Scrap car stunts draw crowds at Eid auto festival

BASRA — More than 40 drivers from across Iraq converged Friday on the desert roads of Safwan for the annual Eid Al-Fitr Auto Festival, where modified “scrap” cars — aging, repurposed vehicles customized for performance — thrilled crowds in a showcase of speed, skill and creativity.

Hosted by the Al-Zubair Auto Racing Club, the event has become a regular fixture for motorsport enthusiasts in southern Iraq. The cars, commonly referred to as “scraps,” are a hallmark of these gatherings and now have a growing following under the banner of the Iraqi Scrap Car Union.

“More than 40 racers from different groups, clubs and governorates participated in today’s event,” said Ali Shakir, director of the club. “This is an annual Eid celebration, and every season we try to offer something new.”

“Al-Zubair Club is well known for freestyle performances,” he added. “Most of the cars here are scraps, and they’ve become very popular.”

Sef Al-Maliki, deputy head of the Iraqi Auto Racing Federation, noted improvements in event organization. “In the past, the races in Al-Zubair were somewhat chaotic, but what we’re seeing today in terms of organization and safety barriers is a clear development,” he said. “We’re working with local authorities to build official tracks that protect spectators, enhance driver skills and allow racers to participate in international competitions.”

Drivers had between five and seven minutes to impress the crowd with freestyle stunts.

“The performance is based on a plan every driver makes for the arena,” said racer Ahmed Badr. “Each one brings their own style. The competition is all about creativity, and drivers perform moves like the slam, reverse, sequence and drift.”

Ahmed Al-Askari, another competitor, said racers came from Basra, Nasiriyah, Diwaniyah and Najaf. “We were supposed to have racers from the Gulf as well, but their vehicles weren’t allowed across the border. They’re sports cars that need special permits, and there were some issues,” he said.