Fast Lane 2015 by Bryan Max Media

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CONTENTS Credits 5 Messages President of Guyana 7 Minister of Tourism 9 Minister Within the Ministry of Education Department of Culture, Youth and Sport 9 President of GMR&SC 11 Vice-President of Seaboard Marine 13 Chairman of CMRA 13 Chairman of BPMSI 15 Chairman of JRDC 15 President of TTASA 15 Celebrating 60 Years of Motor Racing in Guyana The 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: International Racing Takes Root The 80s: The Surge of Grasstrack Racing The 90s: The Rebirth of South Dakota 2000 to 2015: CMRC Comes of Age

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Stanley Calvin Ming of Guyana

Round 1: Seaboard Marine CMRC - Group 4 Round 2: Seaboard Marine CMRC - Group 4 Round 3: Seaboard Marine CMRC - Group 4

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Seaboard Marine CMRC Gp4 Driver Profiles

Seaboard Marine CMRC 2015 Point Standing

Round 1: Seaboard Marine CMRC Superbike Series Round 2: Seaboard Marine CMRC Superbike Series

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Round 1: Seaboard Marine CMRC - Group 3 Round 2: Seaboard Marine CMRC - Group 3 Round 3: Seaboard Marine CMRC - Group 3

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Round 1: Seaboard Marine CMRC - Group 2 Round 2: Seaboard Marine CMRC - Group 2 Round 3: Seaboard Marine CMRC - Group 2

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otor racing is a dangerous sport, even with organisers taking the utmost safety precautions, accidents do happen; as such spectators are reminded that they are here on the South Dakota Circuit at their own risk. With race machines traveling at high speeds, you must always expect the unexpected to happen, and that is why we always urge spectators to pay attention to the safety guidelines whenever they enter this motor racing venue. The most important safety rule is: Never turn your back to oncoming traffic, always keep your eyes on the vehicles as they zoom around the track in the event that something should go wrong. In the event of an accident on the track, spectators must allow our FIA trained safety marshals to do their work. The last thing you would want to do is endanger, not only yourself, but the lives of competitors and marshals as well. What do the flags represent? Here is a quick guide:

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The red flag indicates that the race has been stopped because of a major incident or accident on the track

CAUT

The yellow flag indicates that there is an accident on the track, drivers must reduce speeds www.gmrscgy.com

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

GMR&SC List of Competitors 2015

Group 4 - Horsepower Unlimited

Group 3 - In the Hunt for Top Honours

Superbike 600cc - Redline Racing

Group 2 - Old School vs. The New Tech Toys

“Sir” Kristian Jeffrey Guyana’s 1st Seaboard Marine CMRC Champion

Group 1 - Budget Friendly Spills & Thrills Guaranteed 68 GMR&SC Lightweight 125cc Motorcycles

Quick Shift - The Quarter Mile in 9 Seconds A Day at the Races

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Triumph Returns to the South Dakota Circuit and Wins Again!

Racing Back In Time… With Team Solo

A Celebration of Speed - 60 years of Motor Racing in Guyana: 1955 – 2015

A Day at the Races

Project Coordinator Junell Nerissa Moore Editor Bryan Mackintosh info@bryanmax.com Editorial Contributors Bryan Mackintosh Avery Gomes Lokesh Singh Advertising Sales Fiaz Yamin Lesa Fleming Lokesh Singh Graphic Design & Layout Advertising & Marketing Services Heimant Ram Contributing Photography Trinituner.ocm Duane Boodasingh Lyden Thomas Devi Nath Matthew John Gerrard Wilson Kacey Ramoutar Aaron Achan Damien Nesbit

ROC Photography - Jamaica Bryan Max Photography Stefan Jeffrey Nicholas Young Sean Charles S.E.A.G Productions Lesa Fleming Rohindra Mahase

Cover Photos Stefan Jeffrey Bryan Max Photography Cover Design Heimant Ram Bryan Max

TION 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

The blue flag is shown to the driver of a slower car who is about to be lapped, that driver must make way to allow the faster cars to pass www.gmrscgy.com

The checkered flag is shown to the lead driver or rider and that signals the end of the race

Copyright 2015. 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:

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MESSAGES

he government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana supports the sport of motor racing. Motor racing in Guyana dates back 60 years when a group of young men raced their motorcycles on the sands of the No. 63 Village beach on the Corentyne Coast. The development of motor racing has since progressed with the South Dakota Circuit at Timehri being the main venue for the hosting of motor car, motor cycle and go-cart race meetings. Guyana has produced outstanding motor racers who are amongst the best in the Caribbean. Our drivers and riders have participated in regional competitions and have distinguished themselves and the country by their performance. The sport attracts a large following of fans that look forward to the race meetings. These meetings provide an opportunity also for entertainment and fun for the family. We believe that it has great potential as an economic hub and as a tourism product. Motor racing is a billion dollar global industry worldwide. It has had a positive impact on the economies of many states. Guyana can become the home of motor racing in the Caribbean. The sport can attract thousands of visitors each year to Guyana for international meetings and with proper marketing and management can generate economic wealth and earn profits. The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) is encouraged to work towards realizing this vision. I wish a safe and successful outcome for the GMR&SCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Race Meeting scheduled for 14th and 15th of November 2015.

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H.E. Brigadier David Granger President Cooperative Republic of Guyana

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MESSAGES

was very pleased to learn about this publication and immediately realized the potential it has to boost the Sport Tourism industry in Guyana. The popularity of Motor Racing in this part of the world is growing quickly and it is becoming a niche tourism market in Guyana. I envision huge increases in the numbers of go-cart, bike and car racing drivers and riders from North America, the Caribbean, Italy, France and England as our international racing events grow larger and more frequent. Of course, this requires us to install additional infrastructure and longer tracks if we’re to attract the caliber of drivers and riders who participate in Indi and NASCAR. With them will come their followers, a lot of potential tourists who would have the opportunity to experience our very unique eco- and adventure tourism product. This country is the literal gateway to South America. Up to recently it was the region’s best kept secret, but this is changing rapidly. Under a new brand – Guyana: South America Undiscovered, and with our tour operators and resort owners redesigning and re-organizing to accommodate the modern tourist with eclectic tastes, this country is becoming more visible and attractive to adventure seekers who are enthralled with the beauty of nature in its most pristine state It bears repeating that our mighty single-drop Kaieteur Falls is one of the wonders of the world. Our carefully preserved 200acre rainforest conservatory offers visitors the opportunity to get a true bird’s eye view of the dense forest canopy from above. Below, intersecting the forests and indigenous villages are rivers and creeks of brown and black running fast to intermingle with the three main arteries – the Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice Rivers.

otor racing has become one of the most anticipated, exhilarating and thrilling main events on the sports calendar that attracts many motor racing fanatics.

It is therefore my pleasure to welcome the racers, officials, sponsors, and supporters to the International Race Meet which is being held at Guyana’s legendary South Dakota Race Track. History has been made time and time again on this track, and it is my hope that at this International Meet history will be made once again. While this is a fun and exciting event, I must urge that extreme caution be taken at all times to ensure the safety of the racers and bystanders. The Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport is very keen on the advancement of all sports disciplines in Guyana, in this regard we look forward to seeing the continued development of the race track and the sport. We are very pleased with the investment and sacrifice made by those that are actively involved in the sport. It is our hope that we can continue to work together to maximize performance at all levels – on and off the race track. I wish you all the best but most importantly – safe racing. Hon. Nicolette Henry Minister Within the Ministry of Education Department of Culture, Youth and Sport

Guyana is a country of beauty and promise, and we invite you here for an experience you won’t soon forget. Hon. Catherine A. Hughes Minister of Tourism

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MESSAGES

Greetings and welcome race fans. It’s November, and in Guyana that means motor racing at the South Dakota Circuit, with the third and final leg of the 2015 CMRC challenge being the main attraction today. I must thank all the competitors for their undaunted and enthusiastic support of this series that began way back in 1990, and has endured many ups and downs. A big thank you to Seaboard Marine for their enormous contribution in moving the cars and bikes around the Caribbean, and to Fly Jamaica for moving the drivers, riders and fans to the race scenes. Without your kind assistance the CMRC would not be possible. The GMR&SC this year celebrates the 60th anniversary of organized motorsport in Guyana , and it has come a long way since that bold start on the No.63 Beach in 1955. I am honoured to be at the helm at this time, and take the opportunity to salute my forebears Eric Vieira , Mark Steel , Pat Holder , Hilary Jardine , Dennis Gashpar , Max Jardim and Joey King who were all there at the start up of the sport, and are still with us today. Another major attraction today is the demonstration run by young Calvin Ming in his Formula 4 racing car. Calvin is a major contender in the FIA F4 Mexican racing series 2015 and, on our 60th anniversary, we’re proud and excited to see him fly the

Guyana flag on the international motor racing scene. Thanks to his dad, Stanley Ming, and Team Pelfrey for choosing Guyana’s November meeting to introduce the car to Caribbean drivers and fans. We also welcome Team Pelfrey’s owners, and the Mexican series organisers here for the launch in Guyana, we’re honoured to have you with us. The GMR&SC has exciting plans for the South Dakota Circuit, with a new track layout planned as shown in the diagram below. The extension of the track to 1.6 miles , with added corners and safety infrastructure, is an FIA-approved layout that will qualify the South Dakota Circuit as a Level 3 racetrack when completed , allowing the holding of FIA-sanctioned events here. This will be a big project requiring a national effort, spearheaded by the club, with all sponsors, the business community, and all the government assistance we can garner. The GMR&SC looks forward to welcoming all onboard, as we move forward together in an all-out effort to put Guyana back on the International racing scene. So enjoy the day’s racing , and may the best man win! Yours in motorsports J.G. Carpenter President

Diagram below shows the new South Dakota Track design as sugested by the FIA.

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MESSAGES

Seaboard Marine, a leader in ocean transportation is for the sixth year, extremely pleased to be a partner in the 4th and final leg of the 2015 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship being held at the South Dakota Circuit, Guyana.

After two years and seven events on four tracks, our Association is now well set to expand and showcase our racing product in 2016. Subject to confirmation in each territory, our proposed calendar of events will start in Jamaica in May, moving to Trinidad & Tobago in July, then Barbados in September, before returning here to Guyana for the final round in November.

eaboard Marine Ltd, is pleased to be part of the 60th anniversary celebration of motor racing in Guyana, we look forward to many more decades of exciting motor racing action on the oldest motor racing circuit in the Caribbean.

It has been an exciting 2015 season so far with race meetings in Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago. 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. Stephen Bell Vice President, Caribbean Division, Seaboard Marine Ltd.

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he CMRA welcomes all of the Caribbeanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s racing drivers and their ardent supporters to the Final Round of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) at the South Dakota Circuit.

