By Avenash Ramzan
One of the most successful teams in GT Motorsports’ Endurance Rental Cup is looking to hit the top podium spot in Friday (June 23) when the fourth edition of the event is staged at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club.
Team Gizmos and Gadgets/iRide, the only two-time winners of the event, having won the 500lb Class in January and February, are looking to return to top form after missing out on a podium spot in the last event in March. The team consists of young brigade Steven Nobrega, and the Phang brothers Matthew and John.
Nobrega said while the team has not had the ideal preparation, owing to heavy rainfall in the city this week, they are confident of doing well come race night.
“We haven’t done a lot of preparation coming up to this event…we had a lot of rainfall recently, but it’s easing up now so me and the guys are looking to put in some practice sessions before the actual event starts, so we’re quite confident and looking forward to it,” Nobrega told News Room Sport on Wednesday.
There is a subtle change to this Friday’s format with the teams of three drivers each now allowed a maximum of 45 minutes of racing, down 15 minutes from what previously obtained.
Despite a shorter race, Nobrega said the strategy won’t be any different as the team would be looking to first and foremost get a good start. “Basically we have the same strategy, it’s just to execute from the initial stage and try to make all the passes as early as possible, if we start from behind the pack,” Nobrega reasoned.
Interestingly, on both occasions that the team won, they pulled pole position, but whether or not their luck strike this time, Nobrega said the boys have a clear plan. Their aim is to win, regardless of their position on the grid.
“Well having pole position is always key; it’s just a bit of luck (to be able to pull pole position). We always like to start on pole, but the crowd also likes the enjoyment too so it doesn’t matter where we start on the grid we’ll just fight to win,” Nobrega stated.
The new additions to this month’s activity are 10-lap races, an all-girls race and a Hall of Fame race for elder drivers. Interested teams and individuals desirous of participating are asked to inbox GT Motorsports on Facebook or contact Stephen (669-1900) or Roger (601-8084) to register.
At the last Endurance Rental Cup in March, Team Nexus made a clean sweep of both the 500lb and 600lb classes. Action will race off at 19:00h and admission to the event, which is sponsored by Secure Innovations and Concepts, Karcher, E-Networks and the Track Bar, is absolutely free.
