Slow development

He said that the development of sports car culture in China has been agonizingly slow. "In 2000, when China's automobile market started to boom, I supposed that sports cars would soon be popular among more people. But it is still a niche market for a few rich people after more than a decade, and some of the owners don't even have a deep understanding of the heritage, technologies and passion of sports cars," said Xia.

Adrenalin-pumping competition on the course and diverse range of events drew motorsport enthusiasts nationwide. [Photos Provided to China Daily]

"On the Chinese mainland, in my view the sports car is a luxury and motorsport is millionaire's plaything," said Di Gangsheng, a professional sports car media reporter from Hong Kong.

"Drivers of sports cars on the mainland are mainly the second generation of the rich or the new rich. Sports cars for them represent prestige and wealth."

"The image of sports cars and owners should be changed," said Di.

Nels of Volkswagen said that the German automobile group is making efforts to help more ordinary people get involved in sports cars through innovative sideline activities.

The varied and compelling trackside activities during the Sports Car Champions Festival are an example.

"Spectators can get close to some of the most iconic cars from the six brands.

"In addition to feasting their eyes on race cars, some children participated in a karting challenge and tapped into their own racing potential," said Nels.

The biggest attraction off the track was the release of the latest version of the hugely popular mobile app Sports Car Challenge.

Already downloaded more than 11 million times, Sports Car Challenge has won many awards for its rich content, crisp graphics and excellent interface.

Volkswagen also launched the Star Racing Academy for talented Chinese talented youth aged 15 to 25 to learn how to become motorsport professionals.

"Aiming to provide all the tools and coaching necessary to understand the fundamentals of the sport, the academy offers selected drivers the opportunity to apply their new knowledge on the track with the Star Racing Team," said Nels.

Yet Nels warned that in the recent years, the number of motorsport events has decreased.

"The lack of enough infrastructure is one problem, while the government's limitations due to safety concerns also blocks the sector," said Nels.

Contact the writer through lifangfang@chinadaily.com.cn