Motorsport: Ogun, Ondo to host maiden X-Kart series

The first X-Kart series in motorsport will be hosted in Ogun and Ondo states on February 17 and March 30 respectively.

Both events, which would have Phillip Gana, Nigeria’s international Kart racer, participating, would be held in Sagamu in Ogun state and Ilara Mokin in Ondo state.

Ade Ojuoko, president of the Work and Play group, who announced Gana’s inclusion while unveiling plans for the upcoming events, said: “The motorsport community in Nigeria is generating mileage to have attracted the participation of Phillip Gana who is one of the front runners in promoting the sport and we believe this will have a positive impact on our developmental plans.”

The Work and Play had partnered with Metallic Horses to host an inaugural event at the purpose-built race track along Shagamu Expressway last month, paving the way for the series.

Ojuoko also said Gana’s team in the race would be drawn from teenage drivers of the ages 14 to 19 years.

“The X-Kart series is essentially a youth-driven sport and Gana will be featuring a largely teenage team and that also leaves the other competitors in the coming series challenged,” he said.

“There are safety protocols that include the Federal Road Safety Corps’ checks on the facilities and all Karts, as well as the inclusion of first aid officials at all event venues.”

According to Ojuoko, the X-Kart series will deepen individual and corporate interest in motorsport in Nigeria.

The events, it is understood, have been endorsed by the Racing Autos Development Association (RADA), the umbrella body for motorsports racing in Nigeria.