ATCN Launches Festival of Motorsport to Boost Grassroots Motorsports in Nigeria

The Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN) is initiating the Festival of Motorsport to foster grassroots motorsport development in Nigeria. Scheduled for April 2025, the event aims to provide training and opportunities for participants across various roles. Collaborations with international organizations are expected to elevate Nigeria’s presence in global motorsport competitions.

Ishaku Bamaiyi, the Founder and President of the Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN), announced plans to enhance grassroots motorsport development by organizing the Festival of Motorsport. Established in June 2009, ATCN aims to promote road safety, environmental awareness, healthcare, and motorsport advancement in Nigeria. As the exclusive representative in Nigeria for renowned organizations such as the FIA and FIM, ATCN has been an FIA affiliate since December 2012 and became an official FIA Sporting Power Holder in December 2018.

During the signing ceremony for the ATCN Festival of Motorsport 2025, scheduled for April, Mr. Bamaiyi proclaimed this event as a catalyst for a transformative era in Nigerian motorsport. He noted that the FIA has delegated the Sporting Power to Motorsport Nigeria Ltd, which will work under Alhaji Bashir Ibrahim as the Commercial Rights Holder and Promoter. It is essential for all participants to obtain licenses and attend training sessions, which will soon be accessible through a dedicated app.

The Festival of Motorsport is envisioned as a multi-disciplinary platform to showcase the talents of Nigerians interested in various roles such as competitors, officials, marshals, motorsport marketers, commentators, photographers, and engineers. Participants will gain essential skills and opportunities, allowing them to engage in international championships. Proposed disciplines include Karting Sprint for Juniors and Seniors, Karting Slalom, Drifting, and Digital Motorsport, among others.

Mr. Bamaiyi emphasized the festival’s alignment with the National Sports Commission’s goals and its commitment to youth engagement by offering programs for ages 4 to 17. He expressed optimism about the festival’s potential to significantly advance grassroots motorsport in Nigeria, which will, in turn, enhance economic development and opportunities for stakeholders.

To foster development, the FIA has appointed Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO) as the Regional Training Provider to support training initiatives in Nigeria. Furthermore, the FIA has launched a “Young Driver Programme for Motorsport Development,” with two phases already implemented. The ATCN has also taken a lead role in the FIA Girls on Track initiative, collaborating with Ethiopian counterparts. Nigeria participated in the 2022 FIA Motorsport Games in France and is set to compete in 2024 in Spain.

The ATCN’s initiative to launch the Festival of Motorsport represents a pivotal moment for grassroots motorsport in Nigeria. By promoting training and offering diverse opportunities across various disciplines, the event aims to empower local talents and stimulate economic growth within the motorsport industry. As Nigeria prepares to compete on an international stage, this development will enhance the country’s reputation in global motorsport ventures.

Original Source: nannews.ng