SPOTLIGHT: One-on-One with a Nigerian Seeking to Make History in MotorSports
Nigeria, a country renowned for its prowess in various sports like football, athletics, and basketball, is now making inroads into non-traditional sports like motorsports.
One of those at the forefront of this revolution is Femi Olaoye (@femolevsky) , a man combining two worlds as a Chemical Engineer by day and a motorsports driver by night.
Femi’s unique blend of technical expertise and racing passion sets him apart as a pioneer in the Nigerian motor sports scene.
With his sights set on the FIA (@fia) MotorSports Games 2024, Femi is determined to make history and bring pride to his nation.
Dual capacity
By day, Femi applies his knowledge as a Chemical Engineer, but by night, he trades his lab coat for a racing helmet.
This dual identity fuels his passion for innovation and speed. Femi’s journey into motor sports began with a childhood fascination with cars and racing. He taught himself to drive at a young age and was inspired by racing titles and games.
“I want to take P1 and that is the goal I set for myself,” Femi exclaimed when Green Press Nigeria asked about his targets. “Every race that I enter, I just want to win, and there is nothing like second. I believe I’m good enough to compete with anyone in the world.”
Femi’s determination and focus are admirable, but he acknowledges the challenges he faces.
“Motorsport is very serious and very competitive and cutthroat. It’s the pinnacle of sporting in general. You have to use every faculty that God has given you to be sure that you will be able to deliver.”
Despite these challenges, Femi remains committed to his craft, balancing his passion for motor sports with his career as a chemical engineer. His wife’s support has been instrumental in his journey, and he credits her for his success.
“I try to devote my time maybe on weekends or during the week if I have a bit of energy after work and I try to chip in some time to ensure that I have a balanced life,” Femi explained. “I pursue my passion and my career. It’s a delicate balancing act because family time is there as well. My wife has been so helpful, she has been such a pillar of support, and most of what I’m able to do is because of her.”
True Naija Spirit
As Nigeria continues to make its mark in unconventional sports, Femi Olaoye’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes. His determination and passion are a testament to the country’s potential for excellence in any field of endeavor; including motor sports.
The Nigerian motorsports scene is still in its infancy, but Femi is optimistic about its future. “We don’t really have a fledgling Motorsport industry in Nigeria at the moment. What we have is an industry in its infancy. There’s a federation called the Automobile Touring Club of Nigeria that is responsible for the FIA’s governance in Nigeria. They are the official representatives in Nigeria and they govern motorsports with respect to the Nigerian terrain.”
Ready for the Challenge
Femi’s impending participation in the FIA MotorSports 2024 in Spain is not just about personal achievement; it’s about paving the way for others.
As he carries the weight of 200m+ people in the competition billed for Valencia, Spain , Femi faces a lot of pressure, but he’s ready for the challenge. “I’m always hard on myself because I’ve spent a lot to be the fastest driver in the grid. At all times, any race event I enter, I just want to win, and there is nothing like second.”
Will Femi Olaoye make history in the FIA MotorSports Games 2024? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – he has further paved the way for a new generation of Nigerian motorsports enthusiasts.
