By Anas Alyusuf

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — The thrill of speed, a drive for consistency and a penchant for adventure are all characteristics that are needed to excel in motorsports. And if a racing enthusiast has one or more of these facets then one would definitely be on the fast lane, imprinting one’s name as a racer.

If all three features are inherent in a person, who combines grit and grace with a will to realize his dream after patiently charting a course in life, then the star has arrived. Saudi Talal Al Bader, a rallyist, is the person who has literally wheeled his way to the top by dint of sheer skills and performance.

For the 24-year-old Saudi Talal Al Bader’s story packs the twists and turns of a motor rally course. Bader did not enter motor sports on a whim nor did he become a star overnight.

Like every child’s hopes, Bader too had a fancy for hot rods and it is only now that this latent desire has manifested into him becoming a rally driver.

And like everything he has tried, Al Bader has made a success of this too. Today he drives for TB Motorsports, established in July 2019, and is becoming an internationally-recognized driver, who competes with zest and keenness.

Al Bader furrowed a singular road with determination. And he showed great aptitude in recognizing opportunity and waiting for a turn to make his move.

His childhood passion for cars never really came to the fore till he showed character in building his life, such that his dormant dreams eventually drove him to his latest career path.

"I always wanted to become a rally driver... I just couldn't find the right time or place to get in. Then Dakar 2020 was announced, it was the sign, and I worked hard towards achieving this goal,” Al-Bader said.

Both TB Motorsports and Al Bader are eager to start Dakar 2020, and thanks to General Sports Authority (GSA) and Saudi Arabian Motor Federation (SAMF) support for local talents, Al Bader and his team have been given the green light to start in the world’s toughest rally.

“We’re qualified to compete and ready to win, that's our current motto,” said Al Bader, adding, “Like every kid I developed a passion for speed as well but I, however, had the underlying feeling to make this as my profession.

“This did not happen in a single day it took years to make it and all I would say is this happened due to my hard work and dedication.”

His dream journey started way back in 2000, as Al-Bader related, “Lying down in my Porsche-themed bed in Toronto, like all I (then 5 years old) too had my dreams and day dreams. Most of these were an intricate story of me among engines, cars, and motorsports idols.”

His want for anything cars and being mechanically inclined grew as did his Hot Wheels collections along with his passion for motorsports.

Like every child, his dreams took a backseat, as he picked his way through life’s course by learning to build on his strengths and adding life skills in his journey.

“I studied elementary and middle schools at King Faisal's School. Then I graduated high school from Riyadh Schools. My proficiency in numerals then enabled me to earn an accounting Bachelor from Alfaisal University.

“But along with my education I learned life’s lessons by managing time, working out, seizing opportunities and daring to make a foray into entrepreneurship. During my college days I commuted daily on bicycle to and from university. It instilled in me individuality and made me value time for my intense exercise regime.

“I also ventured in business during this period and went through a phase of tightrope walking by doing a balancing act. Managing my own business Tee Arabia, a bootstrap startup, demanded frequent travels and endless meetings.

“But I handled it, and also maintained an admirable academic record while keeping his tough exercise regimen, for I always held athletics a priority,” Al- Bader said.

Being an avid car collector since a young age, he made his debut in the car world relentlessly. Before turning 20, he had already invested in American Muscle cars, and his dream car a Porsche GT3 — all as investments and a part of his business deals.

Al Bader was on a smooth road to success, but still had not decided to stay the course. His investments in cars sparked his lingering desire.

But it was only after breaking 3 bones, within less than 2 years through skiing and cycling, did Al Bader decide to re-ignite his real passion: Cars and racing.

“TB Motorsports was then initiated as an athletics platform and motorsports initiative. TB's team was selected according to their expertise and past rally participations.

“In Rally Asir, I emerged as a new talent, finishing 19th out of 40 experienced and accomplished teams, and 5th in our class,” said Al-Bader, who now hopes to compete on bigger stages with glory.

Al Bader said that TB Motorsports would be competing in the Saudi Desert Rally Championship organized by Saudi Arabian Motor Federation (SAMF) as a grand local competition.

The Desert Rally event will be preparing local talents for the renowned annual rally raid Rally Dakar. With Qassim (Baja) on Oct. 17, followed by Al Ola NEOM (cross-country) Nov. 4, Al Sharqiyah (Baja) Dec. 5, Najd Riyadh (Baja) Dec. 15, are the races planned.

Like every new kid on the block, Al Bader looks up to his mentors to channelize his energy and passion into a winning formula. He acknowledged the efforts of Ahmad Al Sabban, Emirati Ali Mirza and Louai Faour in making him an accomplished Rallyist and the competitor that he is today.

Al Bader, who credited his strong performance to the support of GSA and SAMF along with the skills and dedication of his entire TB team, hopes to become the next big name in rallying and in the motorsports world thereby flying the Saudi flag high.

But apart from realizing his passion and riding towards success, Al Bader hopes to be a motivational force to the new younger generation by setting an example. “I hope to represent Saudi youth’s massive aspirations towards accomplishments and success,” Al Bader said.