When it comes to the world of cars in Bosnia and Herzegovina, inevitable name is certainly the one of Fadil Kadić.
His is the six-time champion of BiH, first winner of the Golden Helmet for triple champion title, three times member of the national team of Yugoslavia and one of the best rally drivers in the former state – these are just some of the recognitions that Kadić received. He retired from the rally driving business ten years ago.
“People often ask me how I win over younger ones in my age? Well, I was the champion of a big state, member of the rally national team of Yugoslavia, vice-champion of the Balkans, member of the factory team of Zastava… Therefore, when you come from a big yard to a smaller one, it is easy to be the best,” Kadić said.
He competed for the first time in 1968.
“My friend and I opted for the rally ‘Thousand kilometers from Belgrade’ in 1968, which was scored for the championship of Yugoslavia. That was the first time someone from BiH came to the competition. Out of 20 cars, mine was sixth. They asked me how much money we were given because that was the first time someone from BiH participated. Of course, we didn’t get anything, we paid it all by ourselves,” Kadić recalled.
One success came after another, and Fadil changed vehicles and wrote history. Until the war, he drove cars that many people at the time could only dream of.
Accidents in rally races are inevitable and they did not miss Fadil either. He says that it is more dangerous to sit in a car and drive to Slavonski Brod or to the seaside, than participate in a race. One of those anecdotes happened in 1999, when the Hill Championship was organized in Gračanica. He was driving Renault Castrol Clio coupe.
“Since many drivers competed for the first time, I told them they have to pay attention to time, to not meet anyone on the track. They said something like how can you meet someone on one such track. However, I met one of them. At the speed of 130 kilometers per hour I saw that he chose the wrong path. I had no other choice, I was passing him, and my left wheel was already off the asphalt. He saw that, but still he steered left. Next moment I was launched as a rocket into the forest. All I could see were branches and leaves. Ten meters and boom, straight into the ground. Luckily, nothing happened to me. I unbuckled, took my helmet off, and left the car,” Fadil remembered, adding that fear does not exist there.
Nothing was an obstacle for this eternal charmer. Also charming was the way in which he won over his wife Rahima, whom he has been married with for 57 years.
“Well, 47 years of marriage and 10 years of dating. I noticed her when she was seventh grade of elementary school and I was the first grade of Classic Gymnasium in Sarajevo. I recommended myself through her friends, but they told me she said it was still early for her and that maybe she would like to be in a relationship when she starts the eighth grade. I said no problem. September came, new academic year… I met her, and asked her: Are we going to be in a relationship? I like you, and you said when you start the eighth grade… I don’t see a problem now. The rest is history,” Kadić said.
(Source: faktor.ba)
