Fast Lane 2013

FAST LANE

CONTENTS Messages

President of Guyana 5 Minister of Culture, Youth & Sports 6 President of GMR&SC 6 President of JRDC 8 Bushy Park Motor Sport Inc. 8 Seaboard Marine 10

CMRC

All change at the top Positions after one round Driver Profiles Five Nations

13 18 21 32

Race Day Programme 37 Nikhil Seereeram 40 Group 1 - No holds barred

41

Group 2A - Fighting the good fight

42

Group 2B - The Toyota vs. Honda Battle

46

Group 4 - For the love of speed

48

Lightweight 125cc Motorcycles

53

Driving back in time

55

Superbikes Galore 57 The ‘Bush Cow’

55

46

61

Drag Racing 64 Endurance Racing 66 Girl Power 71 Eric Vieira 73 John Thijs

79

A day at the races

82

Autographs / Notes 86

Guyana’s Motor Racing Magazine

40 FAST LANE 2

73

79 For more information on Motor Racing in Guyana, visit the GMR&SC Website:

www.gmrscgy.com

57

On The Cover:

Top: Mark Vieira, Kevin Jeffrey, Andrew King and Doug Maloney in CMRC action at South Dakota, 2012 Bottom: 2012 Seaboard Marine CMRC Superbikes at South Dakota

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Guyana Welcome to

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t is with great pleasure that I take this opportunity on behalf of the Government and People of Guyana to extend a very warm Guyanese Welcome to all Racers, officials and motor racing enthusiasts especially those of you who will be arriving in Guyana to take part in the final leg of the 2013 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship at the South Dakota Circuit, the home of Motor Racing in Guyana.

I have been advised that as usual there will again be a large number of overseas visitors at this meeting and I trust that your continued participation and presence will lead to forging stronger relationships with our beautiful country, its people and the local Motor Racing fraternity.

I also wish to offer greetings to all local racers and their support teams who will be participating in the Championships and flying the Golden Arrowhead. I also wish to extend special words of appreciation to the many sponsors, without whose support and involvement this annual race meeting would not have been possible.

Motor Racing is a complete discipline based on the skill of drivers, engineering of machines, racing strategies, mastery of conditions and teamwork. Winning comes through the successful coordination and integration of these different elements, a useful lesson to be applied in other areas of human endeavour.

The Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club over the last 56 years has consistently hosted international events of this nature. I congratulate them for the fine work that has gone into organizing this annual event and for the impressive manner in executing annual Race Championships of this nature. It is expected that no effort will be spared to ensure another safe, successful and enjoyable Race Meeting.

The Government of Guyana has been pleased to play its part in the recent upgrading of the Racing Surface of the South Dakota Circuit and looks forward to further partnerships with the private sector and the GMR&SC to continue the improvement of the overall facilities at South Dakota for the benefit of all patrons and racing enthusiasts.

It is also expected that the keen rivalry between competitors will continue to contribute to lifting standards of Motor Racing both in Guyana and within the region. I therefore take this opportunity to wish you every success with the hosting of this important Race Meeting and to assure the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club of my Government’s commitment towards the continued improvement of Motor Racing in Guyana.

H.E. Donald Ramotar President Republic of Guyana

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MESSAGES I

t is with great anticipation that we look forward to the hosting of the annual International Race of Champions and the final leg of the 2013 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship scheduled for Sunday 24th November at the South Dakota Circuit at Timehri.

On behalf of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Government of Guyana, I am pleased to share these comments and particularly to extend a warm Guyanese welcome to our overseas competitors and the thousands of overseas visitors who come to these shores to be part of this impressive event, many of them to specifically support their home grown speed aces. Apart from the races I hope that they find the time to explore our beautiful country, enjoy the hospitality of our people and take home fond memories of their trip to Guyana.

The GMR&SC comes in for high praise from my Ministry and Government for their outstanding ability to provide top quality sport entertainment to the people of Guyana. The sport of Motor Racing and the annual International Race Meeting in November at the South Dakota Circuit has accorded Guyana extensive Caribbean and international recognition over the years and in the process has delivered a long list of outstanding local Motor Racing Champions whose legacies are legendary.

The Government has been proud to partner with the GMR&SC and the local Corporate Community in the recent resurfacing and upgrading of the South Dakota Circuit and is keen to see a positive impact on the sport through this and other related efforts.

I look forward to the keen rivalry between all competitors and particularly the rise of the new generation of Guyanese racing aces as they challenge the regional and international brigade for dominance on Race Day. May the best drivers and riders carry the chequered flag as they challenge for top honours and provide excitement with their speed and skill for the thousands of racing fans who will be there in attendance.

Congratulations to the GMR&SC, its Executive and Management Team for the continued hosting of this much anticipated International Race Meeting.

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n behalf of the GMR&SC, I extend a warm Guyanese welcome to everyone present, especially the competitors, mechanics and the many visiting race fans from the Caribbean and the world over to our legendary South Dakota Circuit here at Timehri for the final leg of the 2013 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship.

We also wish to welcome the visiting officials from our Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Tourism, as well as the GRA and the Customs Department. We would especially like to thank the Ministry of Tourism for the excellent work done in promoting our 2013 Caribbean Race of Champions. We thank you all for the continuing support to ensure that Guyana remains a leading location for Caribbean Motor Racing.

I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the significant contributions of our major sponsors, without whom the Club would not be able to stage an event of this magnitude. We also wish to note all the various sponsors of the individual races and thank them for their contributing support. Last, but by no means least, we say a big thank you to our visiting teams from, Barbados, Canada, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and the United States. Without your support, racing would not be the spectacular success we have all come to expect.

To our dedicated marshals, officials, doctors, nurses, competitors, committee and club members, the Civil Aviation Department and all the other organizations and individuals too numerous to mention, who each year give generously of their time and expertise to make this event special. To you we offer our sincere thanks and appreciation.

As you return home this evening, please take due care and caution on our roads and please do observe the speed limit and leave the racing for the race tracks.

Have a great day,

Best wishes for your every success.

Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport

Yours in spirit J.G. Carpenter President.

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MESSAGES

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he Jamaica Race Drivers Club (JRDC) is pleased to be a part of the final leg of the 2013 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) at the South Dakota Circuit and wish to thank the GMR&SC for making it possible.

Once again, Team Jamaica enters the final round in a very strong position, with Douglas Gore leading the Drivers Championship and three more of our drivers in the top five.

Without a doubt, we expect keen and strong competition from our Caribbean rivals from Barbados and especially host country Guyana.

The Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club is to be commended for continuing its sterling efforts in hosting the annual final round of the regional championship. From one club to another, we extend the sincerest thanks to them for the invitation to participate in their stellar event.

Next year promises to be an exciting one for motor sport in the Caribbean. Across the region, competitors have acquired new machinery or improved on their existing equipment to challenge for top honours in the CMRC. On the behalf of the JRDC, I wish Team Jamaica, all CMRC competitors and the members of the GMR&SC an exciting and safe day’s racing.

Best regards

Norman Minott

Chairman Jamaica Race Drivers Club

O

n behalf of our Team and members of the Bushy Park Motor Sport Inc. we express our sincere gratitude to President Jonny Carpenter and the entire GMR&SC organising team for inviting and hosting us at this event. As the newest Club on the Barbadian motor sport landscape we are very grateful for the confidence shown in us by the GMR&SC from the outset.

Thank you to all sponsors, in particular Seaboard Marine for their continued support of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship. LIAT for their kind assistance and Princess Hotel for their support of our Team over the past five years.

Our Team showcases some of the best circuit cars from Barbados. Doug and Mark Maloney will lead the charge in the CMRC Series races, while Peter, Kurt and Mark Thompson as well as Steve King will all be vying for top honours in the Seaboard Group 2 Series. Terrance Ollivierre is our lone Super Bike contender as we continue to develop this form of motor sport in our island.

Our gratitude is extended to all volunteer officials and marshals without whom these events are not possible.

We wish all competitors a safe, competitive and enjoyable day at the races and encourage both competitor and spectator alike, to exercise caution when travelling to and from South Dakota.

Remember, please don’t drive while under the influence of alcohol.

Looking forward to welcoming everyone to Barbados’ fully redeveloped FIA Grade 3 Bushy Park Circuit Facility in 2014.

Sean Maloney

Chairman Bushy Park Motor Sports Inc.

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MESSAGE

Fast Lane

Guyana’s Motor Racing Magazine Fast Lane is Published Annually for the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) by: ADVERTISING & MARKETING SERVICES 213 B Camp Street, P.O. Box 101582, Georgetown, Guyana.

Tel: 592-225-5384 Fax: 592-2255383 E-mail: mail@amsguyana.com Publisher / Managing Editor Lokesh Singh lokesh@amsstlucia.com Editor Bryan Mackintosh

S

eaboard Marine Ltd, a leader in ocean transportation is for the fourth year extremely pleased to be a partner in the 2nd and final leg of the 2013 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship being held at the South Dakota Circuit, Guyana.

It has been an exciting year for racing enthusiasts, with a thrilling start in May at the Dover Circuit in Jamaica and we now head to the newly resurfaced South Dakota Circuit in Guyana.

As we end this series in Guyana we extend our congratulations to the steadfast organizers and numerous dedicated volunteers who work behind the scenes to ensure that each race meet is both safe and entertaining for all.

We anticipate yet another entertaining race meet that will be attended by many fans from Guyana and the wider Caribbean, who will be there to support their favorite drivers and riders.

To the competitors, we say best of luck and to all, as we at Seaboard Marine usually say, have a great and wonderful day filled with excitement, and may these Championships continue to foster great camaraderie among Caribbean peoples.

Editorial Contributors Avery Gomes Bryan Mackintosh Lokesh Singh Robin Bradford Advertising Sales Adrian Pryce Christine Gooding Tessa Allen Graphic Design & Layout Advertising & Marketing Services Design & Layout Mensah Fox Contributing Photography Adrian Pryce Avery Gomes BryanMax.com Donovan Montagu Himal Reece/justbajan.com Mensah Fox Morris Watson Nicholas Young Cover Photo Mensah Fox

Stephen Bell

Cover Design Mensah Fox Nicholas Young

Vice President, Caribbean Division, Seaboard Marine Ltd.

Produced By: Advertising & Marketing Services 213 B Camp Street, P.O. Box 101582, Georgetown, Guyana.

Tel: ( 011592) 225 5384 Fax:( 011592) 225 5383 Email: lokesh@amsstlucia.com / mail@amsguyana.com Website: www.amsstlucia.com Copyright 2013-. Reproduction of any of this material contained herein without the permission of the Publishers ( AMS ) is strictly prohibited.

The Publishers reserves the right to determine the content of this publication. AMS and GMR&SC wishes to express sincere thanks and appreciation to all parties who have assisted in making this publication a reality.

For More Information on Motor Racing in Guyana Visit:

www.gmrscgy.com FAST LANE 10

2013

Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship

All change at the top

By Robin Bradford

For the past four years, there has been one constant feature of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) as competitors prepared for the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club’s traditional season finale here at South Dakota . . . sitting atop the points table each season since 2009 has been Jamaica’s David Summerbell Jnr. But it is all change at the top in 2013

T

his has been a challenging year for the CMRC . . . well, the latest of three challenging years, to be fair, for a regional Championship which brings out the best, and occasionally the worst, in each of its host countries. The fact that we can still look forward to what promise to be three absolutely thrilling races this weekend is testament to the determination of a few background boys committed to carving through the passion (sometimes overly partisan) and the politics (sometimes overly partisan, excuse the echo) to ensure a clear road ahead . . .

