In a bustling corner of Kabul, Afghanistan, mechanic Zabiullah Momand stands proudly next to his creation, a sleek sports car with a roaring 420-horsepower engine. This isn’t your typical vehicle in a city filled with Toyota Corollas. Momand’s car, a fusion of a Mercedes Benz skeleton and a Toyota Supra engine, represents the passion and dedication of a small but growing community of motorsports enthusiasts in the war-torn country.
“I own the only 2JZ engine in Afghanistan,” Momand proudly tells AFP, as he revs the engine, letting it settle into a satisfying purr. His cherry red speedster, complete with a canary yellow roll cage, is just one example of the modified and imported cars now making their mark on Kabul’s streets.
Despite decades of conflict, these motorists are seizing newfound stability to engage in races and drifting exhibitions, a far cry from the chaos of war-torn streets. “We are short of facilities,” says Hashmatullah Rahbar, founder of the National Sports Car Racing Federation of Afghanistan, as he works to formalize the country’s motorsports scene.
In February, the Federation hosted its first event, the Victory Cup tournament, albeit with delays and without sponsorship or cash prizes. Rahbar, wearing a gold hat and drifting around Kabul’s roundabouts in a silver Chevrolet Camaro, is determined to cultivate a culture of motorsports in a nation where it’s a novelty.
The tournament drew crowds of curious onlookers, including Taliban members posing for pictures with the high-powered cars, their AK-47s slung over their shoulders. For many, especially women who are often excluded from public life, it was a rare moment of leisure and excitement.
Eighteen-year-old Zuhal Mohammadi, among the spectators, expressed hope for a future where women can also participate in motorsports. “I have been interested from a young age,” she says optimistically.
However, the road to racing in Afghanistan is not without obstacles. The high costs of building and maintaining these powerful cars, along with the challenge of finding safe venues, are significant hurdles. Amin Sangin, another sports car owner, explains that their prized possessions often sit idle due to the expense of fuel and maintenance.
Despite the challenges, Momand and others are determined to keep the racing spirit alive. Some enthusiasts have taken it upon themselves to organize races and exhibitions, even footing the bill out of their own pockets. Momand, known for his twin-turbo creation, opted out of the Victory Cup competition due to safety concerns, but for him and his fellow drivers, the joy of racing and the cheers of the spectators make it all worthwhile.
In a country where war has dominated headlines for so long, these car modifiers and racers are creating a new narrative—one of adrenaline, passion, and the pursuit of speed against all odds.
