The maiden edition of Abuja Car Racing, held on Sunday, has been described as a significant step towards promoting motorsports culture and awareness in Nigeria.
The event, organised by Legend Efe Empire, drew car enthusiasts, professional racers, and spectators to witness the high-octane competition in the nation’s capital.
Speaking to journalists at the venue, Senator Efe Onodavberoh, Chief Executive Officer of Legend Efe Empire, explained that the race was conceived to stir interest in the growing world of motorsports in Nigeria.
“We’ve been working hard to bring Formula One to Nigeria, but while the process is ongoing, this local event is our way of building momentum,” he said.
According to him, the competition was structured into three categories based on horsepower: Class A (400hp and above), Class B (280hp to 399hp), and Class C (entry-level vehicles).
Class A racers paid a registration fee of ₦200,000 and vied for a top prize of ₦2.5 million, while Class B had a ₦1 million reward pool. Class C was free to join, intended for casual drivers to participate and enjoy the sport.
“This isn’t just about speed; it’s about creating a platform for talents and enthusiasts to express themselves,” Efe said.
Also speaking,professional driver and engineer Triumph Moses, CEO of Triumph Fleet, was among the participants. He emphasised the economic potential of motorsports in Nigeria.
>“Motorsports is more than entertainment — it’s a job creator,” Moses stated.
“From mechanics to engineers and event organisers, this industry can provide thousands of opportunities for Nigerian youth.”
Moses, who has built over nine BMWs and Mercedes cars, noted that many racers start with old or salvaged vehicles, gradually upgrading them through technical skill and passion.
“Most of us started with scraps. We built our way up,” he added.
In the same vein, Ani Chuks Anthony, CEO of Skuchmotors, expressed readiness to build Nigeria’s first hypercar, despite rising costs of materials due to exchange rate issues.
“I already have the design, the engine, and the students willing to learn,” he said.
“All I need is support — both financial and infrastructural.”
Ani also called for the establishment of a dynamometer (dyno) centre in Nigeria to help car modifiers measure horsepower and other performance metrics accurately.
“It’s a necessary tool for serious tuners,” he added.
“With a proper dyno centre, the Nigerian auto-modification industry will explode.”
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