The absence of Summerbell is, in part, due to the passion and politics which surrounded last year’s finale; in equal measure, however, it

revolves around the costs involved in bringing his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII back up to working spec over recent months after some unexpected issues earlier in the year. I have news for those keyboard warriors who seem to believe that any regional motor racing budget can be extended in the same way that the debt ceiling of the United States can be raised – err, it simply doesn’t work like that!

But his absence opens the door for a new name to join the list of Champions in this sixth season since Barbados joined Guyana and Jamaica on the rota of host countries – back in 2008, Stuart Maloney of Barbados claimed the title, while his fellow-countryman Roger Mayers prevailed in 2011, Summerbell winning in 2009, ’10 and again last year.

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Of course, mention of Barbados brings us to the second factor which has challenged the CMRC this year . . . the loss of the traditional mid-season date to the redevelopment of Bushy Park from its original 1.3-kilometre layout into a 2.02kms circuit, designed to achieve Grade 3 certification from motor sport’s world governing body, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The opening of a world-class facility in the island will benefit motor sport not only in Barbados, but throughout the region . . . so even this cloud has a silver lining.

So, with just Jamaica’s Dover Raceway season-opener run this year, the current points table is somewhat shorter than in the past . . . and the balance is a tad out of kilter, too.

The Audi of Doug Maloney and BMW of Chris Campbell at Dover in May. Previous page: the Audi of Doug Gore leads the Mitsubishis of David Summerbell Jnr and Kevin Jeffrey the same weekend

Traditionally, there has been a strong showing by the Jamaicans on their home soil, sort of balanced out by an equally strong showing by the Bajan home team at Bushy Park, leaving Team Guyana to battle back at the final round. In the five years of competition so far, Barbados (2009 & ’11) and Jamaica (’08 & ‘12) have won the country title twice each, with Guyana victorious in 2010.

Thanks to only two drivers each from Barbados and Guyana touring to Jamaica in May, however, the Reggae Racers arrive here this year very much in command, their total in the country standings almost twice that of the other two territories added together! With a new points system for 2013, however – it reflects the FIA Formula 1 points structure – there are far more points on offer this year than last, so it isn’t over yet!

Leading the Jamaican charge is Doug Gore, who won the CMRC in 2007, the year before Barbados joined the party. He’s moved on from his four-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Lancer Evos of the past to the ATL Automotive/ABT/ Boom Energy Drink/Rainforest Seafoods/ Sherwin Williams Audi TT-R DTM. This car has already been seen at South Dakota, when Gore made a guest appearance two years ago, setting the fastest lap in the circuit’s history at 33.386s; as he was an invitee and not running to local regulations, this is not considered an official record, but he did receive a plaque for his trouble at the Prize-giving.

At his home circuit of Dover, where he holds the rear-wheel-drive lap record, he claimed a clean sweep of the CMRC races back in May, winning each by a comfortable margin, to give him the maximum of 75 points, and a healthy 27-point lead in the standings. We have seen

such margins eroded before, however, so Gore still needs to be at the top of his game.

Doug Maloney of Barbados is his closest challenger, in the familiar Paints Plus/Maloney Racing Team Audi A4 quattro, which has been steadily refined over the years; it was Maloney who arrived in Guyana leading the points table back in 2008, the last time Gore raced here in the CMRC, and he is the only regional competitor to have seen action in every one of the past five decades.

A determined racer, he has twice finished third in the CMRC (’08 & ’11) and has a good finishing record here, including a hat-trick of second places behind Mayers; in Jamaica, despite qualifying only eighth, he came through to finish third-second-third in the three races, results he will be aiming to build on here.

Jamaica’s George Bayley is third in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII, albeit 20 points

behind Maloney; from Q7, he finished seventh-fourth-fifth at Dover, but this weekend is his first trip to South Dakota, so he will be on something of a learning curve. Bayley’s fellow-countryman Chris Campbell, however, has raced here before . . . he claimed a couple of fifth places back in 2009, but that was before he switched his Evo for his current Campbell’s Wholesale BMW M3, a car which will no doubt attract a lot of attention from interested fans. From Q6, he finished fifth and third at Dover, before recording a dnf in the final race.

Fifth in the standings is Andre Anderson, who has achieved great things at Dover this year, including the JRDC Overall Championship, but he is not touring, so the Jamaican team is completed by Peter Rae and Gary Williams.

At the wheel of the Rae Motorsport Mazda RX-7, last year’s CMRC runner-up will be one to watch – he finished second to Mark Vieira in

Mark Maloney gets in the mood FAST LANE 14

the final race of the season here last year, so certainly knows his way round South Dakota. Williams, meanwhile, is returning to CMRC action after a few seasons away, so may take a little longer to get into the groove in the Team Mobay Racing/Amsoil Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6.5.

Highest-placed member of Team Guyana’s squad, in sixth place, is former motor-cycle ace Kevin Jeffrey, who lost the 2010 CMRC title to Summerbell by just four points, despite winning the last four races of the season. He then missed nearly two full seasons of CMRC action, while developing his Top Power Racing/ Doosan/Infab Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII, not helped by a blown engine mid-way through last year, but he will certainly be a force to reckon with this weekend. Already a winner here this year and, since March, the lap record holder on 33.493s, he finished second in the final CMRC race at Dover.

Andrew King, one of the most staunch supporters of the CMRC, also travelled to Jamaica, but with less good fortune, fifth in the middle race his best result. Second to Summerbell in 2009 and another to have already won at South Dakota this year, he will certainly be in the mix in his Toucan/GT&T Mazda RX-7.

These two are joined in the home team this weekend by brothers Mark and Paul

Vieira, both experienced CMRC campaigners, although absent from this year’s earlier rounds, and Irfaan Kalamadeen and Ryan Rahaman, both stepping up to represent their country at this level for the first time.

After some lean seasons in the CMRC, Mark Vieira came bouncing back at the end of last year, winning two out of three races here and finishing second in the middle one . . . and he’d already won four of the six local Group 4 races earlier in the season. One of the most accomplished drivers in the region, particularly on his visits to the tricky Bushy Park circuit in Barbados, he should make a major contribution to the home team’s efforts this weekend in the Shell Oil/Amadrew Enterprises/Vieiraco Mazda RX-8.

Brother Paul’s Carib Mazda RX-7 will also be there or thereabouts; highest-placed 2wd in 2010, his first season in the CMRC, when he finished third overall behind Summerbell and Jeffrey, some bad luck has seen his results tail off somewhat since then. He has also been a race-winner here this season, however, so cannot be discounted.

Rahaman has been winning races and championships since his first-ever outing here back in 2000, but this is his debut in the CMRC, now racing the Valvoline/JR Burgers/Stag Beer/GEM/Guysons Engineering Ford Sierra.

Adding this awesome car to the two Audis and

the Jamaican BMW brings some extra variety and zip to this weekend’s CMRC encounter, alongside the more normal rota of Mazdas and Evos. Kalamadeen is less experienced, but his Jiffi Lubes Sales & Services/Ultra Lubricants Mazda RX-7 has proved it has some pace in the past couple of seasons, and he can certainly make a contribution to Guyana’s country total.

Finally, Barbados: we have already looked at second-placed Doug Maloney, but we must never forget his son Mark, who has rarely missed a CMRC race since the beginning of 2008 and is the second member of the island’s smallest CMRC touring team of recent years.

Persistent mechanical gremlins have hampered his results – his best Championship finishes have been third in ’09 and fourth in ’11 – but he is happier now with the RBC Royal Bank/ Digicel/Automotive Art/Valvoline Maloney Racing Mazda RX-3, so should be right up there.

With such a diverse field assembling, making predictions is far from simple. What is certain, however, is that the final round of the 2013 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship, presented by the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club, promises spectators a day to remember.

Enjoy the weekend!

George Bayley leads Andrew King at Dover in May FAST LANE 17

2013

Positions after One Round CMRC points system

Driver 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Doug Gore (JAM) Doug Maloney (BAR) George Bayley (JAM) Chris Campbell (JAM) Andre Anderson (JAM) Kevin Jeffrey (GUY) Peter Rae (JAM) Andrew King (GUY) Mark Maloney (BAR)

75 48 28 25 24 20 18 14 8

Country

Points are awarded to the first 10 finishers in each race on the scale 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1; these will be added to the driver and country totals. If there is a tie at year-end, the driver or country with the highest number of race wins gets the nod; if there is still a tie, then the system works back through highest number of second places and so on until a resolution is reached Key to nationalities: BAR – Barbados; CAY – Cayman Islands; GUY – Guyana; JAM – Jamaica; SVG – St Vincent & The Grenadines

1 Jamaica 170 2 Barbados 56 3 Guyana 34 2012 – final positions Driver 1 David Summerbell Jnr (JAM) 2 Peter Rae (JAM) 3 Roger Mayers (BAR) 4 Mark Vieira 5 Andre Anderson (JAM) 6 Andrew King (GUY) 7 Stuart Williams (BAR) 8 Andy Bodden (CAY) 9 Kevin Jeffrey 10 Paul Vieira (GUY) etc

61 46 30 28 28 25 22 22 18 17

David Summerbell Jnr

Country 1 Jamaica 137 2 Guyana 88 3 Barbados 74 4 Cayman Islands 37 Mark Maloney FAST LANE 18

2009 – final positions Driver

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 etc

CMRC action at South Dakota

2011 – final positions Driver

1 2 3 4 5 6

8 9 10 etc

Roger Mayers David Summerbell Jnr Doug Maloney Mark Maloney Andrew King Stuart Williams Paul Vieira Barry Mayers Peter Rae Mark Vieira

(BAR) (JAM) (BAR) (BAR) (GUY) (BAR) (GUY) (BAR) (JAM) (GUY)

50 44 42 36 22 19 19 12 10 9

* David Summerbell Jnr (JAM) * Kevin Jeffrey (GUY) Paul Vieira (GUY) Peter Rae (JAM) Andrew King (GUY) Mark Maloney (BAR) Mark Vieira (GUY) Barry Mayers (BAR) * Doug Gore (JAM) * Doug Maloney (BAR)

78 74 58 52 46 42 32 28 20 20

Country 1 2 3

Barbados Jamaica Guyana

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

etc

Country 1 2 3

Barbados Jamaica Guyana

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 etc

Stuart Maloney David Summerbell Jnr Doug Maloney Doug Gore Andrew King Guy Fraser Kevin Jeffrey Mark Maloney Gary Williams Ryan Gonsalves

Country 1 2 3

Jamaica Barbados Guyana

(JAM) (GUY) (BAR) (BAR) (GUY) (BAR) (JAM) (BAR) (BAR) (BAR)

60 42 41 28 24 22 14 12 11 9

(BAR) (JAM) (BAR) (JAM) (GUY) (JAM) (GUY) (BAR) (JAM) (SVG)

55 50 45 35 27 26 19 18 17 12

123 84 75

2008 - final positions Driver

159 73 62

2010 – final positions Driver

David Summerbell Jnr Andrew King Mark Maloney Roger Mayers Kevin Jeffrey Stuart Maloney Chris Campbell Barry Mayers Doug Maloney Stuart Williams