We need each and every one of you to recognise the massive efforts made by our home-grown Caribbean racers to travel the region to compete by supporting them with your attendance throughout the upcoming series and in any other ways possible. Tourism statistics are now showing motor sport as the leading spectator sport in a number of our host countries, and we hope to continue in this trend. For 2016, drivers are requesting participation in the CMRC beyond our present capacity, something we must address when further sponsorship is forthcoming. In the meantime, enjoy the excitement and hospitality at the South Dakota circuit and do continue to follow our racing fraternity into 2016. Special thanks to Seaboard Marine and Fly Jamaica for their unwavering support and to the officials and racers of the GMR&SC, for once again organising and participating in this event. Ray Rahaman Chairman Caribbean Motor Racing Association

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MESSAGES

It is great to be back to Guyana once again and on behalf of Team Barbados and members of the Bushy Park Motor Sport Inc. we would like to thank President Jonny Carpenter and the entire GMR&SC organising team for inviting and hosting us at this event. This would not be possible without the CMRA series sponsor, Seaboard Marine and we would like to thank them for their continued and unwavering support of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship. We would also like to thank LIAT for their kind assistance and for their support of our Team over the past six years. While Team Barbados is still in with a chance for the country championship, the fact that we could not make the Jamaican leg has left us with a slim chance of carrying home any of the individual driver championships. Despite this we have made sure that we field as strong a group of machines and drivers as we could. Our dedicated touring team is prepared to help the GMR&SC put on a spectacular day of racing and make sure that the racing fans leave with a belly full! 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.

60 years of motor racing is truly remarkable! It takes tremendous support from both fans and racers alike to keep the sport going this long. This series would not be possible without free shipping from our Title Sponsor Seaboard Marine. Because of Seaboard Marine, Teams are able to tour the Caribbean at a significantly reduced cost. The Caribbean Motor Racing Championship Series has proven time and time again that it provides a boost to each host country’s spectator and driver turnout. As our sport continues to recover from the effects of slow economies all around, it’s encouraging to see how the Seaboard Marine CMRC Series helps local economies, adds to tourism and engenders camaraderie between the Country Competitors. The Seaboard Marine CMRC’s “Four Round Series” is one key element in bringing sustainability to the sport, and is very fitting to close one more Season on a high note in Guyana. Happy 60th Anniversary! Let’s go racing! Charles Chen Chairman Jamaica Race Drivers Club

2015 on reflection and as we get the team ready for the final leg of the CMRC exceeded our expectation both from the upgrade of the facility and the return to regular competition at the newly enhanced Frankie Boodram Wallerfield International Raceway. As we head to the final leg in Guyana we lead the championship and look forward to the success which our team has worked very hard towards. This team effort is proving to be the single fact which will produce the expected success in Guyana and for all record a memorable year in motor racing. The future looks very promising as for the first time in early November; we will see two of our young and upcoming drivers participating in the FIA Formula 4 NACAM Championship being held at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez Raceway in Mexico. Zachry Boodram and Kristian Boodram will be representing Trinidad & Tobago and we wish them all the best. 2016 will be a very competitive motor sport year, as all race teams will be working to improve on their 2015 positions. Trinidad and Tobago will be ready to host racers from the Caribbean for round two of the 2016 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor racing Championship, may the best team win. Robert Amar President Trinidad & Tobago Automobile Sports Association (TTASA)

Sean Maloney Chairman Bushy Park Motor Sports Inc

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By Bryan Max

The 50 to 60s â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from 63 Beach to South Dakota The story of motor racing in Guyana goes back sixty years, with youngsters in the mid-1950s eager to test their skills and machines. They started looking for flat open areas to race on, and that is how they ended up in Berbice, on the number 63 beach, famous for its long, smooth stretches of flat sand. They would spend many fun weekends there, drag racing each other and entertaining the huge crowds that turned up to see those young crazy daredevils riding at breakneck speeds. The first official race meeting in British Guiana, was held on that very # 63 beach in 1953, the event was organised by the British Guiana Motor-Cycle Club (BGMCC) under the presidency of Hector Steele.

The Birth of South Dakota At some point, the racers found out about an old World War 2 airstrip located in Timehri, that they might be able to race on. The airstrip was once used as a refueling base for American planes on their way to bombing missions on German-held positions across Africa. The guys rode up to the old Atkinson airfield, and sure enough they found the old runway, which by now was totally covered with

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bush after many years of isolation and neglect. With enthusiasm flowing as fast as the cold beers, the guys and girls spent many Sundays on that old runway cutting down all of that bush, then after a while when the surface was exposed, they would use spades and brushes to move away the sand and moss. It took months of hard work before a usable track emerged. In May of 1956, the British Guiana Motor-Cycle Club (BGMCC), now under the presidency of Eric Vieira, held their first official race meeting on the South Dakota Circuit, named after the American Dakota airplanes that once used that very front straightaway that we race on today. Some of the big names in the sport back then were Eric Vieira, Joey King, Kit Nascimento, Hilary Jardine, Hashim Hack, Des Andre, Roy Chabrol, Dennis Gashpar, Sam Cyrus, Johnny Tyrrell and Clive Bettencourt Gomes. Space prevents me from naming everyone who participated back in those early years, my apologies if your name was not mentioned. Overt the next decade, the sport continued to grow with riders and drivers from across the Caribbean coming to Guyana to test their skills against the best that British Guiana had to offer. In 1966, Guyana gained Independence from the British and the club was renamed the Guyana Motor Racing Club (GMRC). Eric Vieira was the longest serving President. His reign lasted from 1956 to 1976, some 20 years.

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As the seventies rolled in, South Dakota was at its peak. Racing had grown into the biggest sport in Guyana, rivaling cricket. Thousands of race fans would make the 30 miles trek from Georgetown and other parts of Guyana to see their favorite riders and drivers in action. Some of the guys from the 50s were still very much part of the sport, Eric Vieira, Kit Nascimento and Hilary Jardine played huge roles, along with others too many to mention, in the organizing of race meeting. Household names such as Max Jardim, Phillip de Freitas, Bobby Gocool, Malcolm Panday, Reagan Rodrigues, David Cameron, Peter Da Silva, Victor Pires, Terrence “Duckling” Clarke, Joe Vieira, Frank Van Sertima, Frankie Vieira, David Reid, John Thijs,

Jad Rahaman, Kim Rahaman, Patrick Tong, Omar Rahman, Cyril Angoy Snr. and his boys Terry and Cyril, David Reid, brothers Imran and Shorab Rahaman, Jan Correia, Mario Mendonca, Bunny Bachandeen, and so many others, who were larger than www.gmrscgy.com

life characters known for their daredevil actions on the race track. In the 70s many foreign drivers raced in Guyana on the South Dakota circuit. With their racing season in the UK completed by October, the UK drivers, many of them European Champions back then, found the hot sun down in the Caribbean truly welcoming. Some of the big international names who raced here in Guyana included Bob Howlings, Alec Poole, Richard Longman, Gordon Spice, UK Motorcycle Champion Ken Redfern, Gabriel Konig, Jenny Birrell, Dave Broodie, Barry Williams and Derek Mc Mahon. Eddie Jordon, now an F1 team owner, also raced here in Guyana back in the 70s.

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In the 1980s, motor racing slowed down due to the downturn in Guyana’s economy, and the world going through an oil crisis, as such excessive fuel consumption had became a world wide “no no”, with that the South Dakota gas guzzlers were put to sleep. With South Dakota in deep slumber, the guys turned to Grasstrack, racing with their motorcycles on any sizable ground they could find, as this offered an affordable way to keep on racing. Kamil Hanif of Ogle is widely credited as being the originator of Grasstrack racing in Guyana. A new breed of players along with some of the old names took to Grasstrack racing, riders such as Victor Pires, Ivan Allison, Terrence Clarke, Quintin aka Dr Q, Rupert Clarke, Keith Ramnarine, Steve & Phillip Nobrega, the Ming brothers - Stanley, Colin and Wilbur, Mike Correia, Nicky Ramsarran, Seka, Nazeer Hassan, Aubrey Yarde, Wayne Vieira, Joe Mohammed, Kevin Jeffrey, Julian Gomez, Mike Bettencourt, Jerry Max Gouveia, Gavin Jeffrey, Paul “Subbo” Subryan, just to name some of them. The mechanics of Grasstrack also had their own rivalries going on, Rudy “Fatboy” Singh, Compton from Broad Street, and Tony Ferreria who worked at Marics, had their teams and they took the sport seriously with each having his own big bore 4-stroke motor tucked away under their beds waiting for a rival to make the first move.

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There were also mechanics such as Leathers and Mikey Thomas who assisted racers to get the most out of their bikes. Rimsky Hasting, then the office manager at GMR&SC, played a huge role in organizing Grasstrack race meeting, so did Gem Madhoo, Gavin Naraine and Andrew King.

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Motor racing on the South Dakota Circuit restarted in 1988 with Club Day events and soon enough racers were building race cars and bikes to compete at higher levels. GMR&SC executed massive upgrades to South Dakota. They replaced the old safety fences, created elevated spectator parking areas, built the Shell Stand, repaired the Clubhouse, and did numerous other improvements to the general track area, much of this under the keen supervision of Stanley Ming. Some of the big names of the 90’s were Ray Rahaman, Andrew King, Kevin Jeffrey, Jad Rahaman, Reagan Rodrigues, Mike & Chris Correia, Emerson “Emers” Fernandez, Malcolm Panday, Anand Persaud, Dane De Nobrega, Victor Pires, Terence Clarke, Gavin Naraine, Shameer Mohamed, brothers Jap and Omar Rahman, Eddie Vieira, Wayne Vieria, Compton Beckles, Aubrey Archer, Mike Archer, brothers Mark & Paul Vieira, Ameer Mohamed, Saaed Bacchus, Rupie Shewjattan, and Kamal Sebarran. Limited space prevents me from naming everyone. The first attempt at a Caribbean Motor Racing Championship was done in 1990 with teams from Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana taking part. The mighty Jamaican team was led by Peter Moodie, who brought his “Bomb, a Mazda 323 fitted with a full blown Rotary motor and fitted with a Seinz close-ration gearbox, I can still hear those short gears shifting if I close my eyes and listen carefully. Peter’s brother Pinky provided back-up support. Guyanese Keith Correia had visited Canada and bought the CanJam Mazda RX-3 from Dave Diedrick, who came down to race it for him, representing Team Guyana along with Ray Rahaman, Chris Correia, Jad Rahaman, and Mark Vieira. Team Trinidad & Tobago was represented by Silbourne Clarke who raced his Zhama Ford Escort, Dr. Mohamed Ali came with the Coca Cola Mazda that was later bought by Reagan Rodrigues. Trinidadian speedster Frankie Boodram, who was a regular visitor to South Dakota prior it’s the down-time, was also in the mix, there as well was Colin Goodman of Barbados. That race meeting attracted in excess of 20,000 fans, who got their money’s worth many times over, as the battles that raged that Sunday are still very much talked about today, 25 years later. www.gmrscgy.com

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Since the turn of the new century and over the last decade in particular, the sport has grown tremendously, not only here in Guyana, but across the Caribbean as well. The Caribbean Motor Racing Championship has been revitalized and hosted annually, with racers from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, the Cayman Islands and Guyana taking part.

