Endurance champ Rodrigues looking for smooth Shifter Karts transition

By Avenash Ramzan

Carlos Rodrigues has been quietly building a reputation in the monthly Endurance Rental Cup, being on the winning team on the last three occasions he drove at the GT Motorsports facility.

In February, he partnered with Kian Jabour and Antonio DaSilva in Team Monster Energy to win the 600lb Class event, while he took it one step further in March, teaming up with the likes of Brian Tenpow, Matthew Phang, Steven Nobrega and Gregory Mohamed as Team Nexus made a unprecedented clean sweep of the 500lb and 600lb Classes.

On Friday, Rodrigues will be suiting up in the Shifter Class, a category he will be competing in for the very first time. Quite naturally, he is hoping that the same level of good fortune that has been following him around in the Endurance Rental Cup will stick by his side.

“I’m preparing as best as I can. This is the first time I’m going to be a driving a Shifter. Today (Tuesday) I’m actually going to start. I’m just hoping to do my best Friday, have some fun and learn, because all I can do right now in this process is learn in such a short time. Hopefully, I do well,” Rodrigues told News Room Sport.

Rodrigues will be pitted against the might of two-time Caribbean Group Four champion Kristian Jeffrey, Trinidad and Tobago driving sensation Kristian Boodoosingh, Canadian Darryl Timmers and veteran Guyanese driver Mark Vieira. Quizzed on how he feels about his chances against the more established and experienced drivers, Rodrigues responded by saying “to be honest, I’m not sure.” 

Rodrigues is calling on racing fanatics to come out and witness the action, as some of the very best drivers from Guyana, Canada and Trinidad and Tobago will be on show. “Yes, I want you guys to come out and support us, have some fun, and if you want to become part of it just come down here, rent a car and get a taste of it,” Rodrigues appealed.

Friday’s action will speed off at 18:00h and will see rivalry in seven categories, namely 60cc, 125cc Junior, 125cc Senior, 4-Stroke Light, 4-Stroke Heavy, Shifter karts and the Easy Cup Rookies.