Need for speed fuels mini-car race craze

For many Chinese born in the 1980s and 1990s, mini four-wheel-drive cars were more than just toys — they were gateways to speed, imagination and friendship.

On April 12, that childhood passion roared back to life at a mini 4WD race at Beijing Wenyuhe Park, drawing about 300 participants. The morning saw 60 teams compete in a group assembly and speed challenge, while the afternoon's one-on-one ultimate battle featured 160 individual racers.

Construction of the park's race track was completed in 2022. Originally designed as an art installation featuring a traditional xiangyun (auspicious cloud) pattern, it was subtly adjusted to match the precise dimensions of a real four-wheel-drive course. But it wasn't until the end of 2025 that it suddenly gained widespread attention online.

The venue remains free to the public and has become a popular social hub for retro culture enthusiasts. The track — 88 meters long and including an overpass — is a hot social media topic that draws crowds of hobbyists from all walks of life.

Among the racers at the April 12 event was Zou Chenyang, a 33-year-old who traveled from Harbin, Heilongjiang. A livestreamer and professional 4WD car builder, he described Wenyuhe Park as a "pilgrimage site" for enthusiasts.

"I came here as a racer, just to have fun. The atmosphere is great, with so many kids and parents. I hope more families will join in," Zou said.

An Ruifeng, winner of the inaugural 1v1 ultimate battle, was modest about his victory. "It was pure luck. I'm a busy middle-aged professional. I started playing with these cars when I was 8 or 9. I just wanted a hobby to help me unwind," he said.

Before An participated in the event, his family asked if they should come, but he refused because he was afraid of the embarrassment if he failed. "My only goal was to pass tech inspection and complete one lap. That would've made me happy enough. To go all the way is unbelievable … I just love the cars."

Holding the winner's flag, An added a message for future competitors: "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. This is just for fun — don't let it affect your work, family or daily life. As long as we cross the finish line, we're all champions."

To participate in the competition, the mini racing cars had to meet certain requirements. Liu Han, one of the event's tech inspection judges, detailed the afternoon competition's technical regulations, such as keeping motor speeds below 40,000 revolutions per minute and banning the use of metal for chassis.

"As a mini 4WD enthusiast, although I didn't compete, volunteering as a judge allowed me to stay involved by ensuring vehicles complied with the rules," said Liu.

The mini 4WD craze is gaining traction around the country. Shanghai's Jiabei Country Park, which began trial operations early this month, offers greater challenges and professionalism with a 228-meter track featuring straightaways, curves and gentle slopes.

The free venue also provides maintenance and modification zones, with cars available for purchase on-site.