Oval challenge for Armaan Ebrahim

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Armaan Ebrahim will have the first taste of an oval race circuit when he takes his Fan Force United Indy Lights machine out for a day-long test at Nashville Speedway in the United States on March 4.

For the Chennai youngster, who spent all his career racing on regular tracks, the 2.1km-long Nashville circuit with a 14 degree banking will prove to be a big challenge.

Armaan says his prime objective is to get acclimatised to the oval environment than trying to impress his new team. “Oval track requires different tactics. Though I don’t have to shift gears as frequently or brake as heavily as in road racing, it requires maximum concentration.

Even a small mistake will result in a disaster. I want to make full use of the test and learn as much as possible about the ovals which are an integral part of the American racing,” said the 22-year-old, who was signed up as the brand ambassador of Puma on Monday.

While a road course usually has abundant run-off areas, gravel traps, and tire barriers, ovals usually have a concrete retaining wall or iron fence separating the track from the fans. Last year, IndyCar came under scrutiny after British driver Dan Wheldon was killed in a multiple-car pile-up during the finale at Las Vegas.

“In Nashville, IndyLights can touch upto 196 MPH and 14 degree banking makes it a tricky combo,” said Armaan.

The new season, however, begins at a street circuit at St. Petersburg on March 24 before travelling to 11 other venues across the US. Armaan has an array of test days scheduled ahead of the season-opener.

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Fan Force United are a new team hoping to make a mark in US' popular racing series with the Indian behind the wheel. Armaan is confident that his American exposure will open up opportunities in Formula One, which remains his ultimate goal.

Meanwhile, Armaan flagged off Puma's Fastest Indian challenge, a hunt for the country’s fastest man. The event will be held in seven cities such as Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Delhi NCR and Chandigarh. The winner will travel to Zurich to meet 100m world record holder Usain Bolt.