All systems have been given the green light for Sunday’s (August 5) Platinum Auto Expo at GT Motorsports, Albert Street and Thomas Lands.
Coordinator Mahendra ‘Raj’ Boodhoo, updating News Room on Saturday afternoon, said preparations are fully on stream and he is excited about the prospects of a huge event.
He said the response has been overwhelming, especially from Berbicians. From all indications, the number of entries Boodhoo and the organisers were hoping for will be easily surpassed.
He is urging patrons to be at the venue early so as to avoid missing out on the thrill that is highly anticipated. Gates would be open at noon, but the event will officially get underway at 14:00h.
It will bring together the best-kept cars, buses, bikes and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in one place for the biggest exposition in recent memory.
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.
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 prizes are up for grabs and 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.
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.
