‘From a pipe dream to reality’: Minister Ramson Jr. hails ‘upward trajectory’ of Guyana’s motorsport

Motorsport is on the rise, according to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., as he delivered the feature address to members of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) as they held their gala 2025 awards ceremony at the Royal International Hotel on Friday evening.

The Minister emphasised that the unprecedented level of government support, with over G$150 million invested in the sport over five years, is a testament to the vision of both stakeholders to expand the sport.

Under President Dr Irfaan Ali’s vision, the government forged a strategic partnership with GMR&SC, which led to the South Dakota Circuit expanding to 1.6 miles in 2022.

The ultimate goal is to secure FIA Grade 3 status, with a long-term eye on Grade 2- a move that would officially crown the 1.6-mile circuit as the premier racing facility in the Caribbean.

That expansion and ongoing upgrades have paved the way for Guyana’s full induction to the growing GT3 series by hosting the GT Challenge de las Américas on July 11-12.

The grid is expected to boast iconic machines from Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Aston Martin, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Audi

“Many things were just a pipe dream years ago, but now it has become a reality”, the Minister stated, noting how strategic government support is helping to make Guyana attractive for hosting mega events.

“Motorsport is changing, and it’s changing for the better; no longer is it seen as an elitist sport”, the Minister elaborated.

More so, GMR&SC President Mahendra ‘Raj’ Boodhoo congratulated the many entrants into motorsport, noting that since he became President in 2022, “50% of the racers currently involved are people with less than three years in motorsport”,, highlighting the club’s success for “bringing new people into the sport”.

Boodhoo contended that efforts to decentralise motorsport from South Dakota to Essequibo and Berbice have significantly aided growth, and that the return of structured, competitive karting in 2026 will support the development of the next generation.

The GMR&SC President also welcomed the continued presence of women in motorsport, both from a competitive standpoint and as key support to the racing teams.

On mega events for 2026, he expressed that Guyana could host the Caribbean Drag Racing Series, after competing in some legs in 2026 and has commenced conversations on how Guyana can be part of Drag Racing in Latin America.

However, the club’s prize event will be the GT3 series, and Boodhoo further revealed that they want to restart the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship.

“We are going to make motorsport, the biggest party in sport in Guyana”, he envisioned as he hopes the club can attract 5,000 foreign visitors for the GT3 event in July.