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Apr 23, 2017 News
By Rehana Ahamad
At just the tender age of 18, the “Speed Queen” made her debut on the tracks in 2013. Her
hands were promptly on the 10 and two o’clock positions. Sharima Khan took deep breaths as her feet lingered over the accelerator pedal, waiting for that starting flag to wave.
The years of training she had were fun, but incomparable to the actual lightning bolts that rushed through her veins when that flag finally fluttered.
That one lap on the South Dakota track changed the life of the Grove, East Bank Demerara resident, forever. She had suddenly become much more than just a daughter, sister, cousin and friend. She was a record-holding young woman – a pioneer in her own right. That day, Sharima Khan became Guyana’s only female race car driver.
Over the past few years, the former Covent Garden Secondary School student won Endurance and Circuit races, in addition to recording many podium finishes.
While most young girls played with dolls and fought to wear nail polish at an age much too young, Sharima’s pal was her father, and things she fought to do were much more dangerous than her mother wanted her to.
“I’ve always been fascinated with cars and racing, so persons would always find me in or around my father’s workshop.”
Her father, Rafeeq Khan, called Haroon, is also a race car driver.
“And I’m always by his side,” Sharima added.
Back in the 80’s, the man well-known by almost every student attending the Grove Primary School as “Uncle Haroon,” sported some of the latest motor vehicles that had that ‘stop-and-stare’ effect.
“Of all the really nice cars that my dad has, his favourite was his Nissan 510 which is very aged, but he still has the shell up to this day,” Sharima said.
“His current race car is a Toyota Starlet KP61, and he had this really cool Humber Hawk road car which was popular back in the ‘80s. He called it the “Soca boat,” the racer said.
Just as the saying ‘the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,’ goes, Sharima’s ambition fell into the exact place of her father’s – the driver seat of a car capable of great speed, it seems unreal.
During a very pleasant interview, Sharima gave a journey through her childhood. Her life was relatively comfortable, and the love, support and occasional tiffs with her brother and four sisters, made every day worth writing stories about.
“My childhood days were a lot of fun. It was filled with outdoor activities after school and homework with my friends, siblings and cousins,” Sharima said.
Growing up, whenever she wasn’t riding bicycles with her siblings and cousins, Sharima would be allowed to satisfy her cravings for even more speed, by being allowed to ride her family’s “little Honda 90cc motorbike.”
The best days, as Sharima recalled, were being allowed to freely drive a go-cart on racing tracks.
“It was out of this world,” she said.
HER FIRST CAR
As Sharima aged, the confidence her father had in her, grew. It grew so much, that “Uncle Haroon” knew it was time to set his child free from the proverbial nest. He knew that when his little girl attempted to fly, she would soar higher than everyone expected. So, what he did, was got Sharima her very own car.
It was personalised and matched Sharima’s all grown up, strong, capable, but very lady-like tastes.
“It is definitely the fondest memory I have,” said Sharima, who assists in running her family-owned restaurant.
“I came home from work and saw a Toyota AE81 parked inside the garage. My father told me that it was mine to race with. I genuinely could not believe it…I mean, it came after so many years of trying and hoping,” Sharima grinned.
From that day, Sharima spent every second of her spare time practicing to race. If not anything else, she was determined to make her father proud. The image of her holding a trophy and responding to a roaring crowd with air-kisses, lingered in her head. It seemed too real not to be achieved. Sharima could hear the cheers and taste the taste of success.
“My first race was an Endurance Race, which was a three-hour-long race with one car and two drivers. It was the same Toyota car we drove that day and won in our 2000cc category. We maintained that championship two years,” a humble Sharima boasted briefly.
Her heart swelled with sheer glee. That was the day that Sharima Khan knew she had done it. She had not only confirmed her father’s faith that she would soar during her first attempt to fly, but she also earned much deserved respect.
Her family, friends, classmates and teachers were all overwhelmed with pride. Sharima’s presence indicated that of a barrier breaker.
“Words just can’t explain it. It makes me feel bold and confident to actually achieve my lifelong goal. It’s unbelievably satisfying,” Sharima said.
Although Sharima takes immense pleasure in being Guyana’s only female race car driver, she is hoping that this would not be the case for too long.
“Women can truly, genuinely, do anything they want. We are strong beings and so I know that soon enough, I wouldn’t be the only female heating up the tracks,” Sharima noted.
Even though it is a male-dominated field, Sharima is maintaining that it is not difficult for a woman to survive in it.
“It’s always about your mind set – either you think of yourself as a weak female who can’t do certain things, or you think of yourself as competitive and capable, because not only are women strong, but also, gender is never a big deal when you are behind the wheel, racing for the chequered flag.”
Winning a few races is one thing, but Sharima believes that every day, each person, each racer, ought to strive to learn something new – something that would enhance their craft, and better the way they live their lives.
“Every lap that I take, I realise that it teaches me something new. I know that I’m young, so with every race, I try to improve everything that I possibly can,” Sharima said candidly.
She recalled one horrible hiccup at the South Dakota Circuit.
“It has to do with turn one. That has been my bad spot a few times and everybody knows it. I hit the brake too late, causing me to go wide and hit the sand off track, but I’ve been able to practice over and over, and now, I can safely say that I’m able to ace that corner.”
Sharima said that of all the accomplishments she has made in her life, the unwavering support of her father, her mother Angela and her siblings, has been the most treasured blessing.
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