Published on: 2026-09-21
Source: KAMAZ – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Sergey Kogogin, CEO of PJSC KAMAZ, took part in the ceremonial evening dedicated to the 50th anniversary of motorsport in Naberezhnye Chelny. As part of the celebration, a sports car exhibition was organized on the square in front of the Organ Hall, featuring the legendary KAMAZ racing trucks.
The starting point of motorsport history in Naberezhnye Chelny is considered to be September 18, 1976, when Kamaz athletes made their debut at the first USSR buggy autocross championship in Ryazan. At that time, the auto giant’s team received an honorary prize “For original layout.” Subsequently, in the eighties and nineties, the Kamaz buggy drivers became the core of the Russian national team in the buggy class.
The solemn event celebrating the anniversary of Chelny motorsport was also attended by the Prime Minister of Tatarstan, Alexey Pesoshin, the mayor of Naberezhnye Chelny, Nail Magdeev, the head of the KAMAZ-master team, Eduard Nikolaev, People’s Artist of the Republic of Tatarstan and famous racing driver Salavat Fatkhutdinov, as well as other honored guests. They familiarized themselves with the exhibition of racing automotive technology from different eras and directions, which was set up on the square in front of the Organ Hall. The exposition featured legendary KAMAZ sports trucks, racing buggies, go-karts, and sports passenger cars. “Very glad that many veterans found the opportunity to come, – he noted during the inspection of the equipment Eduard Nikolaev. – When we gathered them today in the KAMAZ-master hall and showed them today’s sport, many got emotional. Our task today is not to let them down. I see how much people enjoy the exhibition. I came yesterday evening and saw many children who could touch the equipment, sit in the vehicle. Knowing children’s interest in gadgets, it is pleasant to see this.
The official part of the celebration was opened with a film about the 50-year history of Chelny motorsport. On behalf of the Head of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, a congratulatory speech was delivered by prime minister of the republic Alexey Pesoshin. “For Naberezhnye Chelny, motorsport is not just a hobby, it is our pride and history, – he emphasized. – The city where the domestic automotive industry is born has naturally become a hub for those who live for racing. Over these five decades, hundreds of drivers, mechanics, engineers, and organizers have passed through the rally tracks. We remember the first tracks, the first victories, and those who were at the origins of this movement. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the veterans of motorsport, coaches, and drivers. By your example, you demonstrate to the younger generation true character and the drive to win. Thanks to you, the youth has a worthy role model, and the city gains new horizons of development.
In turn, the CEO of PJSC KAMAZ Sergey Kogogin thanked the motorsport veterans and everyone who created it in Naberezhnye Chelny at the same time as the plant, from the stage. “Motorsport in our city has always been special. No other team in the country has achieved results like ours! Today, the creators of this success have gathered in the hall, – he emphasized Sergey Kogogin, adding that Chelny motorsport always sets a high bar. – If you are involved in motorsport, you have to be the best in the world. The achievements of our athletes in rally raids are incomparable. I myself have been at the finish of the Dakar and have seen the respect the judges and competitors have for our athletes, considering them outstanding. I hope there will be a time when we return to international competitions again. This year’s international route – “Taklamakan” in China – also showed that KAMAZ has not lost its edge. We were the best in the world and remain so. Huge thanks to everyone!
The mayor of Naberezhnye Chelny thanked the veterans and the leaders of the auto giant for their invaluable contribution to the development of the industry and the city. “KAMAZ creates all the conditions for our children and teenagers, helping them with career guidance. Yes, it is clear that not all of them will become professional racing drivers. But the good seeds that motorsport sows will give them the opportunity to build the right life trajectory. They will acquire technical specialties, come to work at KAMAZ, and grow up as patriots and men. Today, on behalf of all the people of Chelny, I am very pleased to say a huge thank you to the management of the automotive giant and our legendary athletes.”, – noted Nail Magdeev.
During the event, awards were also presented. For his significant contribution to the development and popularization of motor sports in Tatarstan and many years of fruitful work, Farit Badretdinov, a teacher at the sports training bureau of the sports and economic activities department of the ANO “Technograd,” was awarded the “Duslyk” Order. Igor Devyatkin, a car repair locksmith of the “KAMAZ-master” team, was awarded the medal of the Order “For Merit to the Republic of Tatarstan.” For a great contribution to the popularization of motor sports and many years of fruitful work, the “For Valiant Labor” medals were awarded to Nikolai Bondarev, a coach-teacher of initial training at the Technograd center, Yevgenia Bykova, corporate culture manager of the management organization department of the “KAMAZ-master” team, and Valentin Nikolaev, a test driver of the “KAMAZ-master” team. For many years of fruitful work and merits in professional activity, Nikolai Pushkaryov, a coach-teacher of the sports training group at the Technograd center, was awarded the RT medal “100 Years of the Formation of the Tatar ASSR.” In addition, navigators, mechanics, and pilots of the “KAMAZ-master” team were recognized.
Also on this evening, a creative video greeting in verse from the members of the “KAMAZ-master” team was presented, there were performances by Chelny groups and artists. The celebration concluded with a concert by the State Chamber Choir of the Republic of Tatarstan under the direction of the People’s Artist of the Republic of Tatarstan Milyausha Tamindarova.
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