The Chief Executive Officer of Triumph Fleet, Engineer Triumph Moses, has said that Nigeria’s emerging motorsports industry holds immense potential to create employment for engineers, technicians, and young people exploring alternative career paths.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday ahead of the maiden edition of the Abuja Car Racing Event, organised by Legend Efe Empire, Moses urged stakeholders to stop viewing motorsports as a mere luxury pastime.

“I am a motorsports professional and one of the drivers competing today,” Moses told journalists. “What we are doing is not just entertainment — it’s an industry that can empower thousands.”

Highlighting the technical depth of the sport, Moses explained that motorsports involves a wide range of skilled professionals, from engineers tuning engines to mechanics handling safety modifications.

“There are engineers who build and maintain these cars. From tuning engines to safety modifications, there’s technical work that requires expertise. That means jobs,” he said.

Moses, who has built and customised more than nine BMWs and nine Mercedes vehicles from scratch, revealed that many Nigerian drivers began their careers modifying scrapped vehicles — a reflection of ingenuity and resilience.

“Not all of us were born with silver spoons. Some of these cars you see on the track were built from the ground up. It’s a testament to local ingenuity. It’s not just football that entertains. Motorsport is another arena that attracts fans, creates jobs, and drives tourism,” he said.

He called on both government and private investors to support the sector, noting its untapped potential in automotive engineering, racing events, and local manufacturing.

Also speaking at the event, the CEO of Legend Efe Empire, Senator Efe Onodavberoh, said the race was created to ignite grassroots interest in competitive driving and serve as a platform for young talent.

“We’ve tried to bring Formula One to Nigeria, but it’s been tough. With Opus Racing planning something big, we decided to launch this local event to groom future talent,” he said.

Participants were grouped into categories based on engine horsepower. Class A drivers competed for a ₦2.5 million grand prize, while Classes B and C were designed for intermediate and amateur racers.

The CEO of Skuchmotors, Ani Chuks Anthony, also emphasised the need for investment in automotive testing facilities, especially dynamometer (dyno) centres that measure car performance metrics like horsepower and torque.

“I want to build Nigeria’s first hypercar, but the rising cost of the dollar is a huge challenge. I already have the designs, and I have young students who want to learn,” Anthony said.

He called on industry players to support the establishment of dyno centres across the country to help local builders accurately test and improve their vehicle modifications.

The event, held under strict safety conditions with support from the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigerian Police, featured 12 participants competing across various categories.