Why I represented Nigeria at Dubai car racing — Shahin Nouri

Shahin Nouri is a Swiss who met a Nigerian lady in France. Their romance saw both lovers getting married and now Mr. Shahin is flying the green and white flag at car racing competitions. Esther Egbe speaks with the car racer that goes by the nickname ‘Fine Boy’.

How long have you been living in Nigeria?
I have been living in Nigeria since August 2009, visiting Nigeria every year since 2003. It’s quite a challenge. The first two years due to noise level everywhere, compared to the quietness of Switzerland. Other than that, it has been fantastic as we are living in an emerging market with tremendous growth and great people. I have been coming to visiting my in-laws and just to also enjoy my wife’s country. I moved in 2009 to come and work here as she decided to come back.

How long have you been into racing?
Passionate since was five years old. I received my first motor bike at five, and started racing and being competitive since then–in cars since 2007 and with professionals since 2013. I got the F1 virus and sports cars virus from my dad.

What country have you been representing and why represent Nigeria for the first time?
I always raced under the Swiss flag. But this Year I decided to race with the Nigerian flag. To promote Nigeria and to prove to the world that it is a great Country. I am proud to live in Nigeria. My wife and in-laws are Nigerians. And my kids are growing up here. Pidgin is their 3rd language.

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How did you meet your wife and what state is she from?
My wife,Tatiana Moussalli Nouri, is a Civil and structural engineer working with a Masters from MIT. I met her in France in 2001 and she is from Lagos state.

Tell us about the Dubai Race?
Good start, very difficult race with the traffic of 100 car, and very disappointing ending. One of the most difficult races I had was due to traffic. Imagine going into traffic at over 250kmh. I learnt how to manage traffic and anticipate other reckless behavior. And I learned how to be patient as well.

What will you love to do differently in your next Competition?
My running in this race was next to perfection. I would ginger and advise and support my team member more to make sure we do not have any incident or mistake. But in racing nothing is 100% sure.

Are you not scared it’s a dangerous game?
I am not scared because of the passion for racing and the competitiveness. This is another 24-hour race. It is dangerous but I guess the passion is stronger. And I do my best to minimize this risk. My goal is clearly to win the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Championship this year starting in Italy I, April, 2016.

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Do you mean, you are going to drive for 24hours?
Yes, in the Dubai racing, it was a 24-hour Race, we were four pilots driving for six hours in session of two hours.

Were the other pilots from Nigeria or were representing Nigeria?
France, Canada and Russia.

Tell us about your coach?
My coach ,Rupert Svendsen-Cook. Another is Calum Lockie. Excellent as well. He is the best for me so far. But now I am more with Rupert.

What was your position at the Dubai 24-hour Race?
We were 4th and a car crashed us out of the race after 18 hours.