He has certainly made Guyana proud with this amazing achievement, especially more so that he did it in his very first year of competing in the Seaboard Marine CMRC series. Kudos to you Kristian on a job well done.

The CMRC is now held annually thanks to the support of SEABOARD Marine, Fly Jamaica, and other corporate sponsors. GMR&SC with the support of the Government of Guyana and sponsorship from GT&T were also able to resurface the Circuit. Moves have also been made with approaches to the FIA whose President and a team visited Guyana and have since been working with the GMR&SC Officials to redesign the South Dakota Circuit and have it fully FIA certified.

Kristian Jeffrey celebrates after a CMRC Group 4 victory. November 2014

Guyanese Racing on the International Scene

CMRA Rep. Mrs. Angela Rahaman presents Kristian Jeffrey with one of his three Group 4 CMRC 1st place Trophies. Jamaica, May 2015

Kristian Jeffrey – Guyana’s 1st CMRC Champion Driver Guyana celebrated its very first Caribbean Motor Racing Championship title with young Kristian Jeffrey winning the prestigious Seaboard Marine CMRC 2014 title, and he appears to be well on his way to his second CMRC Gp 4 title when the 2015 season concludes here in Guyana on November 15. Kristian, the son of Gp4 Speedster Kevin Jeffrey, grew up watching his father racing and winning numerous championships, and dreamed of the day when he too would be standing on the top spot of a motor racing podium.

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Over the last 60 years, a number of Guyanese have made their mark on the international motor racing scene. Errol Tenpow was the Canadian 125cc motorcycle Champion for a number of years. Clive Ng-A-Kein, won the Canadian 250cc Championship five years in a row, an unbelievable feat considering the level of competition in Canada. Veteran racer Victor Pires placed fourth at Daytona on a Honda 250. After the race was over, Victor was surrounded by much younger riders who marveled at his riding ability. Stanley Ming Snr. and Kevin Jeffrey also raced at Daytona with good results. Sean Tenpow, son of Errol, won a Formula Ford 1600 race during the Canadian F1 weekend back in 1999. Guyana continues to be proudly represented on the International motor racing scene with Calvin Stanley Ming set to compete in the Formula 4 FIA Mygale Championship, with the series opener slated for November 1, 2015 in Mexico City, Mexico. Just a few weeks ago Calvin placed second in a Ford Formula 1600cc event in the USA. If we can take this as an indicator, then young Calvin certainly has a bright future in the sport, maybe even F1, fingers crossed. So stand up and take a bow Guyana, you have done yourself proud. Happy 60th Anniversary of Motor Racing. Note: For more in-depth details on the history of motor racing in Guyana, you can find Avery Gomes’ article “A legacy of Speed” on my website, the link is : www.bryanmax.com/history-of-racing-guyana.htm www.gmrscgy.com

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By: Avery Gomes

t will be a special moment for race fans at the South Dakota Circuit, when 19 year old Calvin Ming drives onto the track and they see the car he’ll drive in his bid to win the FIA F4 NACAM Championship in Mexico in 2015. It will also be the first time in 35 years that a purposebuilt “formula car” laps the track at Timehri, driven by a young Guyanese, who might one day race in the World Championship Formula One Series.

the Class at the Skip Barber Racing School training course. They were so impressed with the speed and skill of the FIA- awarded Champion karter that he was drafted into the team, which will provide pit-crew and technical assistance for him in the Mexican 7-race F4 Series. To date Calvin has logged about 2000 miles in practice and testing runs in the car over the last few weeks,

Also watching will be his proud father Stanley Ming Snr., an ex-motorcycle racer who represented Guyana at Tracks in the UK and at Daytona Speedway, USA in the 1980s. Stanley Snr. now acts as avid fan and supporter to a son who will carry our flag and the Ming name to even greater heights in international Motor Racing. Specially invited for this event is Chairman of Mygale (the car’s manufacturer) Mr. Bertrand De Coster and his wife. The FIA F4 Mexican Series promoter Mr. Felipe Abed of RRK Motorsports and his wife will also be here, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Nigel Tuckey of Team Pelfrey, a top racing team in the USA. Team Pelfrey arranged a test-session in July 2015 for Calvin who had just topped 24 - FAST LANE 2015

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race-engineering crew on set-up and adjustment , and has also undergone vigorous physical training for his job as the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s driver. The attention to detail is amazing as every little gain counts in a sport that measures success in hundredths of a second, ensuring that Calvin will be as well-prepared as humanly possible for the task when the start-lights go green. The Mygale F4 Cars at a glance

in preparation for his debut in Mexico on the 1st of November. His F4 race is a support event at the Formula One Gran Prix of Mexico on that date, which will be followed by 6 others at Mexican Tracks before year end. The young engineering student at Florida International University (FIU) has been working with the mechanics as they assembled the car, consulting with the

This unique machine has had input from seven companies specializing in various aspects of race car engineering, built in Magny-Cours, France and coordinated by Mygale, a race car conductor since 1989. The car was conceptualized as a stepping stone for young drivers who need to move from karts to single-seaters. So special effort was placed on making it affordable and easy to service and maintain, as well as compatible with the FIA regulations for the F4 class. While chassis specification is common to all cars racing in home series in countries around the world, the car is designed to take a variety of engines, some indigenous to the countries where they race. The Mygale F4 was unveiled in June 2013 in England, and to date three cars have been brought into the Caribbean of the 100 sold by the company so far. Calvin Mingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s car features a Ford Eco-boost 1600cc Turbocharged Motor producing about 150hp with a 6-speed sequential transmission. The car features an F1-Style aerodynamic package of wings and groundeffects under- tray that makes it essentially a scaled-down Formula 1 car that runs on pump-gas. Keep your eyes on it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is fast , sophisticated , high-tech and id driven by a young talented Guyanese who could make the formula 1 grid soon!

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Round 1: 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 4 By Bryan Max Jamwest Speedway, Jamaica. (01/03/2015)

ound 1 of the 2015 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship got off to a flying start at the JamWest Speedway, Jamaica. Speed aces from Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago and the Cayman Islands along with racers from host country Jamaica competed for top honours. Members of Team Guyana were Kevin Jeffrey - GP4, Kristian Jeffrey – GP4, Kemal Rahman – GP2, Shairaz Roshandin – GP2 &3, Afraz Allie – GP2 & 3, Rameez Mohamed – GP2 & 3 and Danny Persaud - GP3 Flying Guyana’s Golden Arrowhead in the 600cc motorcycle division was Stephen Vieira, backed up by his team-mates Elliott Vieira, Paul Yearwood and Kevin Persaud. Trinidad & Tobago was represented by Franklyn Boodram in group 4, driving his Renault Megane Trophy. The Cayman Islands was represented by Gary Barrett. Team Jamaica was represented by Peter “Zoom Zoom” Rae, George Bayley, Jamie James and Chris Campbell. The Reggae Racers were forced to do battle without their top GP4 warriors, David Summberbell Jnr and Doug “Hollywood” Gore, both of whom failed to compete due to mechanical issues. Members of the Jamaican 600cc motorcycle team consisted of Jason Campbell, David Bell, Norman Chung and Kyle Reynolds. CMRC Organisers were loud in their praises for Seaboard Marine and Fly Jamaica. Seaboard Marine shipped all of the race vehicles from Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago and the Cayman Islands to Jamaica totally free. Fly Jamaica provided Team Guyana with forty complimentary airline tickets, which allowed Guyana to send its biggest team ever to do battle in Jamaica. Thank you Seaboard Marine and Fly Jamaica, it would have been impossible 26 - FAST LANE 2015

to have done this without your incredible support. Seaboard Marine GP4 Race report: The CMRC speedsters qualified on Saturday under extremely wet conditions. George Bailey of Jamaica, racing a Mitsubishi Evo 8, qualified on pole, with Trinidad & Tobago’s Franklyn Boodram and his Renault Megane Trophy taking up the second slot. Jamaica’s Peter “Zoom Zoom” Rae qualified third fastest with his Mazda RX7, but would later lose that spot after failing to visit the weight station after qualifying. Guyana’s Kristian Jeffrey in his Mitsubishi Evo 9 qualified fourth fastest, with countryman Danny Persaud fifth, followed by Kevin Jeffrey in sixth place. As the sun set on the beautiful tourist destination of Westmoreland, Team Reggae Racers had good reason to feel confident about their chances for the following day. The foreign invaders on the other hand, spent a restless night wondering if they had bitten off a bit more than they could chew. Race Day dawns……. As the sun rose over Jamaica, race fans made their way to the Jamwest International Speedway in anticipation of a great day of racing. The intoxicating smell of race fuel filled the air as 600 horsepower monsters roared to life. The race announcer’s voice boomed over the PA system that the first Seaboard Marine CMRC Gp4 race was about to start, the speed demons took their places on the grid with George Bayley of Jamaica as the pole sitter. With the warm up lap completed, the monsters of speed in proper formation approached the start line; the starter dropped his flag, the cars roared by with Bayley’s Evo in the lead, followed by Peter Rae, Franklyn Boodram, Kevin Jeffrey, Kristian Jeffrey and Chris Campbell, heading down the long front straight to turn one in a tight pack. As they rocketed down the front straight, www.gmrscgy.com

at top speeds close to 140 MPH, Kevin Jeffrey’s Evo refused to downshift and he was forced to spin it around to avoid hitting the safety wall, unfortunately taking out Franklyn Boodram in the process. Kristian Jeffrey moved into third place, thanking his lucky stars that he was able to avoid contact with his father’s Evo and the Megane. After lap three, Kristian was able to get by both Jamaicans and maintained a comfortable lead to pick up his first checkered flag. Peter Rae was second, followed by George Bayley, Jamie James and Chris Campbell. Starting race two on pole, Kristian Jeffrey led from the start and held on to the lead unchallenged to easily pick up his second checkered flag of the day. He was followed home by Jamaicican George Bayley, Franklyn Boodram of T&T, and Peter Rae of Jamaica. With two victories under his belt, Kristian Jeffrey fired up his Evo 9 and headed out to the start of race three. Leading from the start once more, Kristian settled in with Jamaica’s Peter Rae in second place, unfortunately Rae’s Mazda RX7 caught on fire and he was forced to pull out, giving up that spot to fellow countryman George Bayley. Unchallenged, Kristian took the checkered flag for the third time, George Bayley of Jamaica romped home in second place, just ahead of Danny Persaud of Guyana and Franklyn Boodram of Trinidad & Tobago. With lady luck riding on his shoulders, Kristian wrapped his first tour of Jamaica with three solid victories that earned him 75 points and the lead in the 2015 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship, plus the added bonus of the Jamwest Speedway CMRC AWD Group 4 lap record set at 1 minute, 8.785 seconds.

