1:12 & ITSC World Championships in China Cancelled
Unfortunately the news and outcome no one in racing wanted but IFMAR has just confirmed that upcoming 1:12 and ITSC World Championship in China has been cancelled. The World governing body, who has been working hard with the host in the background since issues came to light two weeks ago, made the announcement in its lastest update on the event after the host has as yet been unsuccessful in obtaining he necessary government approvals to host the 2026 IFMAR Electric Track World Championships as scheduled. With less than 2-weeks until the 1:12 Worlds was to get underway at the Hongyu GDC track in Foshan, and no confirmed venue for the race, IFMAR had little option but to cancel the scheduled running of both events. China was announced as the host of the 2026 1:12 and ISTC Worlds in January 2025 and then when organiser Gavin Kwok opened the brand new world class Hongyu GDC in September last year there was huge anticipation for spectacular back to back World Championships. Unfortunately with the out break of the war in Iran raising concerns over the event, ultimately it was to be issues with permits from the Chinese National RC body that ultimately forced IFMAR’s very tough decision. With racers now faced with losing their flights, IFMAR has said they will issue a formal letter, along with supporting documentation, to assist racers with refund requests and potential insurance claims by the end of the weekend. Not a good day for RC racing, having followed Gavin Kwok’s efforts and work input to host these World Championships and create a World class stage on which to see the best drivers in the world fight it out, only to have an element outside of his control bring the whole thing crashing down, we hope Hongyu CDG, can welcome the world through its doors again in the near future. IFMAR say its Board of Directors will now aim for the rescheduling of the 2026 IFMAR Electric Track World Championships later in the year. While Hongyu GDC continues to try and secure the necessary government approvals, IFMAR say they will also consider other potential venue options.
Dear Competitors,
IFMAR has received notification from the event host, Hongyu GDC, that they do not currently have the necessary government approvals in place to host the 2026 IFMAR Electric Track World Championships as scheduled.
The host has advised that they are continuing to work with the relevant authorities and have requested that IFMAR consider a revised event date in November 2026, subject to those approvals being granted.
As a result, and with no confirmed venue currently available, the event scheduled for March 26 – April 5, 2026 cannot proceed and is therefore cancelled.
IFMAR recognises that this situation is extremely disappointing for competitors and teams who have been preparing to attend. The circumstances that have arisen are outside IFMAR’s direct control.
There are a number of complexities associated with the request from Hongyu GDC. The IFMAR Board of Directors will now consider this request, along with other potential dates and venue options, with the aim of rescheduling the 2026 IFMAR Electric Track World Championships later in the year.
We understand that many competitors may have questions regarding existing travel arrangements. Competitors are encouraged to contact their airlines, accommodation providers, and travel insurance companies regarding any bookings that have already been made.
IFMAR will issue a formal letter, along with supporting documentation, to assist racers with refund requests and potential insurance claims by the end of the weekend.
Please note that, due to the nature of the cancellation, BLOCs will arrange refunds of entry fees to racers, either directly or through their usual channels, should racers elect not to attend the rescheduled event once it is announced.
Further updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.
IFMAR appreciates the patience and understanding of the global RC racing community.
Source: IFMAR [Facebook]
