The domestic motorsports event 'Jeonnam GT (Grand Touring)' will meet spectators under its new name 'Jeonnam Gwangju GT' as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.
The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City announced that the '2026 Jeonnam Gwangju GT' will be held at the Yeongam International Circuit from September 12 to 13.
This year's event will be themed 'September, Let's Race Together!' It aims to reflect on the achievements of the past decade of Jeonnam GT and signify a new leap forward following the integration of Jeonnam and Gwangju.
Jeonnam GT was initiated to enhance the utilization of the Yeongam International Circuit after the cessation of F1 events and to expand the foundation of domestic motorsports. It began as a comprehensive event showcasing various car and motorcycle competitions and was officially launched as a certified event in 2017, establishing itself as a key domestic motorsports competition.
This year, over 150 vehicles and motorcycles will participate in seven categories, including the flagship event 'Jeonnam Endurance,' 'Toyota Gazoo Racing 6000,' 'Prototype & TC2000,' 'Prius PHEV,' 'Alpine,' 'Sportbike 400,' and 'Gymkhana.'
The Jeonnam Endurance race will see teams compete to cover the greatest distance in 120 minutes. Success will depend not only on speed but also on race strategy, including pit stops and driver-tire changes.
The 'Toyota Gazoo Racing 6000' will be the sixth round of the eight-round One Super Race Championship, featuring 6200cc stock cars in the top domestic class.
In 'Prototype & TC2000,' purpose-built prototype vehicles and modified production cars will race simultaneously on the circuit.
Additionally, the event will feature 'Sportbike 400' for motorcycles under 400cc, the only plug-in hybrid category 'Prius PHEV,' a one-make race using French sports cars called 'Alpine,' and 'Gymkhana,' where participants will compete in driving skills over a set course.
In addition to the races, there will be programs for spectators to participate in, including virtual racing, karting experiences, mini car races, and a bubble show, aimed at families attending the event.
On the first day, September 12, qualifying rounds and pit work will take place. The following day, the opening ceremony will kick off the event, followed by a grid walk where spectators can meet the race cars and drivers up close, a congratulatory performance by the girl group Apink, and the finals for each category.
Jang Young-cheol, the head of the corporate city department, stated, “The 2026 Jeonnam Gwangju GT embodies a new beginning towards a unified future for Jeonnam and Gwangju while reflecting on the achievements of the past decade of Jeonnam GT.” He added, “We aim to develop it into a representative sports content of Jeonnam Gwangju that symbolizes the unity of domestic motorsports and regional integration.”
Meanwhile, the 2026 Jeonnam Gwangju GT will be free to attend without an admission fee. For motorsports fans unable to attend in person, live broadcasts will be available through online channels such as YouTube, Chijijik, and SOOP.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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