23 Mar 2012 2012 Pan Delta Super Racing Festival starts in the sun

At 1:50pm on 17 March 2012, ZIC Superbike Championship's qualifying session began. As the noise reverbate around Zhuhai International Circuit, the silence that has fallen on this track for about 3 months is finally broken. As the sun shines on the track, it seems even the gods are smiling. After years of hard work and struggle, finally it seems things are beginning to look bright.

Motorsport development

Over the last 8 years, many adjustments and re-adjustments have been made by the Pan Delta organizers. Some races come and go. But two of the races are always here. They are "Circuit Hero" and "ZIC Superbike Championship". These two popular races are the top drawing cards of Pan Delta. They represent the growth of local motorsports and both have been growing since their inception. Today, Circuit Hero has grown into many different classes, allowing drivers and machines of different categories to take part. It is a big achievement by Pan Delta that both races have gone on from strength to strength for so long.

Fans support

Over the past 8 years, Pan Delta has attracted a lot of fans, most of them devotees. Even on 17 March, when there was no actual racing, just practice and qualifying, 3,000 fans arrived to check things out. This is a clear sign that the races are highly anticipated. Even internationally, only F1 is able to fill 1/3 of its grandstand on qualifying day.

Take Mr. Liu Yong-Hua as an example. He saw the chance to attend the Pan Delta race accidentally, then he came and has been coming ever since. "I bought a car in 2008 and came with a friend to Zhuhai for the weekend. We saw Pan Delta and then we realized what a great event it is. Now we come to every race." Mr. Liu doesn't come by himself, he brings his family as well. "Zhuhai has good weather, good sunshine and it is on the coast. We can watch the race as well. It is a really meaningful way to spend a weekend. Everything is perfect except my son is now a kart addict..."

The Pan Delta fans are the most mature and professional fans. When a good race is on the grid, nobody will stay in the merchandizing area. But they will move back to that as soon as the race is finished. They clearly understand what is happening and make their choices accordingly.

Commercial area

More and more businesses have noticed the business opportunity that Pan Delta is able to provide. The fans have great spending power and they are now a force to be reckoned with. Promoting a company's brand or product at Pan Delta is now the no. 1 choice for businesses in the Pearl River Delta.

Red Bull has set up "Free Drinks" counters in the merchandizing area and the paddock. Participating in its activities and the visitor will be able to get a drink from Red Bull. Ford Motors have set up a show area to show off its range. Visitors may see and touch the cars as well as learn more about them.

Unlike other events where the spectators can only find burgers or sandwiches, ZIC's BBQ and other hot snacks are much more attractive. This time, even the foreigners get a look in. Three young men from USA opened a "Texas Burger" booth. They ask the passers-by to try their proper burger in Mandarin.  This allowed the university students who have come to watch the race a chance to practice their English. This is a win-win cultural exchange.

2012 Pan Delta Super Racing Festival has started in the sun after a long hard winter. It seems the 8th year of the festival is as strong as ever.