138 126 47

* four-wheel-drive class. In 2010, points were awarded separately to the first eight finishers in four-wheel-drive and two-wheel-drive cars, although there was still only one overall Drivers’ Champion

Country

1 Guyana 218 2 Jamaica 166 3 Barbados 108

Mark Vieira FAST LANE 19

Driver Profiles Andrew King (GUY)

Toucan/GT&T Mazda RX-7 South Dakota record – has finished 13 of 15 CMRC races in the past four years (one dns, one dnf), including a win (’09), six more podium finishes and three 2wd wins (from Q2) in 2010 – was the local Gp4 Champ in ‘08 Career record – racing since ‘75, multiple class and Champion Driver, runner-up twice (to David Summerbell) in the ‘90s Caribbean Championship, then again in CMRC ’09 (also top two-wheel-drive); well-known for giant-killing acts in Minis, before the Mazda

11 George Bayley (JAM) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII South Dakota – debut Career record – having crossed over from drag to circuit racing, he dedicated a lot of time and effort to his circuit racing development. A regular podium finisher in the JRDC’s IP27 category for a couple of seasons, he won the re-named B27 category in 2011, and has been a front-runner ever since. This year, he has run in B27, MP4 and TS2, finishing third in B27, with best results of second in B27 and MP4

20

FAST LANE 21

Driver Profiles Doug Gore (JAM)

ATL Automotive/ABT/Boom Energy Drink/Rainforest Seafoods/Sherwin Williams Audi TT-R DTM South Dakota record – one ‘official’ visit, ’08 in his Evo V, missed qualifying, finished second-dnf-fifth; invited back in 2011, set the circuit’s best lap of 33.386s (not an official record) Career record – started in early ‘90s in US autocross and drag races. Got his first 4wd Mitsubishi in ‘95, has won more than 20 race, rally and speed titles, including ‘97 Caribbean Rally Championship, ‘07 CMRC and class-winner in Rally Jamaica ’09. In the Audi, 2011 MP4 and 2013 TS2 Champion at Dover, also rwd lap record-holder

24

Gary Williams (JAM)

Team Mobay Racing/Amsoil Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6.5 South Dakota – debut Career record – racing since ‘80, first in Jamaica in a rallycross BMW 2002 Alpina; moved to Nassau in ’95, where he switched to drag racing, first in a Toyota Starlet Turbo, then Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 4, Nissan Skyline GT-R and finally an Evo 2, which held the Nassau street class record. Returned to Jamaica in ’06, converted the Evo 2 to circuit spec, before acquiring this ex-David Summerbell Evo 6.5. Finished fourth in B27 this year, with one win

25

FAST LANE 23

Driver Profiles Peter Rae (JAM)

Peter Rae Motorsports Mazda RX-7 South Dakota record – second in last year’s final race his best result since two 2wd fourth places on his first visit in 2010 Career record – racing since ‘68, first motocross, then karts (’87 to ’08). Won many titles at home, also raced in Cuba, Grand Cayman, the UK and US. Memorable circuit racing cars include the Pocket Rocket Mini and the Starlet on Steroids (won the first Grand Cayman International in ‘95). In CMRC with RX-7 in ’02, ’07 and since 2010, finishing second last year

26

Doug Maloney (BAR)

Paints Plus/Maloney Racing Team Audi A4 quattro South Dakota record – last year dented his previous good record, with only one finish; best of his five years was 2011 (third-second-second), when he finished third in the Championship Career record – now in his fifth decade of competition, raced in the ‘70s Formula Caribbean Championship (also lap record holder at Bushy Park, at 45.5s in a Formula Ford); returned in rallies and speed events in the ‘90s, then to racing in ‘04, winning three BARL Group titles

33

FAST LANE 24

Mark Vieira (GUY)

Shell Oil/Amadrew Enterprises/Vieiraco Mazda RX-8 South Dakota record – absent for two years, returned to CMRC action in 2010 (dnf-fifth-third in 2wd), finished second in R1 in 2011, then rocketed to fourth in last year’s standings (having missed Barbados and Jamaica) with two wins and a second Career record – raced bikes from age 18 but a big accident (‘87) brought a switch to cars; a regular winner, Guyana Group 3 Champion in ’07; after some lean seasons (by his high standards), things have at last been looking up

58

Ryan Rahaman (GUY)

Valvoline/JR Burgers/Stag Beer/GEM/Guysons Engineering South Dakota record – won his first-ever race here in 2000, and has been winning ever since, a serial Group 2B Champion, also in Gp3 and Overall in ‘07 Career record – a third generation racer, he has been a winner at home and in Barbados (Gp2B Champion ’06), where he and father Jad based their matching Ford Escorts a decade or so ago; his fearsome Ford Sierra has suffered teething problems aplenty in its first few seasons, but when it goes . . .

70

FAST LANE 26

Driver Profiles Mark Maloney (BAR)

RBC Royal Bank/Digicel/Automotive Art/Valvoline /Maloney Racing Mazda RX-3 South Dakota record – only nine finishes in 15 CMRC races, the best being third in 2wd twice in 2010 Career record – competed since ‘99, initially in rallies, twice a top five finisher in the premier event in Barbados, also RallySprints; won his first gearbox karting titles in ‘01, before a break. BARL Group 3C Champion in ’06, has seen less action in recent years, while concentrating on business commitments

86

Irfaan Kalamadeen (GUY)

Jiffi Lubes Sales & Services/Ultra Lubricants Mazda RX-7 South Dakota record - has won here twice (November 2012), and amassed a total of around 12 podium finishes Career record – has been competing since ‘09, initially in Drag Racing, before switching to circuit racing later that year when the turbocharged Third Generation Mazda RX-7 he was building was completed. Has so far only raced at South Dakota, but does not rule out touring in the future

91

FAST LANE 28

Paul Vieira (GUY) Carib Mazda RX-7

South Dakota record – after sixth-dnf-dnf on his CMRC debut in ’09, three second places helped him to 2010 2wd ‘Champion’ title, then 2011 ended in an accident. Last year, one fourth and one fifth Career record – raced bikes in his teens (with brother Mark). Moved to Canada, started racing a Mazda RX-7 in ’07 Canadian Touring Car Championship (11th of 25 GTs); switched to regional sprints and road races for ’08, then shipped the car home, winning the ’09 GMR&SC Group 4 title

104

Kevin Jeffrey (GUY)

Top Power Racing/Doosan/Infab Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII South Dakota record – three CMRC wins in 2010, when he was also GMR&SC Gp4 Champion, and another last year, plus seven more top five finishes since ’08; lap record holder on 33.493s, set in March Career record – formerly a Championship-winning big bike racer with experience at Daytona and other US and Canadian tracks, switched to cars after a major accident; campaigned a Mazda RX-3 before acquiring this ex-Doug Gore ’07 CMRC-winning Evo VIII, which he has steadily developed

161

FAST LANE 29

Driver Profiles Chris Campbell (JAM)

Campbell’s Wholesale BMW M3 South Dakota record – absent for the last two years, while replacing the Mitsubishi Evo in which he was fifth-fifth-dns in ‘09, dnf-dns-dns in ‘08 Career record – has come a long way fast in just five seasons: from two podium finishes in his first event at Dover (May ’08), he was Overall Driver of the Meet in August the following year, on his way to becoming JRDC Thundersports and ’09 Champion Driver. In the BMW, has had MP4 and TS2 podium finishes this year

330

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Seaboard Marine Group 2 Championship

Five Nations

By Robin Bradford

Affraz Allie leads Alan Chen in Jamaica

W

hile European sports enthusiasts think of the rough and tumble of rugby union when they hear the title ‘Five Nations’, it can equally be used to describe the final round of the 2013 Seaboard Marine Group 2 Championship, as drivers from host country Guyana look set to face competition from Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago.

As the Championship has been developed and the regulations tweaked, so the interest has grown, and South Dakota this weekend will play host to the broadest base of competitors yet, as word out of the twin island state is that a trio of cars are bound from Trinidad to contest the regional Group 2 races for the first time. Each round is run to local rules (including those for tyres), with 2-litre and 1600 cars both eligible: the two classes race separately, within the appropriate group at each circuit, and there will be one Champion Driver at yearend ... simply, the driver who scores the most points against his peers, 2-litre or 1600. For the

past two years, the driver heading the points table coming in to the final round has gone on to claim the title – both from Barbados, Mark Thompson (2012) and Kenrick Husbands

in May

(2011) followed fellow-countryman Edward Corbin, who had been crowned the Group 2 Champion in 2010, although the inaugural season was more of a trial run than anything

Gary Barrett chases Kurt Thompson the same weekend FAST LANE 32

else. The pattern will not continue this year, however: Jamaica’s Kyle Gregg, who steered his BD Gregg & Sons Honda Civic to a hat-trick of 2-litre victories on his home circuit of Dover Raceway in May – an impressive repeat of his 2012 results – is not entered, clearing the way for anyone behind him to become Champion.

Based on the current standings, the man most likely to is 1.6L class-leader Gary Barrett of the Cayman Islands, a regular at Dover in recent years in his Motorworld/Auto Body Works and Paint/Jump Fence Racing/Car City Honda Civic; winner of races two and three at Dover, after finishing second to Thompson in the first, he has racked up a total of 68 points, 17 more than Jamaica’s Guy Fraser (Toyota Starlet), another not entered here.

For his first trip to South Dakota, Barrett’s class competition is led by Guyana’s John Joseph, 26 points behind, with Thompson a further five points adrift. Realistically, the class title – and, possibly, the Group 2 title overall – will go to one of this trio. While Barrett’s advantage might seem comfortable, the new-for-2013 points system renders it less so – with 25 points for a win (compared with 13 previously), there are 75 points on offer this weekend, so there is all to play for.

Joseph (D & G Foreign Auto Honda Civic) finished third in the 2011 Seaboard Marine Group 2 standings when he contested a full season, but slipped to sixth last year when he missed Jamaica; he has an impressive finishing record, with just one dnf in 18 races, and two third-place finishes to his credit at Dover this year – with home advantage, he is in a strong position this weekend.

For Thompson (Stag Beer/Glassesco/NKM Clothing/Bio Beauty Day Spa/Local Speed Toyota Starlet), this year’s regional campaign has so far not reflected his local success quite as it did last year; while he has claimed his second consecutive Barbados Auto Racing League (BARL) Group 2C title with seven wins in nine races and succeeded his brother Kurt as Overall Champion, his trip to Dover in May was not a success.

Having won five of the six Group 2 encounters in Jamaica in the previous two years, he added just one more this year, before a broken water pump put paid to his engine in the second; he failed to start the third, but came back for the later Thundersport race, finishing second in TS2 to local ace Alan Chen.

Only one other driver has run Former Champion Kenrick Husbands in the 1600 class so far, Guyana’s Harold Hopkinson (Honda CRX), but he is also missing from the roster this weekend; that will not weaken the local representation, however, as Joseph will be backed up by Shiraz record, having won in each country where he Roshandin and Chet and Raj Singh (Best Buy has raced, including Guyana, where two of six Auto/Cellular Plus/Central Electronics Honda victories were claimed in his title-winning year.

Civics), all with previous regional experience.

