Moataz Atef is a big name in the world of Egyptian motor sport, reports Ghada Abdel-Kader Egypt's Moataz Atef was title holder of the Egypt Autocross for two consecutive years, 1998 to 1999. Atef has been a speed test racer for 18 years, winning 36 races. Consistently ranked among the first five places Atef is considered one of the best drivers in Egypt, comfortable behind the wheel in rear, front and four wheel-drive vehicles, winning many races in all models. Atef's passion for car racing started at the tender age of nine. "It was a hobby at the beginning," said Atef. "At that time Atef did not have a driving license. He got one at 18, then started racing. Atef is talented by nature, attested by the fact that he has no coach. Reminiscing about his first race, "it was a BMW 323i six cylinder engine. I entered the fourth round of Egypt's Autocross in Maadi. I ended up in eighth place in the overall standings. The best Egyptian drivers participated in the race including Nasser Abu-Heif, champion of Egypt Autocross for 18 years, Tarek Abdel-Meguid, defending champion for 12 years, Hussein Nosrat, Talat El-Sewedi and Emad Sewedi. It was a big honour for me to compete with them and achieve this result," Atef told Al-Ahram Weekly. Atef is self-made, owning an import and export company for gifts. He also owns retail and wholesale shops for various ventures. "Since I was in school, I started working to have my own business in order to spend money on racing. Cars are too expensive; they cost a lot of money." In speed test races, Atef owns two racing cars: a Mitsubishi Lancer evolution engine 2000cc turbo and a BMW M3 engine six cylinder, 3200cc with 321HP (horsepower). The Mitsubishi has rear wheel-drive (it transfers the movement from the engine to rear tires of the car) while the BMW is a four-wheel drive or 4x4 vehicle intended for off-road whether mountainous or sandy. "Egyptian racers don't have a world ranking because they don't participate in regular terms in international races," Atef said. When Atef, 35, decided to retire he didn't go too far, becoming head of the speed test racing committee at the Egyptian Motor and Motorcycling Federation (EMMF). The committee consists of two former racers, Tamer El-Sewedi and Mohamed Bashir. They will be responsible for organising and managing races and drawing up future plans for the sport. According to the EMMF regulations, Atef will not participate in any race organised by the EMMF, especially in Egypt. He will only participate in international races abroad. "It is a big sacrifice for all the young generations of racers who need support from the EMMF. Car accidents have increased due to the high speed. Racers will be able to practice their sport safely under the supervision of EMMF," added Atef. "We have good talent in Egypt. Our drivers have limited possibilities but they manage to compete worldwide and be among the top 10 drivers in any race which is a big achievement." The first time I participated in a championship outside of Egypt was 2003. "I found nothing is impossible." He finished second overall in the Dubai championship in 2003. He won third and fourth place overall in Jordan in 2007 and 2008. He also, won the fourth place overall in Egypt Autocross 2009. He won 11th place in the 2011 Jordan Speed Race. "My overall standing was behind a little bit because I had a technical problem in my car." He took second with the Mitsubishi evolution in the first round of the Egypt Speed Challenge in Ain Al-Sokhna in May 2011 and also second in Sharm El-Sheikh in February 2012. Last Saturday, Egypt hosted the Red Bull Car Park Drift 2012 at Cairo International Stadium parking area. It ended with Rami Serri winning the title of "King of Drift" for the second consecutive time. Atef finished sixth. Atef had qualified for the semi-finals by being among the best 10 drivers. He did not make it to the top five, however, due to a technical error he committed during the race.
