Aamir Ghaffoor gets ‘the right finish, first’

Monday, 20 January 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The JAT Holdings-backed racer Aamir Ghaffoor, who this year shone as Sri Lanka’s youngest ever Formula McLarens 1300cc speed champion, has taken his winning streak to a new level by clinching yet another title at the most exciting racing event of the year. The Colombo Night Races, held on 15 December, saw Ghaffoor battle it out on a whole new track for the Formula McLarens 1300 championship yet again, and emerge night race winner in his class.

This year saw the eighteen year old rookie make a name for himself in the local racing arena after he secured first position five out of six times at the three rounds of Speed Championship 2013 held at the Pannala race circuit. Shortly after the intense final round at Pannala in November, Ghaffoor found himself anticipating his first night races. “The track conditions were completely different compared to Pannala. The track temperature, heavy winds, a longer track, and driving in the night were all unfamiliar conditions that I had to adapt to,” said the young racer, who was nevertheless more than excited to take on the new experience. Despite the unfamiliar conditions and tough competition, Ghaffoor achieved pole position with a one second lead at the qualifying round on 14 December. “Race day was completely different though, the new track conditions were a real challenge to adapt to once again,” he said, adding that the rain resulted in a slippery tarmac, which required more focus and complete control. “There was a lot of spray with the heavy winds as well. The water would cover my visor and my visibility was tremendously reduced. There were times where I depended purely on previous knowledge of the track to know where a corner or a braking point was,” said the racer, who first took to the track while pro karting at the age of six. The track conditions that night posed new challenges, causing him to lose a position at the start of the race. Ghaffoor however maintained his pace and, with a great degree of patience, managed to get himself back up to lead position in the fourth lap. “It’s a great feeling to end this season with a win at the biggest racing event of the year,” he said. Out of the eight races he participated in this year under the sponsorship of JAT Holdings, Ghaffoor has secured six first place podiums, and a third place podium.

“I am exceedingly thankful to my sponsors, JAT Holdings, for supporting me this season and I am gratified to have been able to carry the JAT flag on my victory lap through the streets of Colombo at the Night Race. In addition to this, I am proud to have been able to race for Team FMF (Flying Moto Factory) since I began racing in 2011, and will always be a proud ambassador to the team!” said Ghaffoor. It was another great moment for JAT to see Aamir at his element and to witness this talented and self confident young man receive his trophy for the hard work and dedication he has so tirelessly worked towards achieving. We had absolute faith in Aamir and his talent and we look forward to the next few years with him,” said JAT Holdings Managing Director Aelian Gunawardene.