As of the 9th, the 2025 second half of the racing season has begun. Before the start, the results of the second half of the racing player grade assessment were first announced, with a total of 142 racing players classified into 21 A1, 35 A2, 42 B1, and 44 B2.
Players naturally become sensitive to the grade assessment. First of all, racing players can participate in a varying number of races depending on their grades. An A1 player gets about 10 more race opportunities during the half-year compared to a B2 player. Meanwhile, the lowest-ranked players have their registrations completely canceled if they accumulate three suspensions.
The players who stood out in this grade assessment were Kim Chang-kyu (1st generation), Seo Hui (11th generation), Moon Anna (3rd generation), Kim Hyo-nyeon (2nd generation), An Ji-min (6th generation), and Choi In-won (16th generation), who jumped from the lowest B2 to the highest A1.
Particularly notable is Choi In-won's promotion to A1, who is regarded as a promising talent from the 16th generation. He is the only A1 player among the 16th generation. After spending years moving between the B2 grades, he made a surprising performance in the previous half-year. He participated in a total of 39 races during the first half, recording 9 first places, 12 second places, and 5 third places, resulting in a win rate of 23.1%, a placement rate of 53.8%, and a trio placement rate of 66.7%. He has significant strengths in the inner course, with a winning rate of 92.3% for placements in positions 1 and 2. If there are no major variables, he is expected to continue his momentum in the second half.
Park Jong-deok (5th generation), Lee Ji-soo (3rd generation), Lee Tae-hee (1st generation), Jeon Dong-wook (16th generation), Lee Mi-na (3rd generation), Jo Gyu-tae (14th generation), Ko Jeong-hwan (14th generation), Min Young-geon (4th generation), and Park Jeong-ah (3rd generation) were promoted from B2 to A2. Additionally, Bae Hye-min (7th generation), Lee Seung-il (5th generation), and Koo Hyeon-goo (4th generation) advanced from A2 to A1, further solidifying their presence. Notably, Bae Hye-min is a strong player who won the Grand Prix for three consecutive years from 2010 to 2012. There are expectations that this promotion could serve as a stepping stone for a second peak in her career.
Conversely, some players have tasted the bitterness of demotion. Particularly, Eo Seon-kyu (4th generation), along with Kim Jong-min (2nd generation) and Sim Sang-cheol (7th generation), known as a strong force, have been demoted to B2. The reason these prominent players fell to B2 is due to prior starting violations (flying). Eo Seon-kyu recorded a prior starting violation on June 26, while Kim Jong-min and Sim Sang-cheol recorded theirs on April 16.
Players who have committed prior starting violations lose their eligibility to participate in target races for six months, which dealt a significant blow to the leading player Eo Seon-kyu. Eo Seon-kyu showcased outstanding skills from the beginning of this year and was considered a strong contender for victory in major tournaments held this year. However, he repeatedly missed out on victories at the April Speedon Cup and the June KBOAT Racing King Championship. Additionally, he has lost eligibility to participate in the remaining three tournaments due to the prior starting violation.
Meanwhile, Ryu Seok-hyun (12th generation), Lee Jin-woo (13th generation), Kim In-hye (12th generation), Park Jin-seo (11th generation), Lee Jae-hak (2nd generation), Kim Ji-hyun (11th generation), Choi Kwang-sung (2nd generation), and Jeong Min-soo (1st generation) were demoted one level from A1 to A2. However, these players have potential, and it is anticipated that they will strive to find their place through special promotions or year-end grade assessments.
Im Byeong-jun, Head of Team, noted, "In this grade assessment, many existing strong players have significantly been demoted or dropped to lower grades. As a new second half begins, the intense competition from capable players focused on regaining their positions and the advancement of lower-ranked players is expected to add even more excitement to the racing venue."
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