As this was written, he looked set to be On his debut in the series last year, Roshandin joined by Quincy Jones and Steve King, both in (Total/Roti Hut Honda Civic Type-R) looked rear-wheel-drive Toyota Starlets; Jones has set for a strong finish after a solid points haul won 12 times at Bushy Park, since his Rookie from a trio of fourth places in Barbados, but year in 2009, while King has a string of Group 3 mechanical dramas at home saw him fail to titles to his credit in his mighty Nissan Skyline. add to his score, so he finished ninth.

He was due to bring both cars, but blew the Raj finished second and Chet fourth in 2011, Nissan’s engine in testing last month, so will both having toured to Jamaica and Barbados; debut his Valvoline/King’s Auto Parts Toyota Raj enjoyed a 100 per cent finishing record, Starlet this weekend. with three second places his best result, one The sole 1.6L entrant from Jamaica is here at South Dakota, while Chet also logged a making her South Dakota debut . . . and, yes, I second-place finish at home. did say her. Natasha Chang, aka ‘Chiney Dolly’ There are seasonal debutantes in the 1.6L has been making a big impression in Jamaican class from further afield, too: from Barbados, rallying and at South Dakota over the past 2011 Champion Husbands returns to the fray few years, initially in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, in the Williams Equipment/Hilti/Big Gas/ currently at the wheel of the very competitive Ultra Toyota Starlet; three times a BARL Class Texaco/Dolly’s Detailing Honda Civic Honda Champion, he has an impressive regional Civic. Team-mate to CMRC runner Doug Gore,

Natasha Chang in action . . .

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. . . and at rest

she cut her motor sport teeth in karting, before rallying in the Evo, then circuit racing.

With points leader Kyle Gregg missing, a ding-dong battle is anticipated in the 2-litre class, currently led by Kurt Thompson, last year’s BARL Champion Driver; he finished fifth overall and second 2-litre runner in the Group 2 Championship last year and his current status in this year’s standings matches that exactly. His Monster Energy Drink/Glassesco/ NKM Clothing/Bio Beauty Day Spa/Beacon Insurance Honda CRX has undergone a major rebuild after some mechanical issues earlier this year, completed just in time for shipping to Guyana. With Kurt now back in the CRX, father Peter will join sons Mark and Kurt this weekend in the family’s Honda Civic.

Thompson has 39 points, 36 behind Gregg – with 75 on the table, and Gregg back home in Jamaica, he could easily pass him – but has to fend off three local hotshoes, Affraz Allie on 37 points, Syed Hassan on 34, who toured to Jamaica for the first time, and Vishal Sawh, a newcomer to the regional competition; all drive Toyota Starlet Turbos.

In Jamaica, Allie (Banks DHL Starlet) was the more consistent of the two, moving progressively further up the order, fifth in race one, then fourth and third in the remaining two encounters; for Hassan (Seaboard Marine Toyota), two sixth places were followed by a satisfying second place behind Gregg in the day’s last outing.

Finally, given a following wind, Trinidad & Tobago also will be represented in Group 2 this weekend, by Daryl Ali’s AutoNation Honda Civic and brothers Amit and Haresh Nanan in their HN Racing Nissan Sentras; although their homeland has been without a circuit racing venue in recent years, they have been keeping their eye in competing in a broad cross-section of drag racing, hill climbs and Solodex events, while all also have an early background in kart racing.

Ali’s Civic will be making its competition debut and was still under construction as this was written; in his previous Toyota Starlet, he claimed podium finishes at Trinidad’s Wallerfield circuit and the San Fernando Grand Prix, also placed second at the 2012 Drag & Wind Championship (a mix of drag racing and dexterity in one side-by-side race).

Haresh and Amit are the eldest and youngest of four sons of former Wallerfield circuit racer Joe Nanan, all encouraged by their father to take an interest in motor sport; they will be hoping for better fortune than they had in Guyana last year, when they spent all weekend working on their car. Haresh and wife Reshma finished second Driver and Co-Driver in the TTRC Championship in 2001, Reshma also named as Sportswoman of the Year – Rally at the WITCO Awards. The car Haresh is using is usually driven by his wife, but she recently had their second child and so Haresh took over the driver’s seat, joining brother Amit, who regularly races for HN Racing.

Seaboard Marine Group 2 Championship - positions after one round 1 ** Kyle Gregg (JAM) 75 2 * Gary Barrett (CAY) 68 3 * Guy Fraser (JAM) 51 4 * John Joseph (GUY) 42 5 ** Kurt Thompson (BAR) 39

6 * Mark Thompson (BAR)

** Afraz Allie (GUY) 8 ** Syed Hassan (GUY) 9 ** Sebastien Rae (JAM) 10 ** Alan Chen (JAM) 11 * Harold Hopkinson (GUY) * Group 2 1.6L; ** Group 2 2.0L

37 37 34 33 28 10

Mark Thompson’s engine lets go in Jamaica

Steve King has a new Toyota Starlet . . .

. . . while Kurt Thompson’s Konda CRX has been rebuilt FAST LANE 34

FAST LANE 36

Race Day Programme RACE # GROUP TIME SPONSORS LAP

OF HONOUR

8:30

Sponsor

1 GROUP 2A CMRC 8:50 Seaboard Marine GROUP 2A LOCAL 8:50 Mohamed Roshandin

2 125cc MOTORCYCLES 9:10 CCS Guyana Ltd

3 GROUP 2B CMRC 9:30 Seaboard Marine GROUP 2B LOCAL 9:30 Prem’s Electrical

4 GO KART 9:50 Automotive Art

5 GROUP 3 10:10 Prem’s Electrical

6 GROUP 1 10:30 Beharry Automotive Ltd

7 GROUP 4 LOCAL 10:50 Kaylee’s Service Station

8 SUPERBIKES A CLASS (CMRC) 11:10 Seaboard Marine SUPERBIKES AMATEUR 11:10 Marsha Mining

9 GROUP 4 CMRC 11:30 Seaboard Marine

10 GROUP 2A CMRC 11:50 Seaboard Marine GROUP 2A LOCAL 11:50 Versus Auto Sales

11 GROUP 2B CMRC 12:10 Seaboard Marine GROUP 2B LOCAL 12:10 GT&T

12 GROUP 3 12:30 ReadyMix Concrete Ltd

13 GROUP 4 LOCAL 12:50 GUYOIL

14 SUPERBIKES CMRC 1:10 Seaboard Marine

SUPERBIKES AMATEUR 1:10 Jiffi Lubes

15 GROUP 4 CMRC 1:20 Seaboard Marine

16 GROUP 2A CMRC 1:40 Seaboard Marine GROUP 2A LOCAL 1:40 E.C Vieira Investments Ltd

17 125 CC MOTOR CYCLE 2:10

18 GROUP 2B CMRC 2:20 Seaboard Marine

GROUP 2B LOCAL 2:20 Nabi Construction Inc.

19 GO KART 2:40 Trophy Stall of Bourda Market

20 GROUP 3 3:00 GT&T

21 GROUP 1 3:20 Beharry Automotive Ltd

22 GROUP 4 LOCAL 3:40 Secure Innovations & Concepts

23 SUPERBIKES CMRC 4:00 Seaboard Marine SUPERBIKES AMATEUR 4:00 Hilton Quan

24 GROUP 4 CMRC 4:20 Seaboard Marine FAST LANE 37

GMR&SC & CMRC 24th, November, 2013 G.T&T, Seaboard Marine & Banks DIH International Race Meeting Qualifying Event DATE TIME GROUP LAPS 24/11/201

11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 1:40 PM 2:00 PM 2:20 PM 2:40 PM

SUPERBIKES GO KART GROUP 1 GROUP 2A GROUP 2B GROUP 3 GROUP 4 CMRC GP 2A CMRC GP 2B CMRC GP 4

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

1st EVENT FOR INTERNATIONAL RACE MEETING

24/11/2013 3:00 PM GO KART 8

3:30 PM 125CC MOTOR CYCLES 8 3:50 PM GROUP 1 10

FAST LANE 38

Nikhil ‘Mad Max’ Seereeram ‘Generation Can Do’

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ast November, Fast Lane magazine’s editorial staff predicted that Nikhil ‘Mad Max’ Seereeram was going to become the force to be reckoned with . . . and indeed he has, even beyond our expectations.

This 18-year-old daredevil has taken the motorcycle scene by storm, winning eight of his nine races so far. It could have easily been nine out of nine, had he not fallen during a heated battle with Stephen Vieira earlier this year.

Nikhil, under the watchful eye of his everattentive dad, Naveen, and team sponsor Paul Yearwood, has grown from strength to strength in the local racing scene; he made his motor racing debut driving an oversized go-kart and was impressive from the get go.

Nikhil’s determination to be the best in the sport shows through with such conviction that it does not take long for even total strangers to believe in this dedicated youngster. Second place on the podium to this daredevil, rightly nicknamed ‘Mad Max’, is simply not good enough, his goal is to be the best and he gives it 110 per cent every time.

Nikhil sent an extremely loud and clear message to his peers in the 600cc motorcycle class when he convincingly won his first professional race earlier this year on the South Dakota Circuit. He not only beat the other amateur riders in his group, but he also trounced the top pro riders as well, including Stephen Vieira, Maurice Menezes and Joel Niblette. It was the crowning moment of Nikhil’s short but glorious career to date.

By Bryan Mackintosh

Beating so many seasoned riders is a feat once thought impossible, accomplished by a youngster with a heart bigger than the South Dakota Clubhouse that he passed 10 times on

FAST LANE 40

his way to that amazing victory.

This extremely likeable youngster, who also excels in badminton and soccer, has his own incredible fan base - they turn up religiously at the South Dakota Circuit to see him slide aggressively, but ever-so-smoothly, through the tight corners of South Dakota as he is truly a joy to see in action around the track he has made his own.

Nikhil is our modern-day version of the ‘Demico Kid’; I’m sure you all remember that iconic name from the ‘70s. Just as Brian ‘Demico Kid’ Jardim inspired kids all across Guyana with his gokart driving skills back in the day, Nikhil in 2013 is doing his part to inspire his generation of no-nonsense youngsters to reach for the sky, to snatch those dreams and to make them happen. Nikhil is truly the perfect ambassador for ‘Generation Can Do’.

Group 1, No holds barred Nothing asked, nothing given

By Bryan Mackintosh

A

s we celebrate one full year since the reintroduction of this exciting group designed for cars with engines 1500cc and below, we will take a few lines to reflect on its progress. There was need for a starter class to encourage young drivers to test their driving skills and after a bit of haggling over the rules and it was decided that 1500cc was the cut off point. Turbo Charged motors are not allowed in this group, neither are 16 and 20 valve double overhead cam engines.

As such, the engines of choice for the Toyota cars are the 5A and 5E power-plants.

And for the Hondas, it’s the D15 motor. A six point roll cage is mandatory to ensure safety.

Roll cages are being produced locally, further reducing the overall cost of building a GP1 project.

A decent starter car for this class would be a Toyota Sprinter which comes off the factory floor fitted with a 5A motor, so it’s just a matter of taking out the upholstery and you’re almost ready to go with a roll cage added.

Stiffer springs are allowed to ensure that the cars safely handle the tight corners of South Dakota, however aftermarket coilover racing shocks are not allowed. The 195x55 tires for this class can be picked up at any of the local tire dealers, making this a budget friendly group to race in if you don’t have the big bucks to spend in the higher maintenance groups.

The Ali brothers of Team Fullworks have totally controlled Group 1, winning all nine races of the group one between them.

