FIA and ATCN Strengthen Grassroots Motorsport Development in Abuja.

The Automobile Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN), in partnership with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), successfully hosted a two-day motorsport development programme in Abuja designed to identify emerging driving talent, promote motorsport safety, and strengthen technical capacity within Nigeria's growing motorsport ecosystem. The programme comprised an FIA-sanctioned Driver Selection Trial on 19 September and a Motorsport-in-a-Box practical training programme on 20 September.

Among the highlights of the weekend was a collaborative engagement on motorsport safety and emergency medical response. In a symbolic moment reflecting the partnership between local and international motorsport stakeholders, Eme Eleonu, Chief Clerk of El'Uno Extreme Circuit, Abuja; Miguel Tiago, FIA Coordinator for Africa; and Ishaku Bamiyi, President of the Automobile Touring Club of Nigeria, posed for a commemorative photograph following one of the sessions.

A key feature of the weekend was the delivery of expert-led sessions by Ishaku Rabiu, President of the Automobile Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN); Miguel Tiago, FIA Coordinator for Africa; and Dr. Raj Jutley, Chief Medical Officer of the WRC Safari Rally Kenya. Participants received training on motorsport governance, sporting regulations, safety culture, event management, first responder and medical interventions, and career pathways within motorsport.

The safety and medical intervention component of the programme brought together volunteers, drivers, marshals, race officials, and aspiring stakeholders, reinforcing the critical role of preparedness, emergency response, and operational discipline in modern motorsport. The sessions highlighted international best practices and FIA standards aimed at improving safety at racing events across Africa. As part of the programme, 22 drivers participated in a structured Driver Selection Trial that included safety briefings, kart familiarisation, timed sessions, driving skills assessments, racecraft evaluation, and fitness observations. All participants were assessed under uniform criteria to ensure fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity. No major safety incidents were recorded throughout the event, and officials maintained full oversight of all activities.

The Motorsport-in-a-Box practical session provided participants with hands-on exposure to race event operations, communication procedures, safety management, and the roles of officials and competitors. The programme generated considerable interest among attendees and introduced many newcomers to organised motorsport for the first time.

The event was overseen by Chimene Eme Eleonu, Chief Clerk and Race Director, supported by a dedicated team of marshals, medical personnel, timing officials, and communications staff whose professionalism ensured the successful delivery of both programmes.

The programme concluded with the identification of promising drivers, prospective officials, and future volunteers, while reinforcing the FIA and ATCN commitment to developing grassroots motorsport, enhancing safety standards, and creating sustainable pathways for talent development in Nigeria. Organisers expressed optimism that similar programmes will be expanded across the country to reach more communities, institutions, and aspiring motorsport professionals in the future.

The successful Abuja programme marks another important step in building a safer, more professional, and more inclusive motorsport environment in Nigeria and across the African continent.