The ATCN, led by Ishaku Bamaiyi, is set to enhance grassroots motorsport development through the Festival of Motorsport in April 2025. Participants will receive necessary training and licensing, with various opportunities available in multiple disciplines. The initiative aligns with FIA’s support for developing young talent and aims to elevate Nigeria’s presence in international motorsport competitions.
Ishaku Bamaiyi, the Founder and President of the Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN), announced plans to enhance grassroots motorsport development through the upcoming Festival of Motorsport. Established in June 2009, ATCN aims to promote road safety, environmental awareness, health services, and motorsport development. As the representative of key international organizations like the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), ATCN has been authorized to advance motorsport initiatives in Nigeria since its affiliation with FIA in December 2012 and becoming the FIA Sporting Power Holder in December 2018.
During the recent signing ceremony for the ATCN Festival of Motorsport scheduled for April 2025, Bamaiyi expressed optimism that the event would catalyze a new phase for motorsport in Nigeria. He emphasized that Motorsport Nigeria Ltd, under the leadership of Alhaji Bashir Ibrahim, will manage the event, allowing potential participants from various disciplines to prepare through necessary licensing and training. Notably, all competitors must engage in designated training programs, either in-person or online, with a mobile application soon to be launched.
The Festival of Motorsport will encompass diverse disciplines, providing opportunities for Nigerians to display their talents as competitors, officials, marshals, and more. Bamaiyi highlighted that this initiative would help participants acquire essential skills needed for international competitions. Potential disciplines include Karting Sprint, Drifting, Auto Slalom, and additional motorsport activities, catering to youth aged 4 to 17 in accordance with the goals set by the National Sports Commission.
Furthermore, Bamaiyi remarked on the significance of the event for grassroots motorsport growth in Nigeria, aiming to establish a robust industry with economic benefits for stakeholders. He noted the FIA’s support in appointing the Emirates Motorsport Organization as a Regional Training Provider, enhancing training programs like “Young Driver Programme for Motorsport Development.”
Nigeria’s involvement in international competitions, such as the FIA Motorsport Games, underscores the importance of these initiatives. Nigeria achieved commendable results in the 2022 FIA Motorsport Games in France, and the nation is slated to compete in Spain in 2024, showcasing the global potential of its motorsport efforts. Bamaiyi concluded the announcement by reiterating the positive trajectory of motorsport development in Nigeria, expressing anticipation for the outcomes of collective endeavors.
The Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria is poised to propel the growth of motorsport at the grassroots level through the Festival of Motorsport scheduled for April 2025. This initiative is geared towards providing training, licensing, and opportunities for participants across various disciplines. With backing from the FIA and a structured approach to youth engagement, the future of motorsport in Nigeria appears promising, enhancing both skill development and competitive involvement on the international stage.
Original Source: nannews.ng
