Go-karter Rikaaz enters final round in Malaysia

Richard Dwight

Go-kart: Speeding behind the wheel in his Go-kart, to burn out the racing track is something that 17-year old, Rikaaz Khalid, takes much delight in.

His fondness for Go-kart racing began when he was just a lad, and from the age of 14 has been winning many races here and making as well quite an impression at the coaching and training sessions held in Coimbatore, India.

Despite the distractions Rikaaz's enthusiasm for the sport, he has come to love, has never waned but grown steadily with a measure of consistency. He is hell bent on relentlessly pursuing after his sole aim, of becoming an accomplished Go-kart racing driver.

Evidence of Rikaaz's sustained effort to keep abreast with the sport, is seen on his being invited to participate in the 4 rounds Asia Max Go-kart championship of the 4 rounds, 3 have been completed.

The first round was held in May in Kotabharu, Malaysia the second round was held in June in Kolapur, India and the third round was held in July in Indonesia. The fourth and final round takes place on September 8 and 9, at Sepang International Go-kart circuit, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

There are 26 racing drivers (Go-kart) participating in the senior category, they represent the Asian Region, Netherlands, Finland, Australia and Germany.

Sri Lanka's Rikaaz Khalid, who competed in the earlier 3 rounds left yesterday for Malaysia to take part in the fourth and final round.

Rikaaz khalid, has done well thus far, in that after the first three rounds is still holding onto the 5th position out of 26 drivers competing. His forging ahead will largely depend on how he fares in the final round.

The positions after the 3 rounds of the first five are 1. Rayan Haryanto (Indonesia), 2. Raymond Banaj (India), 3. Matthijs Hoitinka, 4. Addithya Patel (India), 5. Rikaaz Khalid (Sri Lanka). The reputed Mikko Nassi of Finland was just edged out to sixth place.

Rikaaz Khalid, through the patronage of the Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge received financial assistance from his ministry and support as well from the Director Jinasena Group, Ranjit Jinasena.