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..Promises entertainment, record breaking stunts
By Emma Njoku
The anticipated TOR’Q Autofest 2025, a distinctive car drifting and super bikers’ series, has been scheduled for December 7.
According to the organisers, the event transcends traditional motorsport, aiming to deliver a unique blend of high-octane action, entertainment, and auto-fair.
The autofest will take place at the TOR’Q Arena, located directly opposite the Landmark Event Centre on the Island, Lagos.
Head of Strategy at Xhibit Ideas, the organisers of the TOR’Q Autofest, Adeniyi Bakare, emphasised that the initiative was conceived to provide an alternative to the usual entertainment people consume, such as concerts. Unlike past events, the upcoming TOR’Q is focused primarily on entertainment and immersion engagement rather than competition, due to a limited number of competitors.
Bakare elaborated on the theatrical scope of the event, explaining that the organisers are bringing movies to life. “So we’re doing entertainment and, even this year, what we’re doing is more theatre-like; the movies that you see we’re bringing to life. So it’s pure entertainment,” Bakare enthused.
He further noted that attendees should expect to see supercars used as drift cars, a feature that the organisers claim is unique to the TOR’Q event. “Attendees will experience more like seeing Fast and Furious live”. The incorporation of culture and theatre means that the event is suitable for an entire family.
The fusion of motorsport and live performance was confirmed by veteran actor, Taiwo Ibikunle, who assured attendees of the unique experience. Mr. Ibikunle highlighted the transition from using human props in theatre to using the actual machines themselves:
“TOR’Q 25 is a fusion of entertainment as there will be live theatre performances with real cars and bikes on stage, and it is something that Nigerians should look forward to”.
He noted that while people typically use human props as cars or bikes on stage and still get the message, this time, they plan to bring the actual vehicles on stage.
The TOR’Q Autofest has garnered significant support from key industry players, including Fearless energy drink (the headline sponsor from Rite Foods Limited) and Bigi.
Brand Manager for Bigi at Rite Foods Limited, Biola Aransiola, stated that the brand supports the event because its vision aligns with Bigi’s and Fearless values. Being proudly Nigeria-made products, it supports young talent who are “breaking that boundary and doing the exceptional”.
Aransiola drew a parallel between the event and Bigi’s entry into the industry: “We see people breaking that boundary and doing the exceptional because this is how we also came into the industry, we were able to break the boundary and also stand shoulder to shoulder with multinationals basically. So when we see people with that same audacity as us, we like to support”.
She also promised that Bigi and Fearless would be there to refresh the audience: “Biggie refreshes you with 13 different flavours and gives you the coupon of your life”.
Group Executive Director at Omnicom Media Group, West and Central Africa, Yinka Adebayo, explained that many younger individuals are full of energy, drive, and interest in trying new things, which makes motorsport a natural fit.
Mr. Adebayo observed the growing interest in the sport among Nigerians: “Nigerians have started warming up to winter sports. But drifting, in particular, they want to feel it beyond just seeing; they want to have that experience and it’s been a while. It’s been amazing so far”. He further urged brands to be bold and evolve by trying out new initiatives like TOR’Q, rather than being limited to just a few options.
Beyond the main spectacle, TOR’Q Autofest is known for integrating audience engagement and community outreach. The organisers allow people to go inside and experience the classic cars on display, unlike some other events.
The Head of Strategy, Mr. Bakare, also noted the event’s commitment to social responsibility through the “we love from talk” initiative, which involves going into communities to address specific needs. The initiative allocates a percentage of the proceeds from sponsorship toward these efforts. This year, the organisers plan to sponsor female drifting stars and riders who love the sport.
“Nigerians, who wish to participate or engage with the event, can sign up through activities organised with sponsors like Fearless. The organisers noted that they do rallies outside of Lagos, having recently gone to Iseyin with a stop in Ibadan, allowing interaction with the community.”
Mr. Adebayo encouraged potential spectators to attend, telling them: “If you’ve not experienced it before, come out and experience what drifting is like. You just need to be bold. You don’t need to be strong. You just need to be fearless most importantly”.
