National Race of Champions 2 set for July 2

By Avenash Ramzan

Top local drivers and riders will converge at the South Dakota Circuit on July 2 when the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club presents its second National Race of Champions meet for 2017. Dubbed the National Race of Champions 2, the activity is set to once again pit all the leading daredevils on one track, gunning for the top podium spot in their respective category.

The first National Race of Champions back in April was primarily used by drivers and riders to sharpen their skills and test out their machines ahead of the first leg of the Seaboard Marine’s Caribbean Motor Racing Championship at Jamwest Speedway in Jamaica on May 21.

This upcoming Race of Champions will serve as the perfect testing ground for locals, as they prepare to compete in the second leg of the Caribbean Championship, slated for July 30 at Frankie Boodram Wallerfield International Raceway in Trinidad and Tobago.

As was the case in the last Race of Champions, drivers and riders will compete in the Sports Tuner (1600cc), Street Tuner (1500cc), Starlet Cup, Super Bikes, Group Two, Group Three and Group Four (4WD/AWD) categories. An addition to the upcoming programme is a 15-lap Handicap race. All other races will go for 10 laps, and action will start at 09:30h with a Lap of Honour.

At the moment, the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club is working on finalising the list of competitors for the day, as well as confirming sponsorship deals with corporate Guyana.

At the last National Race of Champions, two-time Caribbean Motor-racing champion Kristian Jeffrey was in imperious form, storming to three victories in as many outings. Jeffrey was a class above the rest of the competition, easily winning all his races in Group Four (4WD/AWD).

Daniel Deokie and Kevin Persaud matched Jeffrey by also racking up an unblemished record on the day. Deokie was outstanding in the Sport Tuner (1600cc), winning all three races, while Persaud was simply unstoppable in the Superbikes, lifting the chequered flag on all three occasions.

Chet Singh, returning to the sport after a brief hiatus, won two of the three Group Two races, while Shan Seejattan won the other. 

In the Group Three division, Stefan Jeffrey won two races, while Danny Persaud copped the other. Reigning champion Motilall Deodass maintained his hold on the Starlet Cup, while Roopnarine Dasrat and Azaad Hassan shared the top podium spot in the two Street Tuner (1500cc) races.