At the Kiasma Art Museum, Silver met Arsai Namkham - a man with many talents and ongoing projects but mainly a guy who is great with people, generous and on that day hosting an experience at KymiRing, for a group of friends! There, he had a conversation with Kornél Őry, Managing Director of KymiRing, whose vision shapes the future of the circuit.
There Silver learned Finnish, ate good food and watched rallycross cars compete in the largest Nordic racetrack. Enjoy the visuals and the conversation with Kornél Őry!
Was the World RX of Finland the second big event you have organised? How did it go from your perspective?
"We were very excited to host the World Rallycross Championship at KymiRing. The last time the event was held here was during the COVID period, with heavy restrictions on spectators, and a lot has changed in the sport since then. A new project is now being built around World RX, and since we are also in the process of developing something new at KymiRing, it felt like a natural cooperation and a great opportunity to be part of these early stages. The feedback from both competitors and spectators was very positive, and for us it was also an invaluable learning experience."
What is your first memory with automotive, and where does your passion within it lie? Also, what is your story behind becoming passionate in your field?
"I was six years old when my father first took me to a rally in Hungary, where I grew up. I immediately fell in love with the sport. By the age of nine, I had already traveled to Finland to watch the legendary Neste Rally Finland. Later, I stepped away from motorsport for a few years to focus on other things in life, but in 2015 an opportunity came up to work at an event at Hungaroring, Hungary’s biggest circuit. Since then, motorsport has been my professional path."
Was there a time you wanted to be a race car driver yourself? What does it take to become one, and have the demands changed over the years?
"Interestingly, I was always more drawn to “the other side” of motorsport - what happens behind the scenes. Becoming a racing driver today requires incredible dedication, relentless work, and great sacrifices from the family as well. The sport has also become much more scientific compared to 10 or 20 years ago. Drivers are now treated almost like high-performance machines themselves, supported not only by mechanics and engineers, but also by performance coaches, driver coaches, mental coaches, nutritionists, and managers - all focused on extracting their maximum potential."
What would you say is the least-known skill a race car driver should have to succeed?
"Work ethic is absolutely key - true champions are made only through great sacrifices. Another often overlooked aspect is a driver’s personal brand. In today’s world, if you can’t communicate and “sell” yourself, your overall value will never reach the highest level, no matter how strong your results on track may be."
What drew you into the KymiRing project, and what potential did you see initially?
"I first came across the project almost by coincidence in March 2023. On my very first visit - when the track was still covered in snow - I felt the circuit had a unique atmosphere and certain characteristics that could make it very popular in the future. That first impression convinced me that KymiRing had real potential."
How much can you share about the development program that TRP Hungary has created for KymiRing? What can people expect and possibly experience in the near future?
"We are constantly developing both the circuit and its surroundings. We’ve already created new track layouts and upgraded several parts of the main building. Over the next two years, our main focus will be finalizing the works needed to obtain FIA and FIM international licenses, which will allow us to host more major international motorsport events. Beyond that, we are also planning new activities such as a club membership program and winter experiences, which we will introduce on our platforms in the coming months."
What is the overall attitude toward integrating electric drivetrains in the rallycross scene?
"The introduction of electric drivetrains in rallycross has been an important step in showcasing new technologies and motorsport’s sustainability efforts. At the same time, rallycross has always been about raw emotion - the sound, the smell, and the visceral experience are a huge part of what fans love. With the arrival of sustainable fuels, we now have additional options to explore that can deliver sustainability while preserving the traditional elements that resonate so strongly with the audience. I believe the future will not be about a single solution, but rather a mix of technologies that combine environmental responsibility with the passion that defines rallycross."
Does KymiRing present any unique challenges you haven’t faced in the past? What has created success in organising and promoting events in Hungary?
"It is definitely a unique challenge. I’m still learning about the local market and what resonates in terms of promotion - it’s quite different from what I was used to in Hungary. This season, with three major international events, has been an excellent learning experience. Now comes the time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how to use these insights to plan for next year."
What has been your most rewarding moment so far in leading KymiRing?
"The most rewarding moments are always when we receive positive feedback from guests and competitors. After both the Motocross World Championship and the Rallycross World Championship, we heard encouraging words from all sides. It reassures us that we are heading in the right direction - though of course there is still plenty to learn and improve in the future."
How do you want KymiRing to be remembered in 10 years’ time?
"Our vision is to create a leading sports and entertainment centre in the Nordic region, recognized internationally. That means creating positive and lasting memories for everyone who visits - whether it’s a major event with tens of thousands of spectators or a private gathering of just 20 guests."
Lastly, if you could leave one message for the next generation of motorsport fans and drivers who will come to KymiRing, what would it be?
"Sport is always best experienced live. So my message is simple: get out there with your friends and family, enjoy the atmosphere, and make memories together."
Big thanks to Arsai once again for a great time! Here are some shots from the gathering he hosted for friends at KymiRing. Enjoy!