By Ravendra Kishore
Leading group three racer Ryan Rahaman plans to extend his championship point’s lead when he takes on a strong field this coming Sunday at the South Dakota Circuit in the third race meet of the year dubbed the `Ultimate Race of Champions.’
Rahaman, a second generation racer, in an interview with Stabroek Sport, stated that he had acquired a new car, a Ford Seirra, which replaces his faithful Ford Escort which he has been driving on the circuit for the past 10 years.
His new car has not had a taste of the South Dakota Circuit but Rahaman told Stabroek Sport that he hoped to do so later yesterday afternoon as on Wednesday afternoon his reliable team of mechanics were fine-tuning the Ford Cosworth 2000cc Turbo Charge Engine which he said was broken in by him in Barbados by just driving and not racing.
Rahaman, who is unbeaten this season with six wins from six races for a maximum of sixty points not only leads group three but the overall championship points table.
He sees stiff competition coming from Kamal Seebarran, Keith Evelyn, Gavin Gayadin, Trinidadian Tanko Babolall, US-based John Joseph and Kemal Rahaman among others in this high-powered group.
When it comes to his new set of wheels, Rahaman said that as this car was heavier than the previous one, he has to do some serious test driving on the circuit to figure how the machine will take the turns, brake etcetera.
The new car, Rahaman added, can be developed from its present stage.
Meanwhile, Rahaman has received sponsorship for his car from Duncan Batteries, Sankar Auto Colour, Guysons Engineering, Gem Magazine & JR Burgers.
One disappointment for the Rahaman racing family is that his father Jad, will not be taking part in this meet.
The elder Rahaman recently underwent surgery and has not fully recovered while uncle Ray has still maintained that his retirement is permanent.
However, Ryan is of the view that the need to compete may soon see his Uncle getting behind the wheels some time in the not so distant future.
