Karamay was a scene of mud, roaring engines, and daring speed this past month as the city hosted the 2016 China ATV Championship, Sept 9 to 11.

The competition was co-hosted by the China All-Terrain Vehicles Alliance (CATVA), China General Administration of Sports, and the Karamay government.

The event attracted many of China’s most talented riders who arrived in the northwestern oil city from all over the country to compete for the nation’s most prestigious ATV prize. In the days prior to the competition 33 ATV teams competed in an off-road challenge and also took time to explore Karamay’s picturesque scenery.

This was the first time the ATV Championship has been held in Karamay and the purpose designed Karamay Forest Park circuit was unveiled especially for the competition. The racing park includes a 1.4-km ATV circuit and a 1.8-km utility terrain vehicle (UTV) circuit. The designers have successfully integrated classic ATV track features such as high slopes and tricky horseshoes turns with local desert flair.

The championship is a level-A national competition and functions as a platform to promote and expand China’s ATV industry. Song Haixia, director of Karamay culture sports and tourism bureau, was pleased to have hosted the event and hopes it can help to promote the diversity of Karamay.

“Karamay meticulous planned the building of Karamay Forest Park and also developed the National Automobile Club League. The competition was a great chance to inform a greater number of people about Karamay’s new image,” said Song.

A pair of riders battle through the mud in the 2016 China ATV Championship. [Photo/Xinhua]

Edited by Richard Whiddington