Guyanese eye memorable finish to Caribbean Junior Karting Academy

(Reporting by Akeem Greene in Barbados, compliments of News Room and E-Networks)

Paige Mendonca, Nathan Rahaman, Rayden Persaud, Jeremy TenPow, Justin TenPow, Zachary Persaud and Nicholas Sawh, in the company of parents and officials, touched down in Barbados on Friday morning for the final two rounds of the inaugural Caribbean Junior Karting Academy Trophy (CJKAT) this weekend.

Though mathematically it is unlikely anyone from Guyana will take the top spot, they still want to hit top gear and earn better places on the points table at Bushy Park.

“I am hoping to get sixth or seventh; I found pretty stiff competition with the Barbadians and the Jamaicans, not so much the Guyanese, but they still put up a good fight,” stated Rayden Persaud, the highest-ranked Guyanese in seventh, on 126 points.

Rayden further explained consistency will be key in ensuring he achieves his endeavours, with the first marker being to ensure he gets fast starts.

Nathan Rahaman (9th) and Zachary Persaud (11th), who have 92 and 74 points respectively, also are on a quest to improve their placings.

Nathan, who is also tied with Jeremy TenPow, wants to distance himself from his countryman: “I am not sure if it is possible to reach to a higher spot, but I have to try and keep my ninth position or try and go higher; I am not looking to go down the table again.”

For many of these karters, they would usually be top flyers at GT Motorsports, Guyana’s premier karting facility, and the four rounds thus far at Bushy Park have given them great experience and exposure to a different level of competition.

“Back home we have turn start, but here it is push start and there is the competition which is way harder; then the track is way longer than the short track in Guyana, so we are not accustomed to the high speeds as much so that is what sets the Guyanese apart from the Jamaicans and the Barbadians,” Nathan noted.

The young speedster further revealed that fitness becomes a crucial aspect of the race, given the three-part nature of the meet.

Zachary, who offered some brief comments, said he has enjoyed the experience to date and wants to have fun, but at the same time drive with the goal of a better placement.

Reigning Barbados 125cc champion Adam Mallalieu holds a slender two-point advantage over Calem Maloney, while Jamaica’s Ryan Chisholm, Zander Williams and Tommi Gore complete the top five.

Not only are the youngsters fighting for the honour of becoming the first-ever regional Karting Champion, but also for the Grand Prize of an entry in the Sunshine State Karting Challenge (SSKC) in Florida.

In addition to trophies for the top three finishers and medals for all participants, the champion will win a fully-paid entry and use of X30 Junior kart for one SSKC weekend, valued at more than US$3,000.

Caribbean Junior Karting Academy Trophy 2019

Points after round 4 (of 6):

1st Adam Mallalieu (BAR), 300 points

2nd Calem Maloney (BAR), 298pts

3rd Ryan Chisholm (JAM), 211pts

4th Zander Williams (JAM), 187pts

5th Tommi Gore (JAM), 186pts

6th Adam Marshall (BAR), 133pts

7th Rayden Persaud (GUY), 126pts

8th Kayleigh Catwell (BAR), 125pts

equal 9th Nathan Rahaman (GUY) & Jeremy TenPow (GUY), 92pts

11th Zachary Persaud (GUY), 72pts

12th Paige Mendonca (GUY), 62pts

13th Elan Rahaman (GUY), 53pts

14th Colin Bradshaw (BAR), 35pts