Mohamed Ali, the younger sibling leads the GP1 2013 championship and has taken the fight not only to the rest of the competition but to his older brother, Roshan, as well, as nothing is asked and nothing is given when these two extremely competitive brothers hit the start line. Team Fullworks has no less than nine race cars at any given time racing on the South Dakota Circuit, not only in GP1 but in GP2A and 2B as well.

Not to be left out of the fun are the local boys from Soesdyke, who spend almost every Sunday on the South Dakota Circuit picking up much needed seat time. Soesdyke based, Ambrose Dornellas, has had his fair share of podium finishes but is yet to pull off a major win on either of the Ali brothers. Ambrose has been working overtime on his 5A powered Toyota Corolla race machine, making it race ready for November 24th and is hoping to pull off a major upset on the Team Fullworks drivers. Also representing the Soesdyke crew

will be Omar D’Ornellas and Christopher Young both seasoned campaigners on the South Dakota Circuit When the group was introduced one year ago, Harold “Topgun” Hopkinson decided that he wanted to be part this fun filled class and immediately went out looking for a suitable car to bring to the start line, soon enough he found a fully armored assault Honda Civic in which he plans to carry the fight to the Toyotas FAST LANE 41

on November 24th. So be on the lookout for this former rifle range champion as he sets his sights on the three checkered flags up for grabs.

With the 2014 season looking as if it will be quite a scorcher, maybe its time that you start thinking of building your very own affordable group one machine to get in on the thrills, spills and excitement that only racing on the South Dakota brings, see you on the start line.

Group 2A

Fighting the good fight to the very end

By Bryan Mackintosh

Jad Rahaman leads a hungry

pack of Group 2A Speedsters

CMRC Group 2 line up - Mark Thompson sits on pole with his Barbadian teammate Kenrick Husbands riding shotgun

T

here is a new kid on the block in Group 2A and he has stamped his authority on this exciting class in no uncertain fashion.

Shairaz Roshandin and his immaculatelyprepared B16 Hatchback Honda Civic did the unthinkable, when he totally dominated the former king of the group, Chet Singh, not only in just one race but in six races at the last race meet held on the South Dakota Circuit on August 17.

After winning all three of his group races convincingly, Shairaz and the rest of the Gp2A warriors decided to step it up by joining the faster cars of Gp2B where Shairaz picked up three second places forcing his number one rival, Chet, to play catch up one more. Shairaz is well on his way to picking up the Gp2A 2013 Championship title, although that is still to be decided this weekend.

Chet Singh, now with the pressure off him, having placed the target squarely on the back of the Total Lubricants sponsored Honda Civic of Roshandin, has been looking forward to this weekend’s International, where he will have

another go at Roshandin as well as his old friends from Barbados, with those wickedlyfast, rear-wheel-drive Toyota Starlets.

Sometimes you don’t have to hold the checkered flag to steal the show, as Andre’ Dhanraj proved when he totally stepped up FAST LANE 42

his racing game with his Volkswagen Golf GTI by beating Chet Singh and his brother Raj off the second spot of the podium in the final Gp2B event of the last race meeting. The Golf and its driver became instant celebrities with everyone cheering on the underdog as Andre’

A wild pack of GP2A daredevils head down to the Gooseneck Dhanraj drove the race of his life.

Senior statesman of this group Jad Rahaman and his trusted JR Burger-sponsored Ford Escort has not had the kind of year he wanted, but he is taking everything in stride, not letting it bother him. “That is racing”, he was quick to say, “today its your day, tomorrow may be mine”. Plagued with an irritating back injury, Jad smiled when asked of his chances at this weekend’s meet said: “Never count the old Tiger out, you never know when I might deliver

that upper cut. I’ve done it before and I will certainly do it again” Team CAMS’ John Joseph of the USA has become a household name on and off the South Dakota Circuit, his bright yellow Honda Civic always in the hottest of dog fights, with this ever determined young driver not giving an inch until the checkered flag drops.

Group 2A is for modified cars with engines up to 1600cc (20 valves) and 2000cc (8 valves).

No forced induction (turbo or superchargered)

FAST LANE 45

engines are allowed in this group. On the suspension side of things, you’re not allowed to tamper with the original mounting points of the chassis, but you are allowed to bolt on after-market coil-over suspension shocks to get your car to handle properly on the tight, aggressive and extremely demanding corners of the South Dakota Circuit.

This weekend, the daredevils of this highly competitive group will once more attempt to steal the show from the other groups.

Group 2B The Toyota VS Honda Battle Rages On Turbo VS Non Turbo monsters locked in battle

By Bryan Mackintosh

G

roup 2B has always been a brutal battle ground, setting the tone for the fierce wars that have been raging for the last decade. This war pits the turbo charged Toyota Starlets against the high revving non turbo charged Honda Civics and the ever dependable Mazda RX7s powered by 12A Rotary engines.

To better understand the intricate makeup of this group, we must first know the engine specs specified by the rules governing this class. The turbo charged Toyotas cannot exceed 1331CCs and by using the power to weight formula, it was decided that they must have a minimum weight of 1857 Lbs inclusive of driver. The non turbo charged Hondas are allowed a maximum cubic capacity of 2000CCs and must carry a minimum weight of 1760 Lbs inclusive of driver.

So with this info tucked away, we can now move on to the actual racing action that went down so far for 2013. With just two race meetings so far for this year, US based Afraz

Ally, driving his extremely quick turbo charged Toyota Starlet has distanced himself from the competition with four solid wins and 2 seconds places, putting himself solidly in contention for the GP2B 2013 overall Championship title.

His closest rival and teammate Syed Hassan, also in a turbo charged Toyota Starlet, did not compete in the last race meeting giving Afraz much breathing room as these two Speedaces are always in caught up in truly heated battles.

Its only when the checkered flag drops that one can be sure who came out victorious.

GMR&SC’s Group 2B 2012 Champion, Oliver Tjin Liep Shie of Suriname and his immaculately prepared Honda Civic has not been part of the 2013 GP2B battles but he has signaled his intent to return for the upcoming November 24th International race meet, bringing with him a spanking new 2000cc naturally aspirated Honda Civic to wage battle against his Guyanese counterparts. Oliver’s 2012 GP2b championship win did not go down FAST LANE 46

well with the turbo charged posse and they are eagerly awaiting his return to show that they are ready for him this time around. This can only signal the start of another international war as the GP2B warriors are always locked in intense battles every time they rev off from that famous South Dakota start line Ever resourceful, Vishaul Sawh, driving the Auto Toy Store turbo charged Starlet has proven many times over that he is not to be overlooked in this action packed grouping.

With Phillip, his ever vigilant pit crew manager at his side, you can be sure that Vishaul will once again carry the fight not only to his local rivals but to the foreign invaders as well.

Barbados’s Mohammed Bhana will be in action on the 24th with his second generation Mazda RX7. With a new Rotary powerplant at his disposal, we can expect fireworks from this high revving Speedace.

Also representing the land of the Flying Fish is seasoned South Dakota contender Kurt

Thompson, who returns with his well prepared Honda Civic to lay the ground work for his planned invasion of the South Dakota Circuit. Kurt has been part of a number of firefights on the South Dakota Circuit and is no stranger to the top sport of the podium and feels most comfortable standing there.

The Wonderboy of Guyana’s television scene, WR Reaz, after a good run in the Rookie class, is the latest addition to this fast paced group and has been fine tuning his car and driving skills to carry the fight to his more experienced peers. WR is quick to admit that the learning curve for this group has been a steep one and he knows he must put in the seat time to get up to speed with the top contenders of this brutally fast group. With this attitude, you know that WR can only get better as time goes along. Under the watchful eye of his Chief Mechanic and former GP2A Champion, Saaed Bacchus, one can only expect that the Wonderboy’s time to shine could happen much sooner than later.

The lap times for Group 2B has been lowered to 37 seconds of late, such lap times that were once only associated with Group 3 cars not so long ago. With the need for speed burning like NASA’s Discovery Space Shuttle heading into outer space, race fans can rest assured that these fearless GP2B Warriors will be out to put on a show worthy of their times and attention.

Oliver of Suriname takes command early

Eventual race winner Afraz Ally takes over the lead and is on his way to victory lane FAST LANE 47

Group 4

For the love of speed Attempting to unravel the power to weight ratio mystery

By Bryan Mackintosh

K

evin Jeffrey’s ‘Bush Cow’ has been unstoppable for 2013, winning five of six races for the year. The ‘Bush Cow’ is not some wild animal found in the interior of Guyana, instead it’s a wild and exotic Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII that can be found creating havoc on the South Dakota Circuit.

When tuned to perfection, the 2200cc 20-valve in-line four turbo-charged monster produces some 700 horsepower and enough torque to drag its 2700lbs chassis around the race track as if it’s a Jaguar on steroids.

It has been a long time coming for Kevin, a former South Dakota Superbike Champion.

The ‘Bush Cow’ wasn’t always as reliable as it is now, but the mechanical team led by Brian Tenpow of Top Power Racing can now take this car apart completely - literally into thousands of little pieces - and fit it all up back in a matter of hours, proving to themselves, and the skeptics, that they know what they are about.

The 2013 Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club Group 4 Championship is not quite yet locked down: with 58 points, Kevin is just eight

points clear of his closest rival Andrew King, who drives a tube-framed 13B Mazda RX-7 producing a humble 320 horsepower. Andrew has amassed 50 points with his five second places and one victory in the Gp4 points chase. Because both Jeffrey and King and will be racing in the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship this weekend, it leaves the door wide open for one of the local Gp4 drivers to capitalize on their absence and made good by overcoming their points lead and pick up the Gp4 title in the process.

It is important to understand how Andrew can take a car with a lot less power than Kevin’s and still give him a run for his money . . . it comes down to power to weight.

Andrew’s car weighs in at 1900lbs, compared to the 2700lbs of the more powerful Evo of Kevin Jeffrey. So, even though Kevin’s 700 horsepower Evo is so much more powerful than Andrew’s 320 horsepower rotary, it has to carry some 800lbs more than its light and nimble rival, making them somewhat equal FAST LANE 48

around the demanding corners of the South Dakota Circuit.

If they had a long straight road to run on, Kevin would out-power Andrew by a huge margin but the tight corners give Andrew the opportunity to neutralise the power advantage of the more powerful Evo VIII. It has taken the Caribbean motor racing clubs a long time to work out the formula to create somewhat of a level playing field for this class of mismatched cars and some still argue that the turbo charged cars hold a slight advantage over the rotary-powered turbo cars, rules wise at least.

In the Group 4 mix up, you will find all sorts of super cars, Kevin Jeffrey’s 161 is a turbocharged Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII, Andrew King’s 11 is a tube-frame 13B RX-7.

Paul Vieira of Toronto, Canada, drives the 104 Mazda RX-7, powered by the same 13B Rotary as Andrew King, although his chassis is not a tube framed, it’s the same chassis as one you will find on a road-going RX-7. Because of this Paul is allowed to run even lighter than

Andrew in a bid to equalize the advantage Andrew will get from his car’s tube frame chassis, which would give him better handling than Paul through the corners.

So now you’re getting an idea of how difficult it is to find the right formula in terms of power to weight ratio, to give all the cars an equal chance to hold that coveted checkered flag.

