CMRC: Andrew King extends Caribbean reign; Guyana finishes third

By Akeem Greene

Veteran race car driver Andrew King produced a mesmerising spell of racing at the final leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) at the South Dakota Circuit, which effectively allowed him to retain the CMRC Group Four title.

This announcement was made at the annual awards ceremony held at the Ramada Princess Hotel on Monday evening. King’s reign meant hopeful Mark Vieira was denied a first Caribbean title.

King’s driving of his iconic Mazda RX-7 was immaculate and the tenacity he showcased in zipping pass opponents on Turn One or out the gooseneck was remarkable for the man who illustrates the concept of humility.

He was able to win two out of his three races and there are reports suggesting, he was moved from second to first in the final race due to Barbadian Mark Maloney’s jump at the start line.

The other individual silverware for Guyana was Team Mohamed’s Matt Truelove who won the CMRC Super stock title for the first time; it is a second CMRC title for the team in three years. Trinidad and Tobago’s Marc Gill copped the CMRC Group Two title.

As some awardees salivated on their dinner, the Trinidadians were the loudest when it was confirmed they won their third consecutive country title. They entered the final round on 1,227 points and added 132.

Barbados managed to withstand the Guyanese pressure to finish second with 723 points, while Guyana finished third with 579 points- they had entered the final round with 196 points.  According to Silbourne Clarke, Chairman of CMRA, Jamaica won the motor cycle title ahead of Guyana, but no points standings were disclosed.

Local championship overall champions

Nicholas Boodhram- 125cc

Raymond Seebarran- Street Tuner

Mohamed Ahmad- Sports Tuner

Anand Ramchand- Starlet Cup

Chet Singh- Group Two

Danny Persaud- Group Three

Andrew King- Group Four

Matthew Vieira- Super stock

In his address to the audience, Clarke further noted that he is impressed with the level of development of the South Dakota track, but wants to see them aspire for a F4 level.  He added that they are aspiring to fund the airfare of two mechanics for the various trip.

The official also disclosed that CMRC 2019 commences in Trinidad in March, two weekends after Carnival, and drivers “are eagerly awaiting the 2.3km track that will be [in] place [in Guyana] this time next year.”

Director General of Tourism, Donald Sinclair, stated he is captivated with the work of the club and hopes the vision can be extended to them becoming the hub of Caribbean motor racing.

The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club also used the forum to thank the numerous sponsors and congratulated the respective winners on their awards.