Car racing rookie Shahaan Engineer had a successful debut during the opening event of the Toyota Racing Series at Teretonga Park in New Zealand over the weekend, 14th/15th January, the youngest driver in the category taking a best result so far of sixth in the ‘Spirit of a Nation’ feature race after securing 11th position in Race one on the first day of the event.
At just 16-years-of-age and in his first season of racing, the young drivers high level of maturity and skill in the midst of a polar rain squall – including hail and high winds – stood out among vastly experienced global opposition, several competitors coming from the ranks of F 3 and Formula Renault 3.5.
The highlight of the weekend for Shahaan was undoubtedly the second of the three races at the 2.62 kilometre track where he calmly and assuredly steered his car to a fantastic sixth place finish from P10 whilst qualifying through a string of red flags.
Sunday’s ‘Spirit of a Nation Trophy’ feature race started on slicks with a drying track wet from earlier rain. Lapping with a fastest time just 0.5 seconds shy of the best of the race, Shahaan handled the conditions superbly in the midst of rain and hail to finish sixth.
Top six reverse grid Pole Position for newcomer
Conditions for the third race were shocking with rivers of water covering the track. However, Shahaan was faced with the responsibility of leading the 19-strong field away from the front of the grid as rainfall and increasing winds made racing near-impossible.
With tremendous levels of spray and zero vision, conditions were the most extreme most drivers had ever experienced let alone Shahaan and as he touched the brakes his car aquaplaned on standing water. After contact with another driver his race was over, unfortnately, just one corner before the Race was red flagged and declared due to Force Majeure.
“No points for the third race and from 7th in the championship I am down to 15th; but I wouldn’t exchange it for anything as I got a rare chance this early in my career to experience leading a world-class field of veteran drivers on the first race weekend in the series.”
Shahaan continued: “This series has given me so much experience already in extreme conditions with wet starts and Safety Car periods and the tracks have really challenged us all. I had great support from my engineer Michael and mechanic Murray, they were vital in prepping me for the races. I can’t wait to be back in the car early next week.”
Round two of the back-to-back five weekend Toyota Racing Series will take place on 21st/22nd January at Timaru International Raceway. At the conclusion of the New Zealand championship, Shahaan will return to Britain where he will prepare for his first full season in the Certina Formula Renault 2.0 UK Championship with reigning champion team Fortec Motorsports.
