Motorsports in Nigeria is experiencing unprecedented growth, with a surge in events such as the Eleko Motor Race, Ondo Auto Rally, Sagamu Auto Rally, Road X Motorsports Championship, and the XKart Race Series. Once a dormant segment of the auto industry, motorsports is now rapidly evolving into an organized and vibrant sector, attracting both enthusiasts and professionals.
A significant development in this arena is the emergence of VCT Racing, a newly formed motorsports team that recently made its debut at the XKart Race Series, hosted at the Work and Play Arena in Sagamu, Ogun State. VCT Racing is not only making waves in the racing scene but is also championing female participation in motorsports, a move that is breaking gender barriers in the industry.
The all-female drivers’ team at VCT Racing includes Ms. Omolewa Adesuyi, a print and crafts specialist; Ms. Kumbi Cardoso, a telecommunications lawyer; and Ms. Dioneth Ezimora, a Nigerian automotive journalist. The team is led by Mr. John Momodu, a professional driver and automotive technician who heads the mechanics. Their participation underscores the team’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity in motorsports.
The XKart Race Series, now in its fourth edition, provided the perfect platform for VCT Racing to showcase its potential. Competing against seven other teams in a grueling 30-lap race, VCT Racing secured a respectable 5th place finish. This debut marks the beginning of what the team hopes will be a successful journey to the pinnacle of Nigerian and international motorsports.
VCT Racing operates under the umbrella of Valuechain Technica LTD, an automotive industry value addition company. The leadership of VCT Racing comprises industry veterans with a wealth of experience. The team is led by President Mr. Luqman Mamudu, a former adviser to the Nigerian government on automotive policy and a prominent automotive industry consultant. Vice Presidents Mr. Edward Osakwe and Mr. Adrian Egonu bring their extensive backgrounds in motorsports and automotive communication to the team. Osakwe is a former co-founder of the Eleko Motor Race and has held leadership positions in various automotive sports organizations. Egonu, a former President of the Guild of Professional Bloggers of Nigeria, is an accomplished automotive journalist and motorsports enthusiast.
VCT Racing’s ambitions extend beyond the racetrack. The team is committed to advancing the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) trajectory in Nigeria by fostering partnerships with Mechatronics Departments in Nigerian universities and technical institutions. One of their long-term goals is to develop and race vehicles built by VCT Racing itself, a vision that aligns with the broader objectives of Valuechain Technica LTD to add value to Nigeria’s auto industry.
As motorsports continues to gain traction in Nigeria, VCT Racing is poised to be at the forefront of this exciting industry, driving innovation, promoting diversity, and elevating the profile of Nigerian motorsports on the global stage.
