Team Rahaman anticipates stiff challenge

Jul 25, 2009 Sports

– Starts at the back of the grid

Ravi Singh

By Rawle Welch
Never one to shy away from a duel, veteran motor racer Jad Rahaman told Kaieteur Sport yesterday that Sunday’s Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) ‘Race of Champions’ Meeting will be a tough challenge for the team which also includes his son Ryan.
The senior Rahaman’s view was on account of other commitments the duo has which would preclude from attending today’s qualifying sessions, forcing them to start at the back of the grid for the entire Meet.
Rahaman, who drives a Ford Escort and competes in the Group 2A class, said that he has made some changes to the engine and anticipates that the car will be much quicker.
He stated that having to drive from the back of the field will pose a stiff challenge for him in what he described as the most competitive and fully subscribed category where all the cars are almost evenly matched.
“Although we are doing our homework, it does not mean that everybody else is sleeping,” he reminded.
The elder Rahaman disclosed that due to other business obligations, the team’s preparations started late, but was still optimistic that despite all the obstacles, they are aiming to be very competitive and looking for victories. “We are going to the starting line and hoping for the best.”
Meanwhile, commenting on Ryan’s chances, Jad said that as usual Ryan should still be a formidable force in both the Group 2B and 3 categories. “Ryan’s car that he uses in the Group 2B division is usually very reliable, but again, having to start at the back of the grid will present a different test,” he assured.

The main contenders in the Group 3 category seem to be discussing their anticipated rivalry on Sunday, at the South Dakota Circuit.

Offering his view on his son’s chances in the Group 3 division, Jad indicated that the car which he uses, the Ford Sierra Cosworth, was plagued with some brake problems at the last Meeting, but that has been resolved and fans could expect a more robust effort from the reigning champion.
He added some other small glitches have also been fixed and the car should be ready for race day.
“Ryan has his hands full in Group 3 with the likes of Trinidadian Ravi Singh, locals Gavin Gayadin and Kemal Seebaran and USA Cams driver Kem Lall, all capable of doing well.”
He mentioned that it is once again pleasing to see the Group regaining its strength and being very competitive unlike the marquee Group 4 which is frequently hit by attrition that forces a few of the competitors into the garage.
“The cars in this class are much faster, but the rivalry is not so close, he commented.
Questioned on their current state of fitness to combat the anticipated gruelling day, Jad said that the pair do their fair share of exercising, but felt that it is more a case of maintaining concentration.
He extended thanks to the team’s mechanics which is headed by Barbadians Freddie Mapp, Tedroy Howard and Guyanese Junior Williams, Hakim Alli, Vickanand Alli and Mark Duke.
“They have done a splendid job in preparing these three cars and I want to personally thank them.”
He also wished the new GMR&SC Executive well in the future and hope that the Meeting is successful.
Team Rahaman is sponsored by Gem Magazine, Sankar Auto Works, Stag Beer, Guysons Engineering and J.R Burgers.