Zhang Hongzhi said, "First of all, I want to thank the entire Team TRC staff for preparing a fantastic car for me. This round was full of accidents, and my goal was to return safely. Our team has been resting for a while, and we're returning to the CTCC for this round. I've been working out hard for racing, and I'm thrilled to have won the championship right after returning to the CTCC." Conclusion: A flourishing ethos is the true essence of the CTCC. It's worth noting that following the podium finishes of Lynk & Co, Hyundai, and Audi this season, this weekend's Honda Civic FL5 TCR cars, including Deng Baowei, Zhang Hongzhi, and Chen Haoting, also took the podium. This demonstrates the limitless possibilities afforded to everyone by the CTCC's competitive structure. In fact, the unprecedented scale of participation at this event demonstrates that the true essence of the CTCC is a flourishing field. From the five categories of the China Cup to the strategically organized divisions of the TCR China Series, new and emerging gentlemen drivers are constantly making their mark, proving that victory is never an arms race, but rather the combined breakthroughs of both driver and car. Making this possible is, first and foremost, TCR's globally recognized Balance of Performance (BOP) system. With this platform, any driver can achieve a front-row seat with precise tuning and bold driving. At the same time, CTCC's unique tiered classification structure provides a "leveling up" path for teams and drivers of varying budgets and experience: first, familiarizing themselves with the Lynk & Co Cup in the Golden League, then honing their offense and defense in the CTCC China Cup, and finally, competing against the top drivers on the TCR stage. With rivals and mentors at every step, it's this "beat the monster and level up" approach that has propelled countless newcomers to the podium.
As the checkered flag falls and night falls, the drivers taking the stage will undoubtedly be the center of attention, but the thunderous applause from the stands belongs to every competitor. And so, at this moment, the Shanghai Jiading race has concluded successfully. The next stop, the 2025 CTCC season, will move to the Zhuzhou International Circuit for the final battle. We look forward to meeting you on the banks of the Xiangjiang River to witness the year-end showdown.