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Round 2: 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 4 By Bryan Max Frankie Boodram Wallerfield International Speedway, Trinidad & Tobago (21/06/2015)

he beautiful twin islands of Trinidad & Tobago played host to round two of the 2015 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship. The event was organised by the Trinidad & Tobago Automobile Sports Association (TTASA) and held at the recently refurbished Wallerfield Raceway, now branded the Frankie Boodram Wallerfield International Speedway. Racers from Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands turned up fully prepared for an exciting weekend of motor racing action.

Kristian Jeffrey

CMRCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2014 defending Champion, who also happens to be the 2015 CMRC point leader, Kristian Jeffrey (Evo 8), led Team Guyana into battle, backed up by Danny Persaud (Mazda Miata), Afraz Allie (Toyota Starlet turbo), Rameez Mohamed (Toyota Starlet turbo), Kemal Rahman (Nissan Sentra) and Ryan Rahaman (Ford Escort). Team Barbados was represented by Mark Maloney (Mazda RX3), Douglas Maloney (Audi Quattro), and Mark Thompson (Honda Civic). Peter Rae (Mazda RX-7) and Natasha Chang (Honda S2000) represented Team Jamaica.

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The Cayman Islands was represented in Gp3 by Gary Barrett (Honda Civic) Host country Trinidad & Tobago’s was represented in the CMRC events by Kristian Boodoosingh (Evo 8), his teammates were Gerard Carrington (Evo 8), Paul Vieira (Mazda RX7), Jody Ali (Subaru Impreza STi), Mark Gill (Honda Civic), Mark Williams (Honda Civic) and Haresh Nanan (Nissan Sentra) Time Trials: Kristian Jeffrey qualified on pole at 40.256s, Kristian Boodoosingh of Trinidad & Tobago qualified at 41.183s, Gerard Carrington of Trinidad & Tobago at 41.651s, and Jamaica’s Peter “Zoom Zoom” Rae qualified at 43.108s The Seaboard Marine CMRC GP4 Report: Race 1: The CMRC GP4 warriors came out for their first battle, but the weather was not in their favour. Race one started on a totally damp track, but that did not seem to faze the top runners. Guyana’s Kristian Jeffrey using his pole position advantage, led this high energy pack into turn one, with T&T’s Kristian Boodoosingh and Gerard Carrington in close pursuit through the back chicanes. As they came up to complete lap one, Boodoosingh out-powered Jeffrey down the long front straightaway, but Jeffrey quickly retook the lead as they went into turn one and never relinquished it, even with Boodoosingh breathing fire on his rear bumper, many times pulling up right alongside, over the next eleven laps. The checkered flag fell on Kristian Jeffrey, with Kristian Boodoosingh, a mere quarter of a second behind. Trinidad’s Gerard Carrington came in third, Barbados’s Douglas Maloney in fourth, Danny Persaud of Guyana in fifth with Jody Ali of T&T in sixth place. Race 2: With overcast conditions persisting, pole sitter Kristian Jeffrey led lap one but came under pressure from Boodoosingh as they were going through the back chicanes on lap two. Boodoosingh passed Jeffrey, who retook the lead a corner later, only to have it retaken by Boodoosingh as they powered out onto the front straightaway. These two amazingly talented, former Kristian Boodoosingh

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go-karting champions were making sure that race fans got their money’s worth. Boodoosingh quickly pulled away from Jeffrey who appeared to be slowing down. Soon only the all wheel drive machines of Boodoosingh, Jeffrey, Carrington and Doug Maloney were on the lead lap. T&T’s Gerard Carrington in lap six made his move on a fading Jeffrey, taking over second place, and held onto that position until the checkered flag fell on his countryman Kristian Boodoosingh. Doug Maloney of Barbados came in fourth, Peter Rae of Jamaica picked up fifth place with Guyana’s Danny Persaud copping the sixth spot. Race 3: With the sun almost setting, the final CMRC GP4 race got underway. Gerard Carrington snatched the lead, beating Jeffrey and Boodoosingh to turn one, much to the pleasure of the huge crowd on hand. On lap three, Carrington went a bit too high in the corner allowing Jeffrey to slip by on the inside to take over the lead. Boodoosingh now in third place saw his chance and made his move on Carrington as they came up to lap slower cars, moving into second place, but Carrington would have none of it as he soon reclaimed second and quickly made his move on Jeffrey with just one lap to go. With Trinidadian race fans screaming, Carrington victoriously crossed the finish line, followed by Jeffrey, Boodoosingh and Franklyn Boodram. With this exciting final race bringing an end to a difficult day for organisers, who were forced to battle the heavens all day, racers and fans alike had high praise for the amazing work done by TTASA’s President, Mr Robert Amar, and the hard working members of TTASA in their successful bid to bring motor racing back to Wallerfield. It was indeed a job well done, take a bow TTASA.

Gerard Carrington

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Round 3: 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 4 By Bryan Max Bushy Park Raceway, Barbados (13/09/2015)

ith the beautiful island of Barbados playing host to round three of the 2015 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship, teams from Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and the Cayman islands, touched down with their best racers to do battle on the Bushy Park Raceway. Members of Team Guyana included Kevin Jeffrey, Kristian Jeffrey, Danny Persaud, Stephen Vieira, Matthew Vieira, Elliott Vieira, Joel Niblette, and Kevin Persaud. Team Trinidad & Tobago comprised of Kristian Boodoosingh, Franklyn Boodram, Marc Gill, Saleem Deen, Paul Vieira, Nicholas Kennedy, Luke De Nobriga and Nicholas Gonzales. CMRCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gp3 driver Gary Barrett represented the Cayman Islands.

who had started on pole, slipped into second place with Kristian Boodoosingh in third. Guyanaese Kevin Jeffrey in fourth place, picked up a massive slide causing Mark Maloney, Douglas Maloney, Barry Mayers, and Stuart Williams to take evasive actions.

Time Trials: After Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s qualifying, Roger Mayers grabbed pole position with a time of 1:00:472, Kristian Jeffrey clocked 1:00.623, Mark Maloney was third fastest at 1:02.518

Roger Mayers went on the inside of Kristian as they headed into turn three and took over the lead, opening a comfortable advantage over the next ten laps. With just one lap to go, the Focus appeared to slow; Kristian Jeffrey flew by to retake the lead and the checkered flag. Roger Mayers picked up second place, Stuart Williams third, Barry Mayers fourth, and Kevin Jeffrey fifth. Boodoosingh failed to complete race one.

Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 4 Race Report: Race 1: With the warm up lap completed, the cars came around in perfect formation for the rolling start. Kristian Jeffrey timed it perfectly and was first with his Evo8 into turn one. Roger Mayers,

With mechanical gremlins wrecking havoc in Camp Barbados, Roger Mayers, Doug and Mark Maloney were forced to sit out the rest of the day, leaving Stuart Williams and Barry Mayers to defend the home turf.

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Race 2: The CMRC GP4 drivers rolled out for race two on an extremely damp Bushy Park track. Race one winner Kristian Jeffrey led the pack off the line with Boodoosingh on his heels. Stuart Williams, in his turbo charged Lotus Elise in third place, was doing everything to stay ahead of Kevin Jeffrey and Barry Mayers. By mid race, Kristian Jeffrey was able to pull away from his namesake, giving himself some much needed breathing room. With the required laps completed, Kristian Jeffrey picked up his second checkered flag, followed by Kristian Boodoosingh, Stuart Williams, Barry Mayers and Kevin Jeffrey. Race 3: With the rain clouds gone and the track now totally dry, the CMRC Warriors came out for their final battle. Kristian Jeffrey once again leading until his rear deferential broke, forcing him out of the action. Stuart Williams took over the lead with Boodoosingh in hot pursuit. With the pressure mounting as the laps counted down, Boodoosingh made his move on Williams, powering by to take his first Bushy Park checkered flag. Kevin Jeffrey placed third, with Barbados’s Justin Campbell picking up fourth place.

Kristian Boodoosingh on his way to the checkered flag

The 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 4 Points Standing after Round 3 of 4: With three rounds of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship now completed, Kristian Jeffrey of Guyana, with six victories, one second and one third place, earning him 183 incredible points, is your 2015 Championship Leader as we head into the fourth and final round slated for the South Dakota Circuit, Guyana, on November 15. Trinidadian Kristian Boodoosingh sits in second place with 101 points; T&T’s Gerard Carrington is third with 58 points. George Bailey of Jamaica is in fourth place with 51 points. Barbados’s Stuart Williams with 48 points sits in fifth place. Wrapping up the top six is Franklyn Boodram of T&T with 45 points. Its now onto Guyana, the final battle for 2015 looms....

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CMRC Gp4 Driver Profiles

Team Guyana 261 KRISTIAN JEFFREY

161 KEVIN JEFFREY

Doosan Trading / Automotive Art / INFAB / Shivo Auto / area51tune.com / Ways Performance Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX

Doosan Trading / Automotive Art / INFAB / Shivo Auto / area51tune.com / Ways Performance Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII

South Dakota record – multiple wins on South Dakota in Go-Karts and Gp4 Career record – having ridden motorbikes since age six, started racing at the South Dakota International in ‘07, when he won Guyana’s first shifter kart race, beating brothers Sean and Stuart Maloney, among others. He was crowned GMR&SC’s 2014 Gp 4 Champion and won the 2014 CMRC Gp 4 Championship as well. Presently leads the 2015 CMRC Gp4 series

South Dakota record – three CMRC wins in 2010, when he was also GMR&SC Group 4 Champion, and three more since, plus seven more top five finishes since ’08 Career record – a Championship-winning big bike racer with experience at Daytona and other North American tracks, he switched to cars after a big accident; raced a Mazda RX-3 before acquiring this ex-Doug Gore ’07 CMRC-winning Evo VIII, in which he finished runnerup in CMRC ‘10 (by the smallest losing margin since ‘08) & ‘13

58 MARK VIEIRA

11 ANDREW KING (GUY)

V-Power Mazda RX-8

Toucan Industries / GT & T / Banks Beer / Kraft Products Mazda RX-7

South Dakota record – an excellent one, particularly in CMRC, with three wins, three second places and one third in the past three years Career record – raced bikes from age 18 but a big accident (‘87) brought a switch to cars; a regular winner at home and around the region, Guyana Group 3 Champion in ’07, and something of a folk hero in regional motor sport

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South Dakota record – has finished 14 of 18 CMRC races in the past six years, including a win (’09), six more podium finishes and three 2wd wins in 2010 – was the local Gp4 Champ in ‘08 Career record – racing since ‘75, multiple class and Champion Driver, runner-up twice (to 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

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38 VISHOK PERSAUD (GUY)

129 DANNY PERSAUD (GUY)

E-Networks Subaru Impreza STi

Banks Beer / Buy Me Auto Sales Mazda Miata

South Dakota record – while he has raced here for many years, this will be his first appearance for Team Guyana in CMRC Career record – started racing in 2000 in a Toyota Starlet at South Dakota, winning once in his debut season; after schooling in Miami, he went home and became President of the GMR&SC. Returned to circuit racing in ‘06 with a turbocharged Group 2 Honda Civic, with podiums in Guyana and Jamaica. Will debut his turbo charged Lotus Elise this November 2015

