By Avenash Ramzan
A long-standing rivalry is expected to be renewed come July 2 when the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club stages the second National Race of Champions for 2017.
The Group Four is expected to be at full-throttle with Mark Vieira and Andrew King set to collide in already power-packed category. Vieira is making a return to the sport after a short break, while this will be King’s second event since returning from injury.
While Vieira will be powering a Mazda RX8, King will be powering his Tube-frame Mazda RX7. King did not win any of the three races at the last Race of Champions in April, but he did show glimpses of his class, being a constant in the leading bunch throughout the races.
No doubt both drivers will be looking to hit the podium this time around, but the likes of another Group Four stalwart Kevin Jeffrey and Danny Persaud with his never-say-die attitude would be hoping to spoil the party.
The Superbikes category is also expected to hotly contested with Kevin Persaud set to defend his unbeaten record from the last Race of Champions. After three wins from three last April, Persaud will face up to the likes of Ravi Singh, John Bennett and Matthew Vieira, all of whom will have their eyes on the chequered flag.
The National Race of Champions 2 is expected to attract a large group of drivers and riders, while spectator turnout is also expected to be massive. The day’s activities, set to get underway at 08:00h, will be coordinated by the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club in partnership with a number of sponsors.
Among the major corporate partners are B.M Soat, Palm Court, Ansa McAl Trading, Prem’s Electrical and Mohamed’s Enterprise. Admission to the venue is $1,000 for adults and $500 for children under 12.