ATCN Initiates Festival of Motorsport to Enhance Grassroots Development in Nigeria

The ATCN, led by Ishaku Bamaiyi, is promoting grassroots motorsport development through the inaugural Festival of Motorsport. Slated for April, the event will provide training and licensing for participants, emphasizing youth involvement. Partnerships with organizations like EMSO and training programs aim to enhance skills for international competitions, positioning Nigeria as a significant player in motorsport.

The Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN), under the leadership of Founder and President Ishaku Bamaiyi, is committed to fostering grassroots development in motorsport. This initiative is marked by the introduction of the Festival of Motorsport, which aims to engage and train participants across various disciplines in the sport.

Since its registration in June 2009, the ATCN has focused on promoting road safety and environmental awareness while developing motorsport in Nigeria. As the sole representative in Nigeria for FIA, FIM, and FIVA since its affiliation in December 2012, the club has recently been recognized as the Sporting Power Holder by the FIA in December 2018.

During the signing ceremony for the Festival of Motorsport 2025, Bamaiyi announced that the event, slated for April, will signify a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s motorsport history. He emphasized that all participants must be licensed and complete required training programs to ensure readiness for entry in international competitions.

The Festival is designed as a multi-disciplinary platform, offering opportunities for competitors, officials, marshals, and others involved in the motorsport ecosystem. Those engaged in the festival will acquire crucial skills to prepare them for international championships, such as karting and drifting events, targeting participants from ages 4 to 17 to develop youth engagement in the sport.

Bamaiyi highlighted that previous initiatives had provided training without financial burdens on participants, but now the ATCN is committed to building a sustainable motorsport industry that contributes economically to Nigeria. The signing ceremony reflects the collective efforts to enhance motorsport development and the aspirations of the National Sports Commission.

Additionally, the ATCN has formed an essential partnership with the Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO) to provide regional training support. Initiatives like the Young Driver Programme and FIA Girls on Track represent significant strides in inclusivity and performance enhancement for Nigerian athletes.

With Nigeria’s participation in the FIA Motorsport Games, the framework allows athletes to compete for medals, with the nation aiming to build on its previous performances on international stages, such as competing in France in 2022 and Spain in 2024.

The Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria is effectively laying the groundwork for a new era in motorsport. Through the Festival of Motorsport, they aim to nurture talent and create economic opportunities, reinforcing their commitment to developing the sport at the grassroots level. With extensive training initiatives and international competition involvement, Nigeria is poised to enhance its presence in global motorsport.

Original Source: nannews.ng