South Dakota record – one fifth and one sixth place in CMRC in the past two seasons Career record – a regular race-winner at South Dakota, where he was 2010 Group 2B Champion; replaced Starlet for 2011 with the unusual and effective Miata, initially with a standard hardtop, before he adopted the fastback look. It has a turbocharged Toyota engine

Team Trinidad & Tobago 17 KRISTIAN BOODOOSINGH Total Lubricants/ CR Boodoosingh & Sons Ltd / Carl Shuit Wrecking Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6.5 South Dakota record – made his debut here in Group 4 last year Career record – started racing karts in ‘09, finishing second in his domestic Rotax Championship in ‘11 & ‘12, currently holds the shifter kart lap record; in 2013, won the Trinidad Drag & Wind title (a mix of drag racing and dexterity) and the National Youth Award for Sports and Recreation. Now a top runner in the 2015 CMRC series

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75 RAVI SINGH (TRI) Presidential Mazda RX-7

South Dakota record – although this is his debut representing Team Trinidad in the CMRC, he has a distinguished record of race and title wins here, going back to the early 2000s Career record – massively experienced race driver, both at home and around the region, runner-up in the Carib Beer Stock Car Series (for Nissan Sentras) in 2000, then a regular race-winner and podium finisher when he switched to his trusty RX-7

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104 PAUL VIEIRA (TRI)

26 PETER RAE

D’s Car Boutique / Redline Oil Mazda RX-7

Epping Oil Co / Peter Rae Motorsports Mazda RX-7

South Dakota – made his CMRC debut in ’09, three second places helped him to 2010 2wd ‘Champion’ title, then 2011 ended in an accident; best since then, two fourth places 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 2009 GMR&SC Group 3 title

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South Dakota record – consistent, with 13 finishes in 15 outings. Career record – racing since 1968, first motocross, then karts. Won many titles at home, also raced in Cuba, Grand Cayman, the UK & US. Famous race cars include the Pocket Rocket Mini & the Starlet on Steroids (won the first Grand Cayman Int’ in ‘95). Joined the CMRC in 2002. CMRC runner-up in 2011 & 2012. South Dakota pole sitter in 2012, came within 100th of a second of the SD track record in 2011. 2015 marks 47 years of active motor racing participation for this living legend of Caribbean Racing.

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Team Barbados 86 MARK MALONEY Digicel / RBC / Valvoline / Maloney Racing Mazda RX-3 South Dakota record – of 12 finishes in 18 CMRC races, the best has been second (in last year’s final race), also third in 2wd twice in 2010 Career record – competed since ‘99, initially in rallies, twice a top five finisher in the island’s premier event, also RallySprints; won his first gearbox karting titles in ‘01, before a break. Like father Doug, has rarely missed a CMRC race in six seasons, third (‘09) his best finish.

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83. Sammy Cumberbatch Digicel/ Hilti Tools, Wiliams Industries & Castrol / BMW Career record – Second generation racer Sammy Cumberbatch grew up watching his father, Bushy Park’s living Legend, St Elmo Cumberbatch racing and winning. Sammy has been able to successfully make his own mark on the sport and is considered to be among the top drivers in Barbados, he has been competing for the last 20 years on the Bushy Park Raceway, and in Guyana on the South Dakota circuit in his extremely visible and quite fast BMW. Sammy is also a regular on the rally scene in Barbados and has won numerous races and championships.

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Round 1: 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC Superbike Series By Bryan Max

Jamwest International Speedway, Jamaica (01/03/2015) Round 1 of the 2015 600cc Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship got underway in beautiful Jamaica with top riders from Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago and home team Jamaica. With the CMRC organisers opting to use the newly built JamWest Speedway instead of the usual Dover Raceway, the riders found themselves on unfamiliar ground, everyone was on the same learning curve, they were all on a track they had never ridden on before. JamWest was originally built as a drag racing venue, track owners later added on a series of corners to make it into a multi-purpose facility; as such that long front straight normally used for drag racing gave the riders the opportunity to really stretch the legs of those awesome superbikes. In qualifying, Stephen Vieira took pole position with Elliot Vieira second fastest. Jamaican Robert McDonald claimed the third spot. As they lined up for race one, the anticipation grew, this is what the fans had been waiting for, as the love for motorcycle racing runs deep in Jamaica. Elliott Vieira of Guyana stormed off the start line followed by Stephen Vieira in close pursuit. After 10 hard laps,

Stephen Vieira - 46

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Elliot Vieira - 33

Kevin Persaud - 93

the checkered flag fell on Elliott Vieira, giving him his first overseas victory. Stephen Vieira was second, Robert McDonald of Jamaican third, David Bell of Jamaica fourth, Kyle Reynolds of Jamaica fifth, Nicholas Kennedy of Trinidad & Tobago was sixth. In Race 2, Stephen Vieira turned up the pressure on the competition and his younger cousin Elliott, and romped home victorious. Third place went to Robert McDonald, followed by David Bell, and Kyle Reynolds. Race 3, Stephen Vieira held off a hard charging Elliott Vieira to take his second checkered flag of the day. Jamaican Robert McDonald was third. As the day came to a close, Stephen â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rossiâ&#x20AC;? Vieira of Guyana with two solid victories and one-second place finish, found himself leading the 2015 600cc Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship with a tally of 65 points. Elliott Vieira of Guyana was in second place with 51 points, trailed by Jamaican Robert McDonald on 45 points. Stephen Vieira captured the 600cc Jamwest International Speedway lap record at 1 minute, 11.665 seconds.

Paul Yearwood - 60

Kyle Reynolds - 326

Linton Martin - 135

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Round 2: 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC Superbike Series By Bryan Max

Bushy Park Raceway, Barbados (13/09/2015) Round 2 of the 2015 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship Superbike Series revved off at the Bushy Park Raceway in Barbados. Riders from Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana and host country Barbados battled to settle the old argument of just who are the top riders in the Caribbean. Guyana was represented by a five-member squad led by Stephen Vieira, who held the Bushy Park motorcycle lap record prior to its redevelopment. Stephen’s team-mates included Matthew Vieira, Joel “GM” Niblette, Elliott Vieira and Kevin Persaud Jamaica’s Team Reggae Racers included Robert McDonald, David Bell and Kyle Reynolds. From Trinidad & Tobago came Nicholas Kennedy, Luke De Nobriga and Nicholas Gonzales. Team Barbados was headed by Kris Braithwaite and included Devan McCartney, Ryan Beckles, Terrance Olliviere, Brooke Miller & Shirley Scantlebury. Race Day Report: Race 1: Stephen Vieira, riding a motorcycle that his team manager had hurriedly put together just days before leaving Guyana, sat on the top spot of the grid, his mind was working overtime, he knew the other sixteen riders in this race wanted

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Elliot Vieira - 33

Matthew Vieira - 48

nothing more than to beat the man known as the Valentino Rossi of the Caribbean, he knew he had a huge target on his back, and he knew that his two younger cousins, Elliott and Matthew, had qualified just split seconds below his lap times. He glanced over and saw the determination in their eyes and smiled, you’re going to have to beat this old man with a 2x4 to get that checkered flag but it’s not going to be today, he mused to himself. The chief starter dropped the flag and they were off. Stephen saw the front wheel of Elliott’s Kawasaki lifting uncontrollably, and at that instant Stephen knew that he had this one covered. Turn one came up quickly, the bike felt amazing under him, he turned on the power and never looked back. With Matthew Vieira in second, Kris Braithwaite of Barbados in third, Kevin McCartney in fourth, Brooke Miller in fifth and Elliott Vieira regulated to sixth place after a poor start, the race settled down as the faster riders took control. Elliott managed to slowly work his way back up to third place, passing Braithwaite on the inside as they entered the Hammer bend, as he closed in on Matthew Vieira’s second place, which he took just as the checkered flag fell on race winner Stephen Vieira. Barbados’s Kris Braithwaite placed fourth, Devon McCartney fifth, with Terrance Olliviere in sixth place. The Doctor was back, catch me if you can!!

Joel Niblette - 100

Carlos Rodrigues - 15

Nikhil Seereeram - 98

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Race 2: Starting on an extremely damp track, Stephen Vieira once again blasted off the start line and was the first rider into turn one. Using years of experience on this wet, slippery track, Stephen was able to cruise to an easy victory, followed home by Joel Neblette, Elliott Viera, Brook Miller, Shirley Scantlebury, and Ryan Beckles. Race 3: The final race of the day, which also ran under extremely wet conditions, was won by Stephen Vieira, but due to a start line penalty, the win was taken away and he ended up in third. Elliott Vieira was accorded the win with Joel Niblette taking second place, Trinidadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Luke De Nobriga was fourth, Matthew Vieira fifth, with Shirley Scantlebury of Barbados in sixth place. Guyanese Elliott Vieira claimed the Bushy Park 600cc lap record with a time of 64.269s . Guyanese Stephen Vieira leads the 2015 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship Superbike Series with four first places, a second and a third, earning him 133 points. Elliott Vieira is in second place with 119 points. Jamaican Robert Mc Donald with 45 points occupies third place. David Bell of Jamaica and Guyanese Joel Niblette are tied for fourth place with 36 points each. Rounding up the top six spots are Kyle Reynolds of Jamaica with 28 points and Matthew Vieira of Guyana with 25 points.

Kevin Persaud - 93

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Patrice Cort - 67

Terrance Ollivierre - 32

The Invasion of South Dakota is next!! With the final round of the 2015 Superbike Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship about to blast off here in Guyana on the South Dakota Circuit, riders from Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago are preparing to launch a full scale invasion on the most demanding track in the region. With shipping and other arrangements for the foreign teams still fluid as we write this article, Team Trinidad & Tobago may be represented by Nicholas Kennedy, Luke De Nobriga and Nicholas Gonzales. Team Barbados has confirmed Terrence Ollivierre, Devon McCartney, Shirley Scantlebury, and Brook Miller. Team Guyana is already in full defense mode with GT Warriors Stephen Vieira, Carlos Rodrigues, Elliott Vieira, Matthew Vieira, Nikhil Seereeram, Joel Niblette, and Kevin Persaud on standby, ready to defend the homeland at any cost. US based riders Leon Cort, Patrice Cort and Dyllon Cassanova are expected to race for Team Guyana. Point to note: Even though each country is allowed to field up to 6 competitors, CMRC points will only be taken from four of those riders/drivers per country.

