By Avenash Ramzan
Organisers are digging deep to pull off what is anticipated to be a one of a kind Auto Expo on August 5 at GT Motorsports, Albert Street and Thomas Lands.
Dubbed Platinum Auto Expo, the one day event, set to start at 14:00h, will bring together the best-kept cars, buses, bikes and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in one place for the biggest exposition in recent memory.
At the official launch, coordinator Mahendra Boodhoo highlighted that there will be a total of 28 categories to be contested on the day. A team of judges has already been assembled, and it is the hope of Boodhoo that participants would respect the final decisions of the panel.
The former Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club president said he is confident the judges are well equipped to make informed and fair decisions.
Apart from the actual competition, Boodhoo informed that several companies would use the opportunity to showcase their products and services at a display booth that would be set up at the venue.
An entertainment segment is also part of the proceedings with Travellers Sound System, Slingerz Family and 71 Sound System confirmed, along with local entertainers Granny Ivelaw, Chiney Man and Chow Pow.
Innovation
Marketing Representative of Ansa McAl Trading, Seweon McGarrell, expressed his company’s delight at being one of the major sponsors of the event.
“Our company, Ansa McAl, believes in innovation and achieving excellence in anything that we do. We believe that Platinum will deliver an exhibition to the highest standard. We expect throughout the years there would be an increase in the qualitative development within this industry and we look forward to continued cooperation from the supporters,” McGarrell said.
He added, “From this exhibition you would be able to see a wide variety of Guyanese innovation with regards to cars and bikes that will be highly impressive. I would like to encourage members of the community to come out and support, and I can guarantee you that you would not be disappointed.”
Security is an area of priority for the organisers with paid parking being facilitated at the Malteenoes Sports Club ground.
Chief of security, Nevin Sinclair, said, “Security is a major part of any event you pull off. Persons want to know that once they’re socializing inside that their vehicle outside, wherever it is parked, is secured.”
Sinclair assured that “easily identified parking marshalls” would be at strategic points on the exterior of the venue to ensure persons’ assets are safe. He pointed out that additional lighting would be erected at the areas designated for parking.
Over one million dollars in cash and prize will be given out on the day with gates open to the public from noon.
Among the categories to be contested are: Best Rims, Best Graphics (Bus, Car, SUV), 1-12” Cars, 2-12” Cars, Cleanest Working Bus, SUV, Car and Motor-cycle, Best Antique Vehicle, 1-15” Cars, 2-15” Cars, Hardest Hitting Working Bus, Most Extreme Face in and out of Car, SUV and Bus, Biggest Bike, Extreme Car, SUV and Bus, Open Car, Open Van/Bus and Best Technician.
Admission to the venue is $1,500 per person and pre-sold tickets can be bought at the various branches of Golyn and Sons, A. Ally and Sons, M&M Snackette and Medi Care Pharmacy. Other ticket locations would be announced in the coming week.
The event has received corporate backing from Ansa McAl Trading’s Stag Beer, GT Motorsports, A. Ally and Sons, Caribbean Motor Spares, Ramchand’s Auto Spares, Mac’s Tyre Services and Guyana Oil Company.