Chiayi

Chiayi confronts Taiwan southern motorsport isolation: southwestern Taiwan city (263,188 population 2023, Chianan Plain location Chiayi County surrounding, Tropic of Cancer passing creating geographic distinction, 'Peach City' Qing Dynasty history Qianlong Emperor 1787 renaming loyalty rebellion acknowledging, Alishan Forest Railway starting point tourism creating) positioned Lihpao Racing Park 150-180 km north 2.5-3h drives creating access challenge—Taiwan sole active circuit northern Taichung location southern Taiwan isolation perpetuates, Penbay southern Pingtung 2019 closure eliminated proximate option demonstrating small island single facility constraints. Lihpao (150-180 km north estimated, 2.5-3h drives creating substantial weekend commitment, HSR alternative rail combinations, costs escalating frequency limiting) represents Taiwan centralization: southern Chiayi 263,000 population discovering northern circuit 2.5-3h isolation creates quarterly maximum participation, Penbay closure eliminating southern option perpetuates centralization geography political economy land scarcity 36,000 km² Taiwan single facility sustains alternatives proposals rejecting. Result: Chiayi representing Taiwan southern motorsport isolation—southwestern city 263,000 Alishan tourism heritage discovering Lihpao 2.5-3h creates access challenge quarterly limiting, Penbay closure perpetuating northern centralization small island geography political economy land scarcity wealth alone cannot overcome sovereignty constraints impose systematically.