Daddy Cool: Rami Serry

Racing since the young age of 17, Egypt’s top professional race car driver Rami Serry is a man who is cool, matter of fact and collected. Victorious in his career ,he is a role model to thousands of young Egyptians who look at the relentless driver as a pioneer for Egypt’s motorsport industry. Behind this fast life and hot rides, however, is a father of four sons whom he simply dotes on; 16-year old Khaled, 14-year old Tarek, 9-year old Ziad and last but definitely not least 2-year old Omar. The man who has managed to put Egypt on the race scene is a devoted family man who cares first and foremost for his clan. We team up with U.S. Polo Assn. to hit the race track with the whole crew...

How did having children change your personal and professional life?

There is a misconception that race car driving is extremely risky but you are more likely to get an injury on horseback. It is however extremely challenging and nerve-wracking. That’s why you need something in your life that helps you keep a balance; that’s what my family does. Racing comes second to them. When you have a family, food on the table is your number one priority so I’ve been tackling more than car racing which makes me lead a busy life. There’s no real time for yourself but that never put a frown on me or my wife’s face, we love making our kids happy.

If you could go back how would you prepare for fatherhood?

I don’t regret anything. When you have kids at a young age, the positive side is that there’s no real age gap.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned from your family?
From my mother I learned strength and unconditional love and this is something I want to show to my own children, of course.

How do you keep a balance between work and family life?

I believe I am able to make a balance but you know how Cairo is, it can get very hectic so in the week it’s hard to make family time but my wife and kids are extremely understanding. Friday and Saturday are family-only days where family time is essential.

What habits have your kids picked up from you?

My oldest son is the race car driving prodigy and is going to be the youngest racer in Egypt. My 14-year old has taken after my football skills. Ziad has picked up a love of science and astrology. Omar, our youngest is simply what connects the family together.

Is it more important to play with or teach your boys?

Both. Teaching brings discipline but at the same time playing with your kids connects you on the emotional level. So it is very important to maintain a balance between both.

How important is image in your industry?

It is extremely important in my industry. With racing, you need your sponsors and you need your fans and a lot of that comes from how you present yourself. It actually puts a lot of pressure on us as a family, but we manage.

What are your style essentials?

I am a very simple guy...White sneakers, jeans and a colourful polo. Comfort is very important for me as I’m always out and about.

Do your kids choose their own outfits?

For sure. We don’t interfere in their choices but if there’s a family gathering or an important event we’ll be like, ‘hey put a shirt on!’

Where do you see your kids 20 years from now?

I mean I don’t know, it is important for them to be happy but no one is going to dictate where they should be. We’re showing them what’s out there but we’re also teaching them to make their own choices. What I do know for sure is that, 20 years from now, they will be four brothers who deeply love each other and are there for each other no matter what and who care very much for their parents. I already see success in all of them.

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