Improved showing by Guyanese at Caribbean Junior Karting Academy

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

The podium spots still eluded the Guyanese, but there was a display of serious intent to better their performances at the final weekend of the inaugural Caribbean Junior Karting Academy Trophy at Bushy Park, Barbados.

Rayden Persaud secured the best placement by a Guyanese, copping fourth in Race Three, while Zachary Persaud powered to a fifth place finish in the final on Saturday.

However, there was no change in the main script since Barbadians Adam Mallalieu and Calem Maloney, along with Jamaican Tommi Gore interchanged the top spots throughout the day with much finesse.

Mallalieu, the current championship leader, had a generally unblemished day, save and except for the time when he and Maloney were a part of a nasty accident in the final lap of Race Two. Luckily, the escaped unhurt, but their karts were badly damaged.

Though it is a competition, the Guyanese parents, some of who had to multitask as mechanics, grouped and created the loudest cheers of support.

It paid off as Zachary saved his best for last. In the final of four races, he clocked a best time of 53.726s. It was race which tested the young drivers’ fitness since it went for 15 laps in sweltering heat, instead of the usual 10 they combated throughout the day.

In the morning session, Zachary initially qualified in fifth on slicks due to the rainy weather, with an impressive time of 1:03.860s. In race one, he maintained his qualifying spot, while compatriot Paige Mendonca (9th) and Nathan Rahaman (10th) were the other top placers in that race.

Race Two started on a reverse grid and Jeremey TenPow attempted to capitalise with some silky smooth driving.

The 10-year-old managed to hold-off some stiff challenges to secure seventh. Rayden Persaud, Zachary Persaud, Rahaman and Mendonca rounded off positions 8-11 in that order.

In Race Three, Rayden drove like a beast for his best finish of the day in fourth. He driving was that impressive he placed ahead of the favoured Gore; his best time was 53.332s. Rahaman got seventh and Mendonca secured eighth.

The Guyanese camp assessed their performance and they are bent on having the machines well-oiled for a further improved showing at the final round on Sunday.

Also in action on Sunday would be Guyanese duo Nicholas Sawh and Justin TenPow in the 60cc category.

All focus would be on the crowning of the inaugural Caribbean Junior Karting Academy Trophy champion, due to the massive exposure on offer. The champion will win a fully-paid entry and use of X30 Junior kart for one weekend at the Sunshine State Karting Challenge (SSKC) in Florida, to the value of more than US$3,000.