Brook Miller - 64

Shirley Scantlebury - 11 LeRoy Cort - 581

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Round 1: 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 3 By Bryan Max Jamwest International Speedway, Jamaica. (01/03/2015)

his is the very first year for the Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 3 class. Even though the lineup has not been as impressive as Organisers had hoped, they are however pleased that the series is now gaining momentum and can only get better in the coming years. Jamwest International Raceway, instead of the usual Dover Raceway, was used to kick off Round 1 of the 2015 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship. The event was hosted by the Jamaica Race Drivers Club (JRDC). Teams from Guyana, the Cayman Islands and host nation Jamaica, were on hand to do battle in the quest of being crowned Caribbean Champions. Danny Persaud, Afraz Ally and Rameez Mohamed flew the Golden Arrowhead for Team Guyana. Gary Barnett represented the Cayman Islands. Host country Jamaica was represented by Noel Golding, Ricardo Scott & Natasha â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chiney Dollâ&#x20AC;? Chang. Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 3 Race Results: Race one was won by Noel Golding of Jamaica, Rameez Mohamed of Guyana was second, Natasha Chang third, with Gray Barnett of the Cayman Islands in fourth place. Race two was won by Gary Barnett, Rameez Mohamed was

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second, Afraz Allie of Guyana was third, and Ricardo Scott of Jamaica placed fourth. Race three was won by Gary Barnett; Guyanese Afraz Allie was second, with Ricardo Scott in third place. Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 3 Points standing after Round 1: Gary Barnett of the Cayman Islands with 62 points is your 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC Gp3 points leaders after round one. Rameez Mohamed - 36 points. Afraz Allie - 33 points, Natasha Chang - 30 points, Noel Golding - 25 points and Ricardo Scott - 24 points.

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Round 2: 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 3 By Bryan Max Frankie Boodram Wallerfield International Speedway, Trinidad & Tobago. (21/05/2015)

eaboard Marine CMRC Gp3 Speedsters flew into Trinidad & Tobago to do battle on the spanking new Frankie Boodram Wallerfield International Speedway. The event was hosted by the Trinidad & Tobago Automobile Sport Association (TTASA). It was a wet weekend, as an unexpected storm was kicking up just off the coasts of the twin islands, bringing lots of rain with it, but the fearless Gp3 Warriors didn’t let that bother them too much as they battled on, hunting down valuable championship points in the process. Barbados sent in a strong team that included Kurt Thompson, Kenrick Husbands, Mark Thompson, Shawn Eversley and Neil Thompson. Jamaica’s Natasha ‘Chiney Doll’ Chang battled on behalf of the Reggae Racers. Guyana was represented by Danny Persaud, Afraz Allie and Rameez Mohamed. The Cayman Islands sole representative was Gary Barnett. Host country Trinidad & Tobago was represented by Paul Vieira

Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 3 Race Results: Race one was won by Danny Persaud of Guyana, second was Gary Barnett of the Cayman Islands, third was Afraz Allie of Guyana; Natasha Chang of Jamaica was fourth, with Rameez Mohamed of Guyana tying down the fifth spot. Race two was won by Paul Vieira, Danny Persaud was second, Gary Barnett third, with Natasha Chang picking up fourth place. Race three was won by T&T’s Paul Vieira, second place went to Barbados’s Mark Thompson, Guyana’s Danny Persaud was third, Shairaz Roshandin of Guyana was fourth, Gary Barnett was fifth, and Jamaica’s Natasha Chang sixth. Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 3 Points standing after Round 2: Gary Barnett of the Cayman Islands leads after round 2 with 105 points. Afraz Allie - 48 points, Rameez Mohamed - 46 points, Natasha Chang - 62 points, Noel Golding - 25 points and Ricardo Scott - 24 points.

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Round 3: 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 3 By Bryan Max

Barbados, Bushy Park Raceway (13/09/2015)

ound three of the Seaboard Marine CMRC Gp3 Series touched down on the beautiful island of Barbados. After battling earlier in the year at the Jamwest International Speedway in Jamaica, and at the Frankie Boodram Wallerfield International Speedway in Trinidad & Tobago & Tobago, the CMRC Gp3 speed aces were ready for an exciting weekend of motor racing.

“Chiney Doll” Chang are tied in third place with 70 points each. Kurt Thompson of Barbados has 62 points and is just ahead of his countryman Kenrick husbands who picked up 51 points. With just three races left for 2015, the Seaboard Marine CMRC Gp3 title is still wide open at this point. Gary Barnett of the Cayman Islands leads Paul Vieira, who is driving for Trinidad & Tobago, by 30 points. But with a first place earning 25 points, it’s easy to see that anything can happen, and most likely will happen, when that start flag is lowered on the South Dakota Circuit.

Guyana sent a strong team that included Danny Persaud, Afraz Allie, Rameez Mohamed and Shairaz Roshandin. Paul Vieira was the sole rep for Team Trinidad & Tobago. Gary Barnett represented the Cayman Islands. Host nation Barbados was represented by All roads lead to the South Dakota Circuit, Guyana, Kurt Thompson, Kenrick Husbands, Shawn Eversley, and Neil for the final battle of 2015. Thompson. When the Seaboard Marine Seaboard Marine CMRC Warriors collide in Guyana to do battle in the final round of their 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 3 Race Results: series, the line up is going to be truly impressive. Gary Barnett Race one was won by Kurt Thompson of Barbados, Paul Vieira was of the Cayman Islands will be in Guyana to continue his battle second for T&T, Barbados’s Kenrick Husbands was third, Danny with Paul Vieira of Team T&T, Danny Persaud, Rameez Mohamed, Persaud of Guyana was fourth, and Gary Barnett of the Cayman Afraz Allie, hoping to extent his CMRC points lead and drive away with the very first Group 3 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Islands fifth. Racing Championship title. Race two was won by Paul Vieira (T&T), Kenrick Husbands was second. Gary Barnett third, Kurt Thompson was fourth, with fifth Jamaican female speed-ace Natasha “Chiney Doll” Chang is going place going to Shawn Eversley of Barbados. to make her South Dakota Circuit debut driving her Honda S2000. Race three was won by Kurt Thompson, second was Kenrick Natasha has been battling with the boys in Jamaica and Trinidad Husbands, Paul Vieira was third, Mark Thompson of Barbados was & Tobago; she missed the third round that was held in Barbados fourth, his countryman Neil Thompson was fifth, with Barnett of at the Bushy Park Raceway back in August. the Cayman Islands in fifth place. Trinidad & Tobago’s Team Tiger will be represented by a 3 member Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 3 Points Standing after Round 3: squad that includes Ravi Singh, Paul Vieira and Ronald Wortman. With three of the four rounds of the 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC completed, Gary Barnett of the Cayman Islands leads the Seaboard Marine CMRC Gp3 points chart with 138 points. In second place is Paul Vieira, representing Trinidad & Tobago, with 108 points. Danny Persaud of Guyana and Jamaica’s Natasha 48 - FAST LANE 2015

The Seaboard Marine CMRC Gp3 drivers, who raced in Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and in Barbados, will now clash with local Guyanese Group 3 cars to create a truly impressive line-up on that South Dakota start line.

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Joining the battle will be Team Guyana’s Gavin Gayadin, Syed Hassan, Afraz Allie, Kevin Deodass, WR Reaz, Roshan Ali, Vishaul Sawh and Riaz Allie. Suriname’s Oliver Tjin Liep Shie will also be in action making this a truly impressive Caribbean super grid.

Do you dare predict which driver will emerge as the 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 3 Champion after the dust settles?? And will Oliver Tjin Liep Shie win yet another GMR&SC Group 3 Championship? Your guess is as good as mine. It’s really just too close to call; this one is going to be truly fast and furious.

The CMRC Group 3 line-up for South Dakota, Guyana TEAM GUYANA

Afraz Allie - 88

Danny Persaud - 29

Vishal Sawh - 49

Riaz Allie - 154

Rameez Mohamed - 19

Syed Hassan - 121

Kevin Deodass - 56

Gavin Gayadin - 24

Roshan Ali - 01

WR Reaz - 397

TEAM BARBADOS

TEAM TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Ravi Singh - 75

Paul Vieira -104

TEAM CAYMAN ISLANDS

Gary Barnett - 79 www.gmrscgy.com

Ronald Wortman - 47

TEAM JAMAICA

Natasha Chang - 107

Kurt Thompson - 90

Sammy Cumberbatch - 83

TEAM SURINAME

Oliver Tjin Lip Shie - 597 FAST LANE 2015 - 49

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Round 1: 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 2 By Bryan Max Jamwest International Speedway, Jamaica (01/03/2015)

New Caribbean Superstars on the rise

he Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 2 class was created four years ago to give lesser known drivers of the region the opportunity to showcase their driving skills to a wider audience outside of their respective countries. It’s nice to see the smaller classes receiving some of the attention only the Gp4 class benefited from before. Kudos to the CMRC Organisers for listening to fans, and seeing it fit to create this exciting new CMRC group. Previously the class was restricted to 1600cc motors, but now it has been upped to 2000cc, which opens the door for more cars in the region to participate.

Over the years, the hard-fought Gp2 battles between Guyanese team members Chet Singh, Shairaz Roshandin, Jad Rahaman, John Joseph and Barbados’s Mark Thompson, Kenrick Husbands and Sean Boxhill have been nothing short of legendary. Diehard Gp2 fans might even tell you that the Gp2 battles were definitely more closely and fiercely contested than those of Gp4.

Trinidad & Tobago and Tobago picked up three-second places, with his countryman Damien Nesbit, snatching up the third spots. Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 3 Points standing after Round 1: Jordon Powell of Jamaica leads after Round 1 with 75 points. Mark Gill of T&T - 54 points, Damien Nesbit of T&T – 45 points, Owen Campbell of Jamaica – 34 points, and Robin Sutherland of Jamaica - 32 points

The 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 2 season has been a busy one so far with Caribbean Teams clashing in Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados, with the fourth and final round slated for the South Dakota Circuit in Guyana on November 15. Report on Round 1 of the Group 2 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC Round one of the CMRC 2015 season revved off at the Jamwest Speedway in Jamaica, with hometown hero Jordon Powell scorching the competition with three solid victories. Marc Gill of www.gmrscgy.com

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Round 2: 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 2 By Bryan Max

Frankie Boodram Wallerfield International Speedway, Trinidad & Tobago (21/06/2015)

ound 2 was held in Trinidad & Tobago at the Frankie Boodram Wallerfield International Speedway.

Reigning CMRC Gp2 Champion Mark Thompson of Barbados qualified on pole and easily won race one, with Shairaz Roshandin of Guyana in second, T&T’s Mark Gill in third. T&T’s Dr Mark Williams, who started in twelfth position, worked his way up to finish in fourth place. Race two was won by Shairaz Roshandin, Dr Mark Williams was second, Marc Gill third, T&T’s Yasid Ali fourth, with Ryan Rahaman of Guyana in fifth.

Race three was won by Shairaz Roshandin, Dr Mark Williams was second, Mark Thompson third, Marc Gill fourth, T&T’s Rainer Amar fifth, with Yazid Ali in sixth place. Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 3 Points standing after Round 2: Mark Gill of T&T leads after Round 2 with 96 points. Jordon Powell of Jamaica – 75 points, Shairaz Roshandin of Guyana – 61 points, Dr Mark Williams of T&T – 55 points, Damien Nesbit of T&T – 52 points, Owen Campbell of Jamaica – 34 points, Robin Sutherland of Jamaica - 32 points, Rainer Amar - 30 points, Yazid Ali of T&T – 26 points. Tremaine FordeCatwell of Barbados and Saleem Deen of T&T are tied with 10 points each.

