Emil Sayfutdinov
A Russian speedway sensation whose explosive talent on the track made him a dominant force in world team competitions.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Russian motorcycle speedway rider·Birthday: October 26·Millennials
Biography
Emil Sayfutdinov burst onto the international speedway scene not just as a competitor, but as a phenomenon. Hailing from Salavat, Russia, his aggressive, all-action riding style and remarkable bike control quickly marked him as one of the sport's most electrifying talents. His impact was most profoundly felt in team events, where his clutch performances became the engine for Russian success. Sayfutdinov's career, however, has been a narrative of brilliant peaks interspersed with challenges, including injuries and the complexities of international politics affecting his participation. Despite these hurdles, his raw speed and determination have kept him at the forefront of the sport, a rider capable of winning any event he enters and a central figure in modern speedway history.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Emil was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Emil Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Emil's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- A three-time Speedway World Team Champion with the Russian national team (2018, 2019, 2020).
- Twice crowned the World Junior Champion (2007, 2008).
- Won the European Championships in back-to-back years (2014, 2015).
- Finished as runner-up in the Speedway Grand Prix series in 2019, his highest individual world championship standing.
- Has won multiple Speedway Grand Prix event finals throughout his career.
Did You Know?
He began riding motorcycles at the age of four.
Sayfutdinov is known for his distinctive helmet design, which often features a large letter 'E'.
He has raced for top club teams in Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
His father, Damir, was also a speedway rider and served as his early coach.
“On the track, there is no time for fear, only for the throttle.”
