“Surprised” Baksh smashes lap record at GT Motorsports

By Avenash Ramzan

For many local competitors, racing against Guyana’s internationally renowned motor-racer Kristian Jeffrey is an honour. To have a faster lap time than him; well…that’s another story.

That’s the enviable position Raymond Baksh has found himself. He can boast of being faster than Jeffrey at GT Motorsports, at least for now.

At Sunday’s Georgetown Grand Prix, Baksh, competing in the 125cc Seniors, was timed at 31.544 seconds, bettering Jeffrey’s old record of 31.724 seconds.

Ever since Baksh entered go-kart racing for the first time a year ago, he has been making steady progress. During the 2017 season, he had the joint-most wins, nine alongside Jeremy Tenpow, and was named Champion Driver of the Easy Cup Rookie class.

However, this latest achievement- shattering the lap time- has come as a total shock to Baksh, who is sponsored by Truck Masters, Top Power Racing and Cyril’s Taxi Service.

“(This is) totally unexpected,” Baksh told News Room.

“I mean, I’ve only had the kart for three months. The other guys have been driving for years, so it came as a huge surprise to me.”

“I knew I was fast, but I didn’t expect to break the lap record.”

Powering the #68 kart, Baksh is nevertheless happy to be known as the fastest man on the track at GT Motorsports.

“Well everyone looks forward to great things, but I didn’t expect it to be so soon. I had a bit of bad luck in the races, but I guess that’s how it goes sometimes,” Baksh related.

Baksh said he is grateful for the unwavering support of his sponsors and mechanic Brian Tenpow, pointing out that the achievement is dedicated to them.

He also thanked GT Motorsports and its principal Vishok Persaud for providing an avenue for local motor-racing talents to prosper.