Rising star, Irfaan Kalamadeen, a second generation racer, drives a third generation turbo charged, 13B Mazda RX-7 which produces some 650 horsepower, some say its just as fast as Kevin’s Evo. Because of the turbocharger, Irfaan is forced to carry 700lbs more than the non-turbocharged Mazdas of Andrew King and Paul Vieira. That is the power to weight factor coming into play in an attempt to make them all equal.

To understand this power to weight theory, just think of yourself pushing an empty wheelbarrow against a much stronger opponent who has to push his wheel barrow filled with some 100lbs of sand. So, even though he is stronger than you are, the sand will become the greatest of equalizers. That is what is referred to as power to weight ratio, where weight is used to equalize power.

Former Group 1 champion, Mohan ‘Suzuki’ Rangasammy drives an exact same turbocharged Mazda RX-7 as Kalamadeen, so the same weight penalty formula applies to him. Vishok Persaud and Keith Evelyn both drive 700 horsepower Subaru Imprezas which have the same all-wheel-drive turbocharged configuration as Kevin Jeffreys’s Evo VIII, so the penalties applied to Kevin’s ‘Bush Cow’ are applied to these cars as well. With the power to weight formula fine-tuned over the years after much trial and error, it has made for some exciting racing around the Caribbean.

FAST LANE 49

Now to add even more twist to this wild mix of cars, we now add in Mark Vieira’s tubeframed Mazda RX-8, which is powered by a 450 horsepower, three-rotor rotary engine.

Mark has an extra rotor, which gives him even more power than the twin rotor motors of Andrew and Paul, so he must carry more weight than them to equalize the difference in power his 20B motor will have over them, plus an additional penalty for the tube frame set-up as well that he has over his younger sibling Paul.

Ohh boy, let’s catch our breath for a minute to let this all soak in before I tell you about Danny Persaud’s sweet little turbocharged Toyota 4AGE motor fitted into a Mazda Miata chassis. Danny’s turbocharged motor puts out about 420 horsepower but, because it is only 1600cc, he is allowed to run just as light as the Mazda of Andrew King - you see, they calculate Andrew’s 13B rotary motor to be 2300c; when the penalty is added to the turbocharged 4AGE because of the turbo unit, the experts figure that it will be on par with King’s Mazda which has that tube frame advantage.

Take another deep breath before we go FAST LANE 50

Stewart Stevenson in the Spads Pace Vehicle leads the CMRC Warriors to battle

on to Ryan Rahaman’s turbocharged Ford Sierra. This car is powered by a turbocharged 2000cc Cosworth factory built race engine, which produces about 600 horsepower; because Ryan’s Sierra has a rear-wheel-drive configuration, he gets to run lighter weights than the Evos and the Subarus, because they have all-wheel-drive, which would give them better traction than Ryan’s rear-wheeldrive setup, so you’re getting to see just how complicated the rules for this class are.

Ohh boy, it took many hours, and some may even say years, to come up with this intricate formula to get all of these cars to race on a level playing field. I’m happy I only had to write this piece about it and not have to sit through those long meetings, trying to find common ground to make everyone happy.

So this weekend, the daredevils of Group 4 will once more take to the South Dakota Circuit to prove that they are the crowd pullers, so keep your fingers crossed and remember to tell a friend about the power to weight formula, so that he or she can better understand how intricate motor racing at this level is.

Happy racing folks!

FAST LANE 51

Lightweight 125cc Motorcycle Class Bikes that sound like bees and fly just as fast

By Bryan Mackintosh

L

ightweight motorcycles have always played a very important role in Guyana’s rich motor racing history. From the very early days, the motor racing club realized the crowd-pulling power of these screaming twostroke machines and also the important role this class could play in attracting new blood to the sport.

Most riders soon step up to the bigger bike class providing the sport with the speed aces required to keep the sports moving forward.

Without this important nursery to teach new riders the finer arts of motor racing, there would be no superbike class to enjoy.

Working extremely hard to keep this rich tradition alive are the Boodram brothers. Ever since purchasing the Italian-made KTM125 from fellow rider Charley Henry and a Suzuki RM125 from Victor Pires, the Boodram boys have been unbeatable in the lightweight class, completely dominating the competition.

Between them, they have already won every race for this year. Henand Boodram is well on his way to becoming the 2013 Lightweight Champ, taking over from his older sibling, Heeranand, who had picked up the 2012 Lightweight Championship in only his first year of competitive racing.

Not one to be left out of the action, veteran racer Terrence ‘Duckling’ Clarke, sponsored by the Young brothers of Bartica, will be celebrating his 47th year of non stop motor

racing participation on the South Dakota Circuit. Yes, you got that right; he made his racing debut way back in 1966 and is still going strong today. Terrence will be saddling a 2003 Kawasaki KX125. Now 63 years old, he blasted off the start line at the last race meet, along with Henand Boodram, and together they opened a huge advantage on the rest of the

FAST LANE 53

field. It took everything out of a determined pack to hunt down and pass the ‘Duck’, who by then had started to lose power due to engine issues.

Seasoned campaigner Charley Henry and veteran racer Victor Pires will be teaming up once more to bring their share of double trouble to the Lightweight Class. They will

be sharing a 2004 Kawasaki KX125 which has brought home the hardware many times before. With new internals, connecting rod, piston and an aftermarket ignition system, the Kawasaki is said to be faster than ever before and should spell trouble for the competition.

Georgetown’s fastest delivery man is also one of the fastest starters off the start line on South Dakota. Ravi Singh will be saddling his faithful Yamaha YZ125 as he once again prepares to do battle in this extremely competitive and fast-paced group of racers.

Representing the mining town of Bartica will be powerboat Racer Bobby Rasul, who will be attempting to convert his winning ways on the water top to the asphalted surface of the South Dakota Circuit. Bobby will be saddling a spanking new Italian made KTM125 this weekend. Bobby has been extremely impressive during practice sessions of late and by his actions on the track has signaled his intent to stand on the top spot of the podium with the other top superstars of this class.

Teenage riding sensation Matthew Assing made his South Dakota debut at the last race meeting at the tender age of 16, and has already been turning heads with his smooth riding style. His ability to out-corner even seasoned competitors has caught the approving eye of a number of South Dakota experts. Matthew’s day was cut short

after a collision with one of the Boodram brothers after a move that some say was unsportsmanlike on the part of Boodram.

Matthew has been putting in valuable seat time and has set his sights on racking up his fair share of wins this weekend.

Rookie rider Alexander Martin made his South Dakota motor racing debut a few months ago, riding his Yamaha YZ125 under the watchful eye of teammate and veteran racer Terrence Clarke. With such a knowledgable Guru on his side, it’s no wonder

FAST LANE 54

that Alex has been able to step up his game in the short space of time, making him a serious threat to the rest of this high-revving group of South Dakota Superstars.

For diehard motorcycle fans, these screaming 125cc powerhouses provide the kind of motor racing excitement that makes it worth the while to return to the South Dakota Circuit to see over and over again. Once again this weekend, we expect the Lightweight warriors of SD will be out to prove that they are the sport’s true crowd-pullers.

Driving Back In Time The Demerara Mutual Insurance Company’s first Vintage Car Show

By Avery Gomes

Morris 8

VW Thing

Toyota RT 40

VW Camper

Toyota - Land Cruiser

MGB

he Demerara Mutual Insurance Company’s first Vintage Car Show was held in the company’s parking lot on Avenue of the Republic on October 12. The first run-off of any such event always poses questions when it comes to predicting its success, or how well it will be supported.

The organisers needn’t have worried, because the extensive advertising in the press obviously worked, attracting both enthusiastic old car owners, and interested spectators, who just couldn’t get enough of the tremendous variety that represented motorised transport from as early as 1940, right up to the early 1970s.

The company’s effort must be applauded, especially that of the staff members who worked extra hard at getting it all arranged and run-off on that Saturday. The brilliant sunshine only helped make the show better for all, with visitors consisting of motoring enthusiasts old, young and in-between, along with the interested passers-by who stopped by to see what was going on.

While most were from the ‘Classic’ era, namely the 1950s to the 1970s, the 1940

Morris Oxford

T

FAST LANE 55

Morris 8 owned by Mr. Indi Beharry was the oldest car there, looking resplendent and just restored. This very breezy-looking convertible that seemed to have as many wooden parts as metal ones, stood almost regally on its narrow wire-wheels, and attracted many who had only seen something like it in old faded black and white photographs from the colonial days. It wasn’t as well-finished as the Hillman Minx of Mr. Sattaur Gafoor, which won first prize for the best presented car on show . . . but, then again, it was from an era when lots of chrome and fancy paints were not available. Most cars then were hand-painted, with lots of polished wood, and not much else, and that old Morris was a true representation of how cars looked way back then. They both deserved first prizes!

There isn’t an old car club in Guyana at the time of writing but, after that exciting and inspiring show, we’re sure there will be one soon. There must be a few more old cars knocking around, parked under houses and in old store-rooms, that can be hauled out into the sunlight again and returned to their former glory.

The organisers did mention that the Vintage Car Show is intended to be an annual event, something that can be looked forward to, and feature on Guyana’s tourism calendar.

Congrats to all involved, and roll on the next!

Toyota Crown

Hillman Minx

Mitsubishi Canter

Lada

Mini Cooper FAST LANE 56

The Guyana 2013 Superbike Championship

Superbikes Galore

By Bryan Mackintosh

T

he Superbike Superstars of the South Dakota Circuit continue to be the backbone of motor racing in Guyana.

They consistently provide top-notch motor racing action, filled with spills and thrills almost every lap of their action-packed encounters.

With most of the riders saddling 600cc machines, the playing field has been considerably leveled, as no one has any serious advantage over the other in terms of raw horsepower. This has led to extremely close and truly competitive racing. You never can quite predict just who will hold the next checkered flag, as its no holds barred when these speedsters take to the start line every single time.

Reigning Superbike Champ Stephen Vieira has had reason to look over his shoulder a lot more often than ever before as the

competition has definitely stepped up their game. Vieira was forced to dig deep to pick up the final checkered flag after being seriously challenged by young upcoming superstar Nikhil ‘Mad Max’ Seereeram. Had it not been for a slight collision in the gooseneck which resulted in the ‘Maxster’ falling, it would have been a sizzler to the very end.

Gone are the days when Stephen made light work of his peers, he is now forced to dig deep to overcome the odds if he wants to hold another of those coveted checkered flags.

Teammate of Vieira, Maurice Menezes, will be back on the action packed start line with his AMA Kawasaki 600, ready to do battle once more with the very best the Caribbean has to offer. Maurice was part of the eight-member squad that toured Barbados last year, leaving the island’s race hungry fans begging for more.

Seasoned campaigner Joel Niblette proved FAST LANE 57

Superbike Champ Stephen Vieira and one of his fans

that he is ready for the big time when he dominated the last race meeting, picking up two checkered flags and a second place spot on the podium.

After taking some time out to pursue his life long dream of becoming a prize fighter, Carlos Rodrigues will be returning to the South Dakota Circuit with a bang-on spanking new machine. Carlos has always been extremely competitive, giving Stephen Vieira much to worry about in the past. Carlos’s split second reaction time when ever the Guyana flag drops to start these much anticipated motorcycle clashes, has always been his trump card.

He has the ability to storm off the start line leaving his fellow riders to play catch up almost every time. This weekend, Carlos will be out to prove once more that he has what it takes to take the fight to the best of the best and has already made space on his trophy shelf for some new hardware.