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Round 3: Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 2

By Bryan Max

Barbados, Bushy Park Raceway (13/09/2015)

he beautiful island of Barbados hosted round three of the 2015 Group 2 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship at the Bushy Park Raceway.

Race one was won by Kenrick Husbands of Barbados, Marc Gill of T&T was second, Simone Gillmore of Barbados third, Barbadian Adrian Bailey fourth, with Saleem Deen of T&T in fifth place. Race two was won by Mark Thompson in a Honda Civic, instead of his usual Toyota RWD Starlet. T&T’s Marc Gill was second, Neil Thompson of Barbados third, Tremaine Forde-Catwell fourth, Simon Gillmore fifth with Adrian Bailey in sixth place. Race three was won by Mark Thompson, Marc Gill was second, Kenrick Husbands third, Neil Thompson fourth and Adrian Bailey crossed the finish line in fifth place. Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 2 Points standing after Round 3: Marc Gill of Trinidad and Tobago leads the 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 2 points standing after 3 rounds with 150 points. Mark Thompson of Barbados - 55 points, Jordon Powell of Jamaica - 75 points, Shairaz Roshandin of Guyana - 61 points, Dr Mark Williams of Trinidad & Tobago - 55 points, Damien Nesbit of T&T - 52 points, Barbados’s Kenrick Husbands - 40 points, Owen Campbell of Jamaica – 34 points, Robin Sutherland of Jamaica 32 points, Rainer Amar - 30 points, Yazid Ali of T&T – 26 points, Simon Gillmore of Barbados – 25 points, Tremaine Forde-Catwell of Barbados - 22 points, points, Ryan Rahaman of Guyana – 18 points, Saleem Deen of T&T - 10 points, Kemal Rahman of Guyana – 7 points, Haresh Nanan of T&T - 4 points, and Rod Amar of Trinidad & Tobago – 2 points.

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Guyana, the final Seaboard Marine CMRC GP2 Battle looms…. With the fourth and final leg of the 2015 Gp2 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship about to blast off here in Guyana on the legendary South Dakota Circuit, teams from around the Caribbean are amassing for the biggest CMRC Group 2 invasion to date… Trinidad & Tobago’s Team Tiger will include Marc Gill – Honda Civic, Dr. Mark Williams – Honda Civic, Damien Nesbit – Nissan Sunny, Haresh Nanan - Nissan Sunny, Justin Sanguinette – Honda Civic, Aqeeb Ali – Honda Civic, Daryl Ali – Honda Civic, Rainier Amar – Honda Civic and Saleem Deen – Honda Integra Team Barbados will represented by the reigning Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 2 Champion Mark Thompson – Honda Civic, Kenrick Husbands – Toyota Starlet (RWD), Quincy Jones – Toyota Starlet (RWD), Adrian Bailey – Peugeot 205, Neil Thompson – Honda Civic, and Tremaine Forde-Catwell – Daihatsu Charade. Team Guyana will be headed by Shairaz Roshandin – Honda Civic, and backed up by Chet Singh – Honda Civic, Shan Seejattan – Honda Civic, John Joseph – Honda Civic, Rafeek Khan – Toyota Starlet (RWD), Andre Dhanraj – VW Golf, Ryan Rahaman – Ford Escort, Raj Singh - Honda Civic, Joe Mohan - Toyota Levin and Amjad Rahaman - Ford Escort. Without a doubt, the Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 2 squad will have the biggest grids of all the groups, you can expect nothing short of fireworks when they all head into turn one, after the Guyana flag is lowered to start their events. This is going to be a Battle Royal you simply cannot afford to miss!! See you there!!

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The CMRC Group 2 line-up for South Dakota, Guyana TEAM GUYANA

Shairaz Roshandin - 30

Chet Singh - 10

Shan Seejattan - 275

Raj Singh - 112

Rafeek Khan - 105

Andre Dhanraj - 51

John Joseph - 39

Ryan Rahaman - 70

Amjad Rahaman - 72

Joe Mohan - 98

Justin Sanguinette - 48

Aqeeb Ali - 285

TEAM TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Damien Nesbit - 83

Marc Gill - 08

Daryl Ali - 786

Haresh Nanan - 32

Rainier Amar - 26

Saleem Deen - 191

Mark Williams - 100

TEAM BARBADOS

Mark Thompson - 81

Kenrick Husbands - 07

Quincy Jones - 122

Adrian Bailey - 58

Tremaine Ford- Catwell - ??

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Horsepower Unlimited By Bryan Max

roup 4 is the highest level of racing in Guyana. Most of the supercars of GP4 are horsepower monsters, almost all of the AWD turbocharged Evos and Subaru Imprezas that you see in Gp4 easily produce in excess of 650 horsepower. Yet in the midst of all that horsepower addiction, quietly stands Andrew King with his 300 horsepower Mazda RX-7. How does he keep up with cars that double the horsepower output of his tiny Rotary? It all comes down to that old power to weight ratio formula.

Group 4 line-up

After many months of discussions, rule-making experts here in the Caribbean came up with a formula that says Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mazda at 1920 lbs, producing 300 horses is equal to the Mitsubishi Evos whose turbocharged 2200cc motors produce 650 horses, because

Kristian Jeffrey - 261

60 - FAST LANE 2015

Kevin Jeffrey - 161

they, the Evos, minimum weight is set at almost 2900 lbs. Think of an empty wheelbarrow racing against one laden with 2 sacks of cement and you will get the drift of this. With the 2015 season off to a slow start, with just one sanctioned race meeting so far for the year, the battle for dominance in group 4 has intensified with the new kid on the block, Kristian Jeffrey, taking a no-holds-barred approach. He has taken the fight to his dad Kevin as well as Mark Vieira, Andrew King, Vishok Persaud, Rupie Shewjattan and Danny Persaud. Kristian Jeffrey, the 2014 Gp4 defending Champion, once again leads the Gp4 local Championship with two solid victories gained

Mark Vieira - 58

Andrew King - 11

Rupie Shewjattan - 53 www.gmrscgy.com

at the August 2015 race meeting held on the South Dakota Circuit, earning him 50 points in the process. Qualifying on pole, Kristian wasted no time on race day to lay down the law, leading from the moment the Guyana flag dropped, to the lowering of the checkered flag in all three races. Former GP4 Champion Kevin Jeffrey, with 36 points is in second place. With gearbox issues and the rear differential not locking up on his all-wheel drive Mitsubishi 8, Kevin was unable to put the power down as he would have liked, forcing him to play second fiddle to his son. Mark Vieira and his Mazda RX-8, powered by a 20B triple-rotor Wankel (Rotary) motor, earned 24 points with three third places.

Vishok Persaud - 38 www.gmrscgy.com

Danny Persaud - 29

Keith Evelyn - 42

Veteran Speed Ace, Andrew King, turned up to do battle, but his usually faithful Mazda RX-7 had plans of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own and would not rev beyond 4,000 RPMs, forcing Andrew to sit out the August race meeting. With the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship up next on the GMR&SC race schedule, the local group 4 warriors will be fine tuning their machines as they prepare to defend the home turf against the foreign invasion of supercars that are coming from Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad & Tobago on November 15.

Irfan Kalamadeen - 09

Mohan Rangasammy - 191 FAST LANE 2015 - 61

In the Hunt

for Top Honours By Bryan Max

ith drastic rule changes implemented last year, Group 3 is now the home of the turbo-charged Starlets and cars whose engine’s cubic capacity exceed 2000cc’s.

Absent from the usually strong South Dakota Gp3 line up at the meeting held in August were Paul Vieira, Syed Hassan, Vishaul Sawh, and Afraz Allie who usually form the most aggressive line of defence for South Dakota and Team Guyana. Every race track has it’s defenders and South Dakota is no different. With most of the top guns out of contention, Oliver Tjin Liep Shie of Suriname, with his immaculately prepared K20 VTec Honda Civic #507, totally dominated the competition with three solid victories at the only GMR&SC sanctioned meet for 2015, getting the better of Guyanese Danny Persaud, Rameez Mohamed, Kevin Deodass and Trinidadian Ravi Singh. With three victories giving him a total of 75 points, Oliver Tjin Liep Shie has put himself in serious contention to become the GMR&SC 2015 Gp3 Champion.

Group 3 line-up

As the November 15 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship nears; Guyana’s group 3 drivers are working overtime on their machines to bring up to par with the overseas competition. Danny Persaud may debut a totally new car, once

Oliver Tjin Lip Shie - 597

62 - FAST LANE 2015

Rameez Mohamed - 19

all of the pieces come together. Rameez Mohamed has been switching between his Starlet and the Levin bodies, trying to find that right combination to maximise handling, using his tried and tested 4E turbo-charged power-plant. Gavin Gayadin and his super-quick, turbo-charged 4AGE powered BMW returns to the warzone, with upgraded gearbox and suspension components, he will be revving for top honours come race day. The turbo-charged Toyota Starlet posse headed by former Gp2B Champion Syed Hassan, and backed up by Afraz Allie, Kevin Deodass, WR Reaz, Roshan Ali, Vishaul Sawh and Riaz Allie are on a mission to re-stamp their dominance on this group that the Starlets once ruled supreme. The Invasion of South Dakota is near… With Gp3 cars coming from Barbados, Suriname, Cayman Islands and Jamaica for the final round of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship, the local Gp3 Speedsters will be doing everything possible in their defence of South Dakota. It’s going to be a tough mission for Team Guyana when they come under serious artillery fire from Team Barbados’s Kurt Thompson (Honda Civic), Sammy Cumberbatch (BMW), and Shawn Eversley (Suzuki Swift Turbo). Also coming to add some fire to this class is Cayman Islands’ Speedace Gary Barnett with

Syed Hassan - 121

Gavin Gayadin - 24

Vishaul Sawh - 49 www.gmrscgy.com

his super quick Honda Civic. Gary leads the Seaboard Marine CMRC Gp3 points standing. Team Tiger of Trinidad & Tobago is also sending their top Gp3 squad led by Ravi Singh (Mazda RX-7) who is backed up by Paul Vieira (Mazda RX-7) and Ronald Worthman (Honda Civic) Oliver Tjin Liep Shie will be the lone warrior from neighbouring Suriname. Jamaicaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Natasha (Chiney Doll) Chang will be in action with her super quick Honda S2000. Will South Dakota fall under the pressure of this foreign invasion; can the Guyanese Gp3 Warriors take care of business? Only time will tellâ&#x20AC;Ś.

