In the past months Egypt has been experiencing a poignant love story with car motor sports -- actually a crush, but apparently only one way. Fans and enthusiasts, as well as drivers have been waiting for a long time for a true car racing event that matches international standards. Since officials in Egypt who are responsible for the sport are not making any noticeable effort, a small group of well established car racing champions in Egypt formed an organisation called STT Race management. STT mainly manages racing events in Egypt and applying FIA rules and standards. STT is based on two experienced drivers Shadi Osama and Rami Serri who are both working on passing on their valuable experience to the new generation and teaching them how to be an ideal car racing driver. After STT succeeded in organising the student car racing champion last year and recently the car park drift, it was obvious that the organisation has much to offer to the sport in Egypt. What made the third round of Time attack this season so special is that STT and the original organiser of the race Sami Al-Kellawi joined forces to create a whole new racing experience. The race also attracted many sponsors who were attracted by the RS Motorsport Company founded by Serri. From the first glance when arriving at the track in the resort town of Ain Al-Sokhna you get the feeling that you are going to witness something special. The activity started in the early morning on Saturday 2 November with all the drivers present under one tent for the detailed briefing given by Osama. It's not something you get to see every day in Egypt, as in most motor events discipline is not the norm. “When you decide to stick to the FIA international rules, you have to make sure to apply them,” said Osama. Moving on, after the racers were told what their duties are and got their track walk, fans in the stands started revving up their heart beats anticipating the first car to get on the line. The organisers grouped all the cars into categories according to their mechanical abilities -- AWD, AWD (modified), AWD (super modified), RWD (under 2.0cc) and RWD. Of course, fans were tracking the famous champions including Haitham Samir, Tamer Bashat, along with Valvoline and Zamzam teams. However, not all the stars stuck around for long, as the all-time favourite winner of Time Attack Samir was out of form and out of the track. Samir lacked concentration that day, as he did his laps and hurried to the airport to participate in the Middle East CPD finals in Dubai. Everything else was anticipated as all of Bashat, Zamzam team and Valvoline team reached podiums. Winning is not the big achievement in speed tests or racing against the clock. The trick is to stand on the invisible line between getting the best time and entertaining the crowd as well. Amin Elewa, Valvoline team member, did just that as he brought life to the stands with whistles and chants. Elewa kept on dancing with his car in each and every corner on the track, driving fans crazy. He ended up hitting the fastest lap time that day as well as winning his AWD (super modified) category. Commenting on the event organisation, Al-Kellawi said, “I believe in giving every person around you the chance to help, if indeed they have the potential to do so. STT racing management and myself are trying to enrich motorsports in Egypt with everything we have, hoping for a better future”. During the race and after it, many drivers were asking about whether it was right to make categories that consist of three, two or one driver. “I don't think it's a problem despite the fact that a racer might be last overall but stands on the podium while another who achieves a better time won't get the chance to reach the podium,” said Bashat. After the event ended and prizes were distributed among the winners, it was the right time for Al-Ahram Weekly to ask Osama, race manager and head of marshals, about his feedback. “I believe everything we planned for was successfully applied, however, I am slightly sad regarding the lack of a helping hand from the drivers. Every driver should have discipline within his soul, regardless of any outer defects during the racing events.” On the future of racing events in Egypt, Osama gave the Weekly a scoop. “Starting next year, we are planning to make Time Attack a championship broken down into six rounds, sticking to FIA rules and regulations with points to be earned every round. In addition, we will hold a 12-round carting championship, also next year.” Perhaps motor sports is finally getting up to speed in the country.