At the November 2012 International race meeting, the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club created a separate class for newcomers, to create the right learning curve for the guys who had just entered the sport. Now there is very little difference between the old heads and the youngsters, who are constantly putting their more seasoned counterparts under much pressure when ever they clash.

Young Matthew Vieira, a third generation racer and son of Gp4 speed ace Mark Vieira, is planning to step his game up to the next level. With a new 600cc machine already being tested, Matthew is confident that he will be able to out-ride his peers as he did under wet conditions at the last race meeting held earlier this year.

Carey Griffith, otherwise known as Mr Windjammer, will also be in the thick of things this weekend. Carey has been putting in the required seat time to give him the edge he needs to overcome the competition. Not a stranger to the top spot of the podium, Carey is eagerly awaiting the war he know is coming and is prepared to go flat out once more to prove that he was born to race . . . and to win.

Not one to be left out of the action, everimproving speedster, Richardo Fugundes, has his sights set on holding as many checkered flags as possible, he has been putting in much-needed seat time and has upgraded his machine since the last race meet.

After suffering a broken shoulder earlier this year following a collision with Matthew Vieira, Kwame Ridley will be back in action on his Key and Lock Shop sponsored 600, aiming to make his mark on this extremely competitive group.

He has been constantly improving his skills and knows that his time to shine could be a lot sooner than others think.

USA-based superbike racer, Leroy Cort, will be returning to the battle field to renew his war with his local counterparts. Leroy suffered a frightening crash in the Clubhouse corner last November but that has not fazed this fearless

warrior - with renewed energy, he is back to take one last crack at that elusive checkered flag.

With the November 2013 International race meeting finally here and the hard work of setting up these intricate race machines

behind them, the two wheeled daredevils of South Dakota are vowing to steal the show once more with their action packed, never say never style of racing.

Who are you planning to cheer for? Your call is as good as mine!

Superbikers on display

Superbike Champ Stephen Vieira celebrates FAST LANE 58

Kevin Jeffrey’s Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII aka

The ‘Bush Cow’ Home built speed to win

By Bryan Mackintosh with technical input by Vishok Persaud

Kevin Jeffrey

A

s an avid motor racing fan, you must have heard of Kevin Jeffrey’s dominance on the local motor racing scene over the last three years and you may also have seen him defeat the once unbeatable Ford Focus of Roger Mayers on the South Dakota Circuit when the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship graced these shores three years ago.

So, exactly what makes the ‘Bush Cow’ such an incredibly fast car? Well we can start with the fact that it is powered by a 2300cc turbocharged motor, delivering some 700 horsepower to the wheels. The ‘Bush Cow’ runs on a special racing fuel called E85, which is made up of 85 per cent ethanol, a racing gas made from the by-product of corn . . . yep, the same thing that your corn flakes come from. Due to the chemical makeup of this alcohol-based fuel, engines are able to run temperatures of around 15 degrees lower than gasoline based fuels. This allows for higher turbo boosts increasing power delivery by some 70 to 80 horsepower over gasoline based race fuels.

This amazing race car is prepared by TopPower Racing, headed by Chief Mechanic Brian Tenpow. Brian and his team of dedicated mechanics can tear this car apart and refit it in hours, proving to sceptics that they know their

way around this super car like no other.

Now add in paddle shift controls located on the actual steering wheel of this powerhouse machine, allowing Kevin to change gears simply by pulling on the up shift paddle. To gear down, all he has to do is pull on the down shift paddle. In addition, the computer would automatically blip the throttle creating FAST LANE 61

an artificial heel and toe effect allowing the ‘Bush Cow’ to down-shift seamlessly. Throw in the flat shifting option in which you never lift your foot off the accelerator when you are up-shifting gears, meaning there is no drop in power during gear changes. This Shiftec unit is controlled independently by air actuators using GEMS ECU that ties in with an AEM Series 2

ECU and a GEMS differential computer.

Then there is the no clutch electronic differentials which allows for mind blowing electronically-controlled AWD power delivery.

The ‘Bush Cow’s computer senses which wheel is in need of more or less power and adjusts the power delivery accordingly. The ‘Bush Cow’ has a two-way motion suspension, custom tuned by Muellerized Racing for maximum travel, enabling tight cornering and race ready stability.

In order to stop this 2700lbs supercar, the brakes had to be specially modified to withstand the rigorous demands of the South Dakota Circuit - 355mm AP Racing brakes have been installed in the front, with 328mm AP brakes in the rear, controlled by a Tilton 600 series pedal box. All is integrated with a differential controller to enable engine and transmission braking during late-braking manoeuvres. A custom-made dry sump oil system allows the engine oil to run a lot cooler, enabling the car to rev a lot higher without worrying about overheating this vital lifeline.

Then there are carbon fibre body panels which allow the mechanical team to decide

The ‘Bush Cow’ as it looked back in 2008 FAST LANE 62

where they would like to place any additional weight the car might have to carry in order to comply with the rules. In this way, they can place that additional weight closer to the ground, instead of having it placed higher on the body of the car, thus improving the centre of gravity of the car, allowing it to handle a whole lot better.

The gearbox on the ‘Bush Cow’ was made for the Mitsubishi World Rally Championship

The ‘Bush Cow’ gets the better of Roger Mayers’s Ford Focus

FAST LANE 63

team and is considered to be a one of a kind in this part of world. This unit made

by Xtrac Engineering for Mitsubishi Racing Development. So it’s no wonder that the ‘Bush Cow’ is such a force to be reckoned with.

Kevin Jeffrey and his awesome super car are part of Team Guyana this weekend, as the Seaboard Marine CMRC warriors return to do battle. Remember to keep an eye out for that wild ‘Bush Cow’, it’s going to be sizzling hot.

Drag Racing The Quarter Mile Rush

By Bryan Mackintosh

W

ith a newly-acquired timing system now in place to bring drag racing into the fast lane with digital precision, the sport is definitely looking up.

Drag racing is all about two cars coming up against each other, side by side, to see who will be able to out-power the other at the end of a quarter of a mile sprint race.

It may look simple to the untrained eye, but drag racing is no walk in the park. It requires lots of engineering and mechanical skills to tune these cars, and in some cases SUVs, to perfection in order to get them to make sub-10 second runs. Drivers are forced to be totally focused at all times as they have mere seconds to get everything just right. One slip and its all over - that finish line rushes up to you in a hurry, especially if you’re the one chasing down your opponent. The driver in the other lane, even though he is in the lead, is willing every ounce of power out of his motor, hoping to reach that checkered flag with at least a bumper to spare, as nothing is guaranteed in drag racing.

Drag racing requires nerves of steel and the ability to process information in split seconds to get you going the instant that green light pops on. Sure, you can have a faster and more powerful car but, if you don’t gain the advantage at the very start, you can easily be knocked out of the competition. In the final round of the drag racing, you only have one chance to win; you either get it right or you’re smoked out of the competition. The beauty of drag racing is that you can come to the start

line with what ever you own, it will not take you long to find someone willing to give you a FAST LANE 64

run, or to settle an old score. So the next time you hear there is going to be a drag race event,

just approach any of our friendly race officials, fill up your entry form and make that life long dream of racing on the most popular track in the Caribbean, the South Dakota Circuit, a reality. Who knows, you could very well be the next Superstar waiting to happen. Live the dream, live life in the Fast Lane.

Results from the drag race meeting held on Sunday October 27th on the South Dakota Circuit.

• 15 Seconds Class – Richard Hamid (Toyota Corolla AE110) • 14 Seconds Class – Davendra Ramroop (Nissan Sunny) • 13 Seconds Class – Omar Dornellas (Honda Civic Hatchback) • 12 Seconds Class – Paul Jiwanram (Porsche Boxter) • 11 Seconds Class – Incomplete Fastest Reaction Times (time taken to react to green light) • Mucho Jaggernauth (Toyota Corolla AE91) - 0.037 sec.

• Romaine Henry (Toyota Celica) - 0.039 sec.

• Sharima Khan (Toyota Corolla NZE) - 0.077 sec.

Highest Top Speeds (1000ft) • Shawn Persaud (Toyota Carina 192) - 111 MPH • Anand Ramchand (Mitsubishi Evolution)

•

– 107 MPH Hamid Ramlagan (unlisted) – 101 MPH

Fastest Times (1000ft) • Anand Ramchand (Mitsubishi Evolution)

FAST LANE 65

• •

- 9.820 sec.

Adrian Fernandes (Toyota Celica) – 10.593 sec.

Shawn Persaud (Toyota Carina 192) – 10.820 sec.

Endurance Racing Excitement Non-Stop, No Holds Barred

By Bryan Mackintosh

2

013 has been an exciting year for Endurance Racing, the cars are better prepared than ever before, the drivers and teams have come up with their own master strategies to get their cars to run the full three hours with minimum paddock time. The drivers are better coordinated and they know that every lap can be the race winning lap, so they are all geared to take full advantage of every inch that they can gain.

Every minute spent in the pits, refueling, changing tires or simply changing drivers is carefully monitored; everything is counted by the ticking seconds on the stopwatch.

Endurance racing is as close as we have ever gotten to the kind of racing we see on American television racing channels. Indeed, Endurance Racing is bringing out the very best in our young, not so young and upcoming drivers.

Some teams may have the faster cars but it comes down to how long you spend in the paddock trying to get that race car back on the track that truly matters. Running into trouble changing a blown tire can cost you five laps and you can easily lose your race lead as you struggle to refuel your car, every second

matters. This is what endurance racing is all about.

For the last two Endurance Race meetings, the Special Auto/Fullworks Team of Shan Seejattan and Co-Driver, Brian Tenpow, were unstoppable.

They have totally dominated the competition with pit stops that can only be described as clock work precision, having mastered the art of extremely quick paddock stops has given them the edge over the competition. They have worked overtime at getting both drivers to be consistent and patient even as they record blistering lap times.

Team Special Auto/ Fullworks won both the 1600cc class and the overall Championship Title, two endurance meetings in a row. Brian Tenpow’s average time of 1.23s and Shan’s 1.25s proved FAST LANE 66

to be too much for the competition, much to their rival’s dismay but definitely gaining the approval of their main sponsors, FullWorks, Special Auto and Top Power Racing.

With another Endurance Race planned for the month of December, the Warriors of the large circuit are once again sending out a special invitation to teams from all over the world but especially to Barbados, Trinidad, Jamaica and Suriname to join them for a fun filled three hours of non stop motor racing fun and excitement. Do you have what it takes to endure to win? Let’s find out once and for all, start that engine now.

Team Special Auto celebrates their hard won victory

Brian Tenpow and Shan Seejattan

Team Ramchand’s Celica

FAST LANE 68

Girl Power

Sharima Khan - The female racer who’s pretty fast!

By Avery Gomes

A

nd Sharima is just 18! When girls her age are happy to dress up and hang out with friends, Sharima prefers to get into her racing gear and race around the South Dakota Circuit – she was hitting 140 mph on the backstraight for lap after lap in the last endurance race in the Toyota AE81 she shares with her dad Rafeek.

In that May 19 race, Sharima finished first in class in the 2000cc category. This weekend’s International meeting is her first racing on the short circuit, going up against the guys in the Group 1 class, and is out to win again today!

While her first Enduro race was in 2013 at just 17, her fast-paced romance with the racing game started way back in 2003 at just eight years old, driving Dad’s tow truck, her kart, dirt-bikes and then an ATV around the yard.

