By Avenash Ramzan
Guyana’s Kristian Jeffrey will start on pole on Sunday in what is sizing up to be a competitive Group Four category at the International Race of Champions at the South Dakota Circuit.
At Saturday’s qualifying in sweltering heat, Jeffrey in his Mitsubishi Evo was timed at 33.205 seconds, slightly faster than Barbados’ Roger Mayers, who clocked 33.273s in his Ford Focus.
Guyanese Mark Vieira will start third on the grid with a time of 34.585s, followed by Mark Maloney (34.673s), Kevin Jeffrey (35.110s) and Andrew King (35.209s).
Danny Persaud in his Mazda Miata will start on pole in Group Three with a fastest time of 35.742s. Vishok Persaud’s Lotus had the second fastest time of the day (36.283s), followed by Stefan Jeffrey (36.722s), Ravi Singh (37.793s) and Anand Ramchand (38.297s).
Team Mohamed’s overseas-based riders are bunched at the top of the grid, with Jason Aguilar on pole with 33.419s, followed by Matt Truelove (33.543s) and Bryce Prince (33.808s). They are followed by the local trio Matthew Vieira (35.017s), Kevin Persaud (35.971s) and Raveiro Tucker (37.160s).
Mohamad Shiraz Roshandin will start on pole in what is also a close Group Two battle. His best time was 38.179s, followed by fellow Guyanese Chet Singh (38.489s). Barbadian Mark Thompson, who won all three Group Two races last November, is third on the grid with a time of 38.582s.
Meanwhile, three races were held on Saturday and all those who started on pole emerged champions. Narine Dasrat won the Street Tuner ahead of Raymond Seebarran, Roshan Ali, Vickey Persaud and Azaad Hassan in that order.
The Sport Tuner was won by Daniel Dookie ahead of Mohamed F. Ahmed, Adrian Fernandes, Azaad Hassan and Jad Rahaman, while Anand Ramchand was impressive in winning the Starlet Cup, finishing ahead of Rameez Mohamed, Vishal Sawh, Motilall Deodass and Riaz Allie.
On Sunday action will speed off at 08:00h and apart from the regular groups, the Radicals and Drift cars will take the track. Tickets cost $2,000 for adults (18+) and $1,000 for 12+. Children under 12 and vehicles will be admitted free.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Additional photos by Avenash Ramzan, as well as video highlights by Ackeem Thomas on News Room’s Facebook page)
