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Another Rahaman returns to the track
By Rawle Welch
Amjad Rahaman.
It came as no surprise when Canada-based Amjad Rahaman during an interview with Kaieteur Sport last Wednesday related how eager he was to return to motor racing after a four-year hiatus.
The 43 year-old racing driver’s bloodline has been intimately involved in the sport for over four decades and according to him even those four years away from car racing did not mean that he was away totally from the sport, but rather got caught up in another part, that of karting after migrating to Canada.
Rahaman, whose father Imran, a former car racer himself, is now integrally involved in the preparation of his Ford Escort and according to him; his dad’s vast experience in the sport and his knowledge of setting up cars is what has fuelled his confidence of being in the top four at this Sunday’s Race Meeting, at the South Dakota Circuit.
The Group 2A campaigner is hopeful that despite the talent that has emerged since his absence from the track, his natural skills and experience should be enough to at least keep him in the top four.
“I’ve seen some of the young guys and they all seem extremely talented, but with the skills that I’ve acquired from my karting sojourn, I feel confident that they will have to bet at their best to keep me out of the top four,” Rahaman remarked.
Speaking about his experience in Canada, Rahaman said that he naturally fell in love with karting and has raced on some of the circuits’ over there, but car racing was always on his mind so he decided to return home to compete at this Meeting.
Asked why he feels that he could upstage a few of the younger drivers, Rahaman responded by saying that he has a few aces in the hole, but the most important one is that his father has taken over the reins of preparing the car and that has increased his confidence.
“I know how experience he is in that department and that has made me feel confident of doing well.”
He, however, reckoned that this Meeting is really a trial one where they will gauge the ability of the car against the opposition and make the necessary upgrade in time for the next assignment.
“It is going to be an uphill climb, I’ve seen a lot of the guys and they are very good, but I’m excited and will be giving it my best shot,” a beaming Rahaman stated.
He added that he is really impressed with the new technology here, noting that the competitors are now spending a lot of money to prepare and that is what the sport is about.
“We are going to rebuild the foundation and then go from there, I envisage that come next year we will be very competitive and looking to gain championship points.”
He paid credit to his karting experience which according to him has improved his skills immensely, making him more consistent and calculative and even recommended it for upcoming drivers.
“I would advise any aspiring race driver to get involved in karting.”
He said he was looking to drive three races, while pointing to drivers such as his uncle Jad and a few others as the favourites to dominate the class.
“Those guys have the horsepower and when you add to that their superior knowledge of the circuit, it gives them a clear advantage,” he felt.
Commenting on track conditions, Rahaman pointed out that is has become more abrasive, adding that it is something that you have to deal with as a motor racer.
He thanked his faithful sponsors ARK Enterprise, Crawler & Wheeler & Tractor Spares, Air Services Ltd, Laparkan Miami and Canada, Empire Shopping Centre and Steve’s Jewelry, all of whom have stood behind him over the years.
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