Pingtan, an island off China's southeastern coast, is racing ahead with a new model of motorsport-driven development. Once known for hosting high-octane racing events, the region is now steering toward a full-fledged racing industry — from talent training to vehicle modification.

Near the Pingtan International Karting Circuit, the newly established Fujian Drift Training Base has drawn enthusiasts from across the country. The base, launched late last year, is the first of its kind in Pingtan, integrating drift training with auto modification.

"What brought us here was not just the professional race track and closed testing grounds," said Liu Jian, a seasoned racer and head of the base. "Pingtan also offers strong support for motorsport development — it was a no-brainer to settle here."

The move reflects a larger shift: from hosting racing carnivals to building a full-circle automotive ecosystem. Since its opening, the drift base has trained nearly 100 drivers, including several from Taiwan, fostering cross-Straits collaboration in skill development and aftermarket services.

Pingtan Auto Culture Development Co. general manager Huang Wei sees racing as just the tip of the iceberg. "Each race is like a billboard for the industry. We are not just here to organize events — we want to make Pingtan a voice in global auto culture."

Much of this vision hinges on infrastructure. The flagship Ruyi Lake International Urban Circuit — designed by a FIA-licensed team — meets international Tier-2 race standards and blends coastal scenery with urban street-racing elements. It has quickly become a defining landmark of Pingtan.

Backing this track is the 10-billion-yuan Pingtan Automotive Cultural, Sports, and Innovation Park. The three-phase project includes a Tier-2 international racetrack, a smart traffic safety center, EV testing facilities, and an auto modification hub. The first phase, including the international racetrack, is expected to be completed and operational by 2027.

"We've planned a bonded motorsport operations base to connect the upstream and downstream segments of the racing industry," said Zhang Shu, deputy director of logistics investment at the Pingtan Investment Promotion Committee. "This will support everything from modification and testing to parts manufacturing and team operations."

From the roar of drift engines to the hum of innovation, Pingtan is carving out its own lane in China's racing economy.