“Motor racing is in my blood” – former go-cart racer Elan Rahaman

– says not intimidated ahead of maiden race in Street Class category

With the first track meet of the 2025 season of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) mere days away, all racers are understandably in full competition mode. On race day, Sunday April 27, 2025, some of them will be competing for the first time, while some, who are veterans, are eager to continue from where they had left off in 2024.
This is the first time that Elan Rahaman would be competing in the Street Class super bike category, but this 21-year-old is no stranger to motor racing. He is the son of the legendary racer Ray Rahaman. On race day the young Rahaman will be riding his Yamaha R6, numbered ‘6’, with the hope of bettering his best lap time of 1:23 seconds.

“Currently I’m running at a pace of 1:23.00, and I think (that) once track conditions improve and we get good weather as race day approaches, I’ll see a second off of that pace,” he told Guyana Times Sport during an interview.
As a first-time rider, he is a strong believer in hard work bringing results, and has been putting in the laps.
“In racing, nothing is predictable; but I need to stay focused, put my head down, and qualify to the front of the grid. From there, it all comes down to who wants to win and is willing to put it all on the line,” he explained.
As the youngest rider in his class, Rahaman will be competing against some seasoned riders, but he disclosed that he is in no way intimidated.
“I am the youngest in my class, with most of the competitors having 3+ years of experience. I am, however, not intimidated by this, as I know my overall fitness will come into play and give me that edge that I need to be quicker in the corners and late on the brakes,” he explained.
He explained that the camaraderie between the bikers is a true reflection of sportsmanship, and although each is in it to win it, everyone is respectful and helpful to each other.
He explained that although he is starting off in the Street Class category, his goal is to progress rapidly to the Super Bike A Class, where he would compete against such notable personages as Matthew Vieira and Kevin Persaud, among other well-seasoned bikers.
“I love the bikes, so, currently, the career path is to get to the top and compete with the professionals,” he disclosed.
How did it all start for this young man? His love for the sport most definitely came from being around his role model and mentor – his father Ray Rahaman – whose motor racing blood he says is running through his veins.
“Motor racing is in my blood. My father Ray Rahaman is a racing legend, and the need for speed trickled down to me from a young age, when I started out racing go-carts. I have now moved on to superbikes, and it is without a doubt one of the most exhilarating forms of racing. Nothing can compare to the feeling of being on a bike,” he detailed.
Nervousness is inevitable, he explained, even though he has been on the tracks quite regularly.
“In any competition, you will get nervous. But personally, this is one of the things I can handle well. Keeping your cool and your composure is an integral part of winning, and I plan on using that to my advantage come competition day,” he disclosed.
He also believes that, with every race meet, he can be better organized, since the sport will grow and evolve.

“I strongly believe that this sport will grow in the right direction, and we will gain new competitors and new followers. Guyana should aim to becoming the hub of motor racing in the Caribbean, as we have got some of the best talent,” young Elan Rahaman has said.
He also disclosed that he hopes to see more females getting involved in the sport, and has commended the GMR&SC for doing a fantastic job at creating opportunities to encourage talented female drivers to step up and compete.
While a lot has been done to revolutionize the sport, he declared, it still remains one of the most expensive sports around, and participants are still heavily dependent on sponsorship.
Rahaman has posited, “Motor racing is definitely expensive; meaning you’re not only putting in the work on track, but you have to have your priorities straight. I am fortunate to have the support of two companies – Parc Rayne and Snapins Cabins.”
Asked about what the future holds for him, Elan Rahaman responded, “I can’t say…I feel as if my life is moving very fast and I hope to still be doing what I love in great health.”
At the same time, he is optimistic that some of the bikers who are no longer racing would return to the sport in 2025.
For those contemplating a career in motor sport, Elan Rahaman is encouraging them not to make a hasty decision, but to take it one day at a time.
“It is hard to learn everything right off the bat. If you’re now getting into the sport, I’d recommend observing what the experienced drivers or riders are doing; and even on track days, you come out and see what it’s like to make sure your bike or car is ready to head out on the track, (in order) to be reliable and competitive. Racing can be very intricate,” he advised.
Besides being a racer, he is a tennis fanatic and spends a lot of time on the court. Meanwhile, come April 27, the still single young man is wishing his competitors a safe race. He added that while he is cognizant that they are all in it to win it, he is still wishing each of them the best of luck.