Radical Korea Ignites 2026 with Landmark Season Opener

Radical Korea Ignites 2026 with Landmark Season Opener

The 2026 Radical racing season is underway in spectacular fashion, as Radical Korea launched the new Radical Cup Korea (RCK) campaign at the opening round of the CJ O-NE Super Race Championship.

Image of author By Radical
By Radical

Held from April 17–19 at Everland Speedway in Yongin, the event marked a defining moment for prototype racing in the region.

As Korea’s only dedicated prototype racing series, Radical Cup Korea continues to carve out a unique space within the motorsport landscape. The 2026 opener drew a significantly larger crowd than previous seasons, with over 35,000 spectators at the circuit, building on the momentum of last year’s Super Race events and creating an electric atmosphere worthy of a championship on the rise.

The headline development this season is the rapid expansion of the SR3 class, following the Korean debut of the Radical SR3 XXR earlier this year. Positioned between the entry-level SR1 and the high-powered SR10, the SR3 category is now a pivotal part of the grid.

This growth has transformed the competitive landscape. With more drivers entering the category and teams investing in the platform, the SR3 class is delivering exactly what Radical racing is known for: close, technical, and fiercely competitive action.

Round 1 featured the largest grid in Radical Korea’s history since its establishment in 2023, with 15 drivers competing across three classes, true Le Mans style multi-class racing with SR1, SR3 and SR10 all competing together.

Radical Korea is also becoming a platform for emerging talent. One of the standout narratives this season is the progression of young drivers through the ranks.

Ga-won Shin, after an impressive debut in the SR1 class as a high school student last year, has stepped up to SR3 at just 20 years old, immediately making an impact by securing victory in both races of the opening round. Meanwhile, fellow young driver Min-hee Lee enters the same category, setting the stage for a compelling rivalry between two female drivers.

Consistency proved key in Yongin, with repeat winners across both races setting the benchmark for the season:

  • SR10 Class: Tackseong Kim

  • SR3 Class: Ga-won Shin

  • SR1 Class: Micah

What’s unfolding in Korea is more than just regional success, it’s a case study in how the Radical formula can be adapted and scaled in emerging motorsport markets. Strong grids, accessible machinery, and a clear driver progression pathway are combining to create a sustainable and exciting racing ecosystem.

The 2026 Radical Cup Korea season will span six rounds across some of the country’s premier circuits:

  • Round 2: May 22–24 – Korea International Circuit

  • Round 3: June 6–7 – Inje Speedium

  • Round 4: August 21–22 – Everland Speedway, Yongin

  • Round 5: September 11–13 – Korea International Circuit (TBC)

  • Round 6: October 23–25 – Everland Speedway, Yongin

Discover more at radicalkorea.co.kr