Rabiul Islam

His friends call him Racer Tushar and Abu Car. Starting as a mere video game racer, he is now a professional car racer. He hoists up Bangladesh’s flag in the fields of International Formula LGB 4 racing championships. He obtained the Go-Kart Training and passed the qualifying round for Formula 4 in 2012. This year he is going to participate in the “Formula MRF 1600 Championship 2015” in Chennai, India.
Tushar studies English and Humanities at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh. Y&I recently caught up with him for an interview.

Why did you choose such an unorthodox sport?

I always had this fascination for speed and cars. Though car racing is not so familiar sports here in Bangladesh but it has always been my favorite. Racing gives me the opportunity to test my limits and understand my potentials. And in the racing track, I get the opportunity to prove myself.

Who inspired you and still motivates you?

The legendary Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher. He is a German racing driver and has won seven Formula One Championship titles, truly inspirational. My family and friends have always been motivating me in my good and bad days.

Tell us something about Formula LGB 4 racing.

The Formula LGB 4 category is the first step to single-seat racing and remains the most economical single seater racing available anywhere across the world. The Formula 4 has a frame made entirely of chrome molybdenum tubing. It runs on a carbureted 1298cc Suzuki Swift engine and an Esteem 5-Speed Gearbox. Space Frame made of Molylube material specifically made for racing cars. Vast improvements have been made to the car’s safety features, suspension and steering geometry.
Do you have any favorite car?

Yes I do! My favorite car is Ariel Atom V8.

How do you practice?

Practicing has been difficult as car racing is an expensive sport. I need to go to India for practicing couple of times of the year as there are no racing tracks available here. My parents used to provide for my expenses.

Have you got any sponsorship yet?

Currently Shah Cement is my title sponsor.
What are the reactions of your friends and family now that you are a Formula car racer?

The reactions are heartwarming. I feel over the moon when they tell me that they saw me on a billboard somewhere, on a TV channel or on a news article. I can also feel my parents’ affection for my racing career. One of my friends actually came up with the name Abu Car, seeing my fascination for cars.

What are your achievements so far?

I came second in the “Monthly Go-Kart Racing” at Fantasy Kingdom in 2010. Then in 2011 I was champion of the “Speed Racing Go-Kart Track Master”. In 2013 I was in the 10th position in the F4 racing competition.  I sustained my position at tenth the next year in Tamil Nadu round 1. In 2014 I was in the 12th position at the Formula LGB 4 on round 4.

How do you interact with your fans?

I have a Facebook fan page, Racer Tushar, through which I am interacting with my fans. I often try to update them with my racing videos which I post on my YouTube channel as well.

Do you have any competition this year?

This year I’m going to participate in the “Formula MRF 1600 Championship 2015” in Chennai. Last year we drove 1300cc but this time we will drive 1600cc formula 4 cars.

How do you balance between your racing career and studies?

It is difficult to balance between studies and racing. But I have very helpful teachers at my university and they have been supportive all along.

Where do you want to see yourself in future?

Obviously,  as the champion of Formula One! I know I have limited opportunity for practice and to take part in competitions. But still I want to keep representing Bangladesh in the international racing tracks. I hope that I will be able to give something fruitful to my country as a sportsman.