I was introduced to Ovais a while ago while he was developing his business plan for the karting track and looking for some advice. Six months later, I had a team from NUST who were trying to build a solar racing car. I recommended them to go meet Ovais who is one of the few people who are from this field. Ovais was kind enough to entertain this bunch of kids who later got funding from Bank Alfalah. A few months later, two of the students came back to Ovais when perhaps he was planning to pack it all in. Funny thing was that the same students had a key to the missing piece of puzzle that Ovais was not able to solve. The story is interesting because it demonstrates the importance of understanding the power of networking. Today because of a series of chance encounters and a good deed he did a while back, he is on the brink of making his dream come true.
Fast tracking Motor Sports in Pakistan
Standing at the edge of the track, a little boy watched in wonder at the go-karts whizzing around the track. As he readied himself for his own race, he thought, “I am going to be the best.” Excitement coursed through his body as he watched the flagman raise the flags, “Ready. Set…”
In 2006, Dr Syed Ovais Masud Naqvi’s childhood passion became an obsession as he trained to become an A1 Grand Prix driver. In 2010, Ovais decided to set up a local club where go-kart racers could congregate and pursue their passion for racing.
While Ovais’ story is mainly about the struggle and hard work that goes into getting support for a new project, it also underscores the power of networking. Just when Ovais had become dejected and felt that the project could not proceed, a group of young boys from NUST whom he had mentored, appeared unexpectedly and helped pull him to the finish line. Knowing that a little networking could have a big impact on their mentor’s dream project, the boys connected Ovais to the right people who jump-started the project.
Work has begun on the motor sports facility, which will be spread over 12 acres and will meet international standards. It is located adjacent to the Airmen Golf Course and Recreation Park and will be completed by the end of 2017.
Despite the hardships that he has endured, Ovais’ passion remains unchanged from when he was a young boy, standing at the edge of the track, watching the flagman drop the flags and shouting: “Ready, Set, Go!”
Tags: Omni Motorsports, Dr Syed Ovais Masud Naqvi, furturepreneur, Auto Sports