Sharima tried kart-racing at Cosmos, but was scared of them and their lack of protection, preferring cars, and actually drove on the racetrack in 2008 at 13 years old. Her job then was to warm up Dad’s cars on practice days, getting in valuable seat-time. After a few pointers from Rafeek , she took it from there, experimenting with different racing lines, and going faster and faster. Dad was sceptical at first but he saw her determination to race, and let her go for it!

Sharima and Dad Rafeek Khan

FAST LANE 71

Amazingly today she’s just a few seconds off his best lap time, and improving all the time . . . but he’s a Dad, so still worries whenever she goes out onto the track. Her Mom was more than a little worried when she found out what she was up to at the track, but soon saw her driving was just as good as the guys, so these days Mom and all her brothers and sisters go to cheer her on.

Mom says that Sharima has gotten so good that she can’t tell if it’s her or Dad driving the car . . . but don’t tell dad Rafeek, please!

Even though she’s doing so well, her girlfriends still give her a funny look when she starts talking seriously about cars with Dad, with the guys at the track looking at her in disbelief whenever she gets into or out of the car . . . and of course they all try real hard not to be passed by her in the race.

Sharima doesn’t mind all that at all, and loves the competition, feeling it can only make her a better driver. “I hope more girls will be interested enough to join me on the track, as that will make the sport more interesting. I advise them to try it only if they’re really interested - do it for yourself, not because someone tells you to,” says Sharima.

Sharima’s favourite car is a very orange 1966 classic MGB, a present from Dad she loves and promises to keep forever. That car is only driven on special occasions, like to the recently-held Vintage Car Show, where it got great reviews. Today she drives Toyota number 123 in Group 1 and will be going pretty fast and all out to win! Go Sharima!

Eric’s winning ways began way back in 1950

Mr Motor Racing Eric Vieira - the power behind ‘the Beast’

By Avery Gomes

A

mazingly, for a former racer who’s been off the scene for nearly 40 years, Eric Vieira is still remembered vividly by all the older drivers around as if he retired just yesterday.

However, many in and around the sport today might not even have heard his name so, for them, this piece is all about introducing Eric Vieira. Eric effectively headed motor sport in British Guiana and then Guyana for the two decades between 1956 and 1976 - the longest reign of any President. He got the sport and the clubs – British Guiana Motor Cycle Club (BGMCC), British Guiana Motor Racing Association (BGMRA), and then the Guyana Motor Racing Club (GMRC) after Independence in 1966 – up and running, and on to their greatest achievements.

Over those 20 years he led from the grid, riding and driving against the best, and still found time in between all that to administer the sport on a day-to-day basis, in the run-up to race meetings and on raceday as well.

Motor racing was his life, and he was the ultimate enthusiast.

As a teenager in the early 1950s, he raced around Georgetown’s streets after the cinema shows with friends, and there were also long rides to the No 63 Beach on Easter weekends to race on the five-mile stretch of sand they called ‘Little Daytona’. There were accidents and incidents - some fatal – and, to bring a degree of respectability to what they did,

Eric was instrumental in the formation of the BGMCC and convinced Hector Steele, then Chairman of the trading house Sambach Parker, to be the first President of that club.

Eric took over as President in 1956, and moved the action to the South Dakota Circuit, where we still race today.

Eric Vieira was a racer in every sense of the Norton days

FAST LANE 73

word, starting out on motorbikes, becoming a champion on Triumphs, riding for importers Hacks Triumph Cycle Club, and setting a record time of 1min 36secs on the long circuit in 1964. He even rode a Honda 250cc for Marics against Johnny Terrill and DaCosta Jones, then tried Nortons, had a bad crash, and went back to his Triumph. Over those rough and tumble

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The ‘Beast’ in all its glory

years he broke many bones and lost lots of skin, and the toll on his body convinced him to switch to cars.

Apart from that, around 1965 most of the competitors coming from the Caribbean and the UK were car racers and he wanted to mix it with them. In May 1970, he had a bad car crash at a very high speed, breaking both legs.

He was very cool about it, and very analytical: “The way we look at it, every accident has a reason. As long as we can analyse the reason and find out why the accident happened, we can correct that . . . prevent it happening again. As you know, when I crashed it was on a wet circuit. I aquaplaned into a fence at over 100 miles an hour. Since then I have been very nervous about driving in the wet, but recently I’ve had an opportunity to drive again on a wet track, and I’ve got my confidence back “ In January 1972 Eric Vieira won the National Sportsman of the Year Award, for his achievements in the sport of motor racing in 1971, the year he drove the locally-designed and built Jardim Special, aka ‘The Beast’, to many wins and a new lap record of 1m 18s. It was the first and only time any racing driver has ever won that prestigious Guyanese national award. He had a big input in the development of the Beast, contributing ideas and then carrying out all the track testing. His experience as a mechanic was a real asset to that project’s success. The Beast was a beast to drive in every sense of the word and, at the end of the day Eric was covered in blacks and blues!

As he said at the time: “The car goes up to about 150mph down the back straight, and it throws you from side to side, particularly when approaching the Dunlop Bridge. It is disconcerting, but you have to get accustomed to it”

Back on his favorite Triumph where it all began

The crash in 1970 really shook Eric up FAST LANE 75

The Beast was sold at the end of 1971, and the energetic Jardim brothers had moved onto building a Terrapin, originally for Roy Taylor, then putting Eric into the driver’s seat for a taste of real single-seater racing. He drove the Terrapin in the 1974 Caribbean Motor Racing Championship against other Caribbeanbuilt versions of the Allan Staniforth design, with not much success. After that came an imported Landar sports racer and, finally, a Ginetta G12, before hanging up his gloves in 1976. Looking back to the years just after the switch from motorcycles, you’ll see the incredible variety of cars he went through, right up to his leaving for England in 1976.

Eric Vieira was a man of many ideas, coming up with the PR concept involving what was then known as BOAC (a fore-runner of British Airways) as a sponsor of many British racing teams that travelled to Guyana, with his friend Mark Steele, who was then the Regional Director for BOAC. The plan was to use their skills on the track to improve the Guyanese, and it worked. For many years the Guyanese drivers and riders were the best track racers in the Caribbean, and many would say they still are . . . thanks to the groundwork laid down by Eric Vieira.

Back in 1972, the next big idea he was working on was getting Formula 5000 single-seaters to race here. The contacts and connections were already made, with movers and shakers like British racers Gordon Spice, Alec Poole, Richard Longman, Derek McMahon and Eddie Jordan. The South Dakota Circuit was ready, with then RAC Chairman Dean Delamont advising on changes and improvements, and granting an RAC licence.

The formats and procedures followed 40 years later, when planning and running a race meeting today, were all laid down during Eric’s time. Without a doubt motor racing in Guyana and the Caribbean owes Eric Viera a debt of gratitude, as he has had a significant impact on the sport as we know it today. After leaving Guyana in 1976, he returned in 1990 and spent another 20 years here, going back to England a few years ago, for good he says. Somehow I think we’ll see him again, and at a race meeting at the South Dakota Circuit again!

Landar R6 Sports Raceing Car in 1975

Trying a U2 for size in the early 1970s

Ginetta G12

Eric karting in 2006

Gardim Terrapin 1975 FAST LANE 77

John Thijs Can’t wait to race again!

John Thijs in 2012

F

By Avery Gomes

orty years is a long time for any sportsman to be away from his game – especially if he’s planning a comeback.

But Johnny Thijs figures he can do it again, and plans on doing it again soon, because he just has to feel that rush again – both mechanical and emotional – like he did way back in 1973

on the Kawasaki 500 racer for which he is still remembered.

At 25 years of age, he was then at the peak of his racing ‘career’, riding and mastering the ‘lime-green scream’ and equalling the record lap time of 1min 17secs set by the UK ace Ken Redfern at that unforgettable March meeting

John Thijs a teenager now starting out and winning

John Thijs on his C110 leading Frankie Vieira and Errold Tenpow into the neck, 1965 FAST LANE 79

Honda CR110 in 1967 in 1973. That bike was one of two in South America (the other was somewhere in Brazil, he says), and one of only 15 built by Kawasaki . . . meaning it was really special, very fast – easily doing 145mph on the back straight at the South Dakota Circuit , but a nightmare to ride compared to today’s superbikes.

Every race became a major challenge for John Thijs: “It was an air-cooled triple, and the middle cylinder got hotter than the outer two, and would seize. The jetting was richer for that cylinder, to help it run cooler and save it. The other problem was the brakes – that drum up front was just not up to it.

“That March meeting was the scariest for me, but it was the Kawasaki’s best showing.

I got a bad start because of an electrical problem, leaving the line seven seconds after everyone had gone, but caught and passed Frank Van Sertima on lap 6 going into the highspeed bend. I then caught leader Ken Redfern on lap 7 and passed him on the back straight, but then had a heart-stopping brake failure and had to go straight up the escape road at the entrance to the neck. Both Redfern and Van Sertima went by as I sorted myself out, and I just motored round behind them to finish third.”

On that exasperating note he hung up his helmet and went off to Canada to study heating and refrigeration.

John Thijs’s motorcycle racing career had begun way back in 1964 at age 16, working in the racing department at Marics. The

Garelli 100cc racer in 1969

Racing Kawasaki H1 RA 500cc Production bike for Chin-on Brothers FAST LANE 80

John Thijs and Joan Masson with 250 Kawasaki in 1970 following year he started racing a Honda C110 at the South Dakota Circuit and at grasstrack meets. In 1967 Marics imported the Honda CR110, a 50cc, four-valve per cylinder jewel of a machine that revved to 18,000 rpm and produced 9.5hp - all good for 95mph, and weighing in at just 90 pounds, John seemed made for the bike. He won the Caribbean Lightweight Championship for Marics that year, beating a similar CR110 from a Barbados Honda dealer at Guyana events.

In 1968/69 he raced on Kawasaki, Bultaco and Garelli machines in the 100cc class to many wins, and gained vital racing experience for bigger things to come. In 1970 John saddled a Kawasaki 250cc racer for local importer Sambach Parker. Unfortunately that bike was behind in technology and speed and he soon replaced it with a Kawasaki 500cc triple road-bike that also did track-duty, winning many production races. Around then, Team Thijs had been going to neighbouring Suriname, often looking for parts for their bikes, and from the Robert Chin-on Kawasaki dealership they were able to get their hands on that famous full-race H1RA machine. It’s long gone now, but all those who were around to hear it still talk about sound of that threecylinder, two-stroke at full chat, with three expansion chambers and un-muffled stinger tail-pipes.

John Thijs raced in the two-stroke era of motorcycle racing, when rapid engine development and power quickly outstripped chassis, suspension, brake and tyre technology

. . . putting many in early graves or on crutches for a long time. He was one of the lucky ones to survive that Kawasaki. It was said that the ferocious Kwacker H1RA was ridden by only two types of rider: the Quick and the Dead . . .

and John Thijs is still around to tell us all about it . . .

And about that comeback ? Well, maybe someday we’ll see John doing what he loves most again!

John Thijs and Joan Masson this time with Kawasaki 500 racer in 1973 FAST LANE 81

A DAY AT THE RACES, NOVEMBER 2012

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A DAY AT THE RACES, NOVEMBER 2012

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Autographs/Notes

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