Roshan Ali - 01 www.gmrscgy.com

Afraz Allie - 88

Kevin Deodass - 56

Riaz Allie - 154

WR Reaz - 397 FAST LANE 2015 - 63

Redline Racing By Bryan Max

With only one sanctioned race meeting this year on the South Dakota Circuit, third generation racer, Matthew Vieira, saddling a Triumph Daytona 675, proved unstoppable when GMR&SC held round one of their 2015 600cc Superbike Championship, picking up 75 points in the process. Snatching three victories from three starts, Matthew led his cousin, Stephen “Rossi” Vieira and the pack inclusive of Carlos Rodrigues, Joel “GM” Niblette and Kevin Persaud from the moment the start flag was dropped. Stephen had to settle for three third places totaling 54 points, as he just

Superbike 600cc line-up

otorcycle racing is the genesis of motor-sports in Guyana; it all started back in the 50s in Berbice. This was before the discovery of the old abandoned runway at Atkinson Airfield that was later developed to become what we now know as the South Dakota Circuit. The youngsters back then wanted to let some steam out of their systems, so they made the long rides to Berbice to race on the smooth surface of the #63 beach, much to the enjoyment of beach-goers who had never seen motorcycles racing before.

Matthew Vieira - 48

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Stephen Vieira - 27

Carlos Rodrigues - 15

Elliot Vieira - 33

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Matthew Vieira with one of his three checkered flags Stephen Vieira leads, Matthew Vieira, Joel Niblette and Carlos Rodrigues. Matthew went on to take the checkered flag

could not catch the hard-charging youngster who rode like a seasoned champion. 2014 defending Champion Nikhil Seereeram returns to the SD war-zone after being out of competition all year. In his last outing on South Dakota last November, he stamped his authority on the entire field, including Stephen Vieira, winning all three races. With the top riders slamming 33 seconds lap times, this can only lead to the biggest clash of all times; the ultimate “Who’s your daddy 3” challenge.

Race fans eagerly await the final showdown on November 15, which will include riders from Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica when they all clash in the final leg of the 2015 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship on the South Dakota Circuit. Look out for fireworks when these daredevils hit the race track...

Joel Niblette - 100

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Kevin Persaud - 93

Nikhil Seereeram - 98

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Old School vs.

The New Tech Toys By Bryan Max

n Guyana, Honda Civics with their potent B18 VTec motors are the cars of choice for GP2. The Bajans believe in their rear wheel drive 4AGE powered Toyotas Starlets, and the Trinidadians love the Nissan Sunny.

Group 2 line-up

Guyana’s Honda squad is made up of Shairaz Roshandin, Chet Singh, Shan Seejattan, John Joseph and Raj Singh.

Chet Singh - 10

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The anti-Honda squad led by Rafeek Khan with his rear wheel drive Toyota Starlet, Kemal Rahman in the Nicky Ramsarran sponsored Nissan Sentra, Andre Dhanraj in his VW Golf, and Ryan Rahaman in his Ford Escort have been battling with the Hondas in this technical chess game for dominance. I’ve seen Jad Rahaman dance with joy whenever his son’s Ford Escort comes out on top, it’s that kind of rivalry, old school vs. the new tech toys.

Shairaz Roshandin - 30 Shan Seejattan - 275

Ryan Rahaman - 70

Andre Dhanraj - 51 www.gmrscgy.com

2014 reigning Group 2 Champ Chet Singh, leads the GMR&SC 2015 Group 2 Championship with 25 points. Shan Seejattan sits in second place with 18 points. There were no other drivers listed on the official GMR&SC points standing press release document that we extracted this information from. Former Champ Shairaz Roshandin had a rough day at the race meeting held in August after his Civic caught on fire and he was

Rafeek Khan - 105 www.gmrscgy.com

John Joseph - 39

forced to retire for the day, leaving Chet Singh and Shan Seejattan to do battle with Ryan Rahaman and Andre Dhanraj. With over 20 cars expected for the Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 2 Invasion on November 15, the local Group 2 Warriors will have to put aside their differences to work as a unified team to defend South Dakota at all cost. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be action non stop.

Raj Singh - 112

Amjad Rahaman - 72

Joe Mohan - 98 FAST LANE 2015 - 67

“Sir” Kristian Jeffrey Guyana’s 1st Seaboard Marine CMRC Champion

By Bryan Max

uyana’s very own Kristian Jeffrey did the unimaginable; he became a Seaboard Marine - Caribbean Motor Racing Champion in his very first year of racing in the CMRC. It’s tough to win a national motor racing championship, which he did at 15, it’s one hundred times tougher to win a national Gp4 championship, which he did in 2014, to win the prestigious Caribbean Motor Racing Championship on your first year out is almost unthinkable. To be called the Caribbean’s Champion, has been on the wish list of every Caribbean motor racer, Kristian can tick that one off his list, as he is now looking at becoming a two-times Caribbean Champion, as its almost impossible for any of the other drivers in 2015 Seaboard Marine CMRC series to equal or better the points he has accumulated so far. Kristian at 15, made his motor racing debut on the world famous South Dakota Circuit, driving a 125cc Shifter Go-kart, and he has been on a winning streak ever since. He wrapped up his debut year of South Dakota racing as the GMR&SC’s Shifter-Kart Champion. When he moved to Canada in 2011 to further his studies in business management, he entered and won the 2012 Brian Stewart Racing Karting ICC/Moto Class Championship, beating out 500 top competitors to get there. How is that for being on a winning streak? How did this youngster become so focused at that tender age when other kids are busy partying? Well it’s kind of impossible not to be focused if you grew up in a home filled with super athletes. His siblings, parents and grandparents were always

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Kristian with his CMRC 2014 Champion’s trophy

very much involved in sports. Kristian’s sisters, Keisha and Kayla, were National Squash Champions, who represented Guyana on the international scene. His father Kevin, is a famous Caribbean and International motor racer, his mom Denise, an accomplished triathlete, who dominated the women’s division, not only here in Guyana but across the Caribbean as well. How is that for being focused? For 2016, Kristian plans to do some serious racing in the USA, and of course he plans to defend his two Seaboard Marine CMRC Titles. Kristian, on behalf of all motor racing fans here in Guyana, I say to you, job well done, you have done an incredible job of representing the Golden Arrowhead and Guyana, we are truly proud of you. www.gmrscgy.com

Kristian leads at the Bushy Park Raceway

A hug from a proud mom

Kristian and members of Team TopPower strike a pose

Discussing race strategy with big Kev

With family and friends

Racing the #229 Miata in Canada www.gmrscgy.com

Karting in Canada

Kristian and dad Kevin FAST LANE 2015 - 69

Budget Friendly

Spills & Thrills Guaranteed By Bryan Max

W Group 1 line-up

ith non-stop action, fiercely contested races, Group 1 is leading the pack as the go to class for excitement and nail biting finishes. Gp1 is always fully subscribed due to its low budget requirements. Gp1 cars race on 195R tyres, the same as your road car. They use the same gasoline as cars on the streets of Georgetown, and with limited modifications allowed to

Shameer Mohammed - 95

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their suspension; they probably buy their shocks from the very auto dealer as you do. Group 1 caters for cars with engines up to 1500cc. With just one race meeting for the year, Shameer Mohammed, and his #95 Honda Civic, leads the Gp1 point standings with 68 points, courtesy of two victories and one-second place finish.

Daniel Dokie - 93

Azaad Hassan - 27

2014 defending champion, Daniel Dookie, with his ever dependable #93 Honda Civic, is in second place with 58 pts, followed by his team-mate Azaad Hassan in his #27 Toyota Corolla with 48 pts. Nazim Gafoor has 27 pts, Paul Jiwanram 26 pts, Nasrundeen Mohamed completes the top 6 with 20 pts. Former Gp1 Champ Mohamed Ali of Team Fullworks will make his return to

Sharima Khan - 213

Omar Dornellas - 181

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competitive racing on November 15, and is looking to lay down the law once more.

leading at any point in a race, but she takes it in good spirit.

Guyana’s lone female competitor, Sharima Khan and her pink “Speed Queen” #213 Honda CRX, continues to impress race fans with her aggressive driving. As the only girl on the track, Sharima comes in for a few extra bumps from the guys she may be

Motor racing enthusiast Troy Muir made his motor racing debut at the club day held back in April. Troy will be piloting his #199 Toyota Starlet and has set his sights on the top spot of the podium this November. Troy’s team-mate Paul Jiwanram returns

Waheed Manjoor - 32

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Javid Rahaman - 15

Vicky Persaud - 190

to do battle with Vicky Persaud, Waheed Manjoor, Kasim Hussaii, Omar Dornellas, Nasrudeen Mohammed, Sunil Singh and newcomer Javid Rahaman. Javid is the son of veteran racer, Jad Rahaman. With the 2015 GP1 Championship still wide open, it’s going to be action non-stop come November 15.

Mohamed Ali - 200

Troy Muir - 92

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A GMR&SC 125cc line-up

fter crashing out of the only GMR&SC sanctioned race meeting for 2015, the 125cc riders are eager to hit the track after their long layoff. The 125cc motorcycle class is made up of Motocross 125cc machines converted to road racing specs. The faster of these amazing 125cc motorcycles lap the South Dakota Circuit at an incredible 39 seconds. They have been fitted with smaller but wider rims, which enable them to be fitted with racing tires normally found on racing 600cc motorcycles, thus giving them amazing handling and traction through the highspeed corners of the South Dakota Circuit.

Terrence Clarke - 23

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Andy Rajkarran - 08

2014 125cc Champion, Stephen Boodram returns to defend his championship with his well prepared #95 KTM 125. Boodram dominated the competition last year winning 5 of his 6 races during the season. Veteran racer, Terrence â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ducklingâ&#x20AC;? Clarke will be celebrating his 50th year of non-stop motor racing participation on the South Dakota Circuit. Terrence made his debut back in 1966, as a 16-yearold upstart looking to make his mark in this fast paced sport. Saddling the #23 KTM 125, sponsored by the Younge brothers of Bartica, Terrence will be coming under severe pressure from youngsters more than half his age.

Ravi Singh - 13

Charley Henry - 04

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Former grasstrack Champion, Andy Rajkarran will be in action on his #08 Yamaha YZ 125. Andy, who is no stranger to the top spot of the South Dakota podium, is planning to make several trips come November 15.

Matthew Assing #44, Alex Martins #848 and Steven Nobrega #22 will head up the young brigade to challenge the older heads in their hotly contested class. These youngsters have proven in the past that they are not to be taken lightly.

Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest fast food delivery man, Ravi Singh, is planning to deliver some of that speed and heat to South Dakota, to serve a can of, you know what, on his fellow competitors. Ravi, #13, will be piloting a Yamaha YZ125. Charley Henry and his #4 Kawasaki KX125 will be in action under the watchful eye of his trainer and chief mechanic, veteran racer Victor Pires.

The ultimate dream of these 125 superstars is to tour the Caribbean in 2016 to showcase their amazing bikes and talent, with the hope that youngsters in Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago will follow their lead. They are hoping to start a 125cc Caribbean series to expand motorcycle racing in the region.

Matthew Assing - 41

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Stephen Boodhram - 95

Alex Martins - 848

Steven Nobrega - 22

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By: Bryan Max

rag racing on the South Dakota Circuit has its own loyal following, these diehard fans turn up, rain or shine, to support their favourite teams and drivers. The Dragsters, who spend long hours fixing their cars to compete in the quarter mile rush, are serious about their racing. They spend a lot of time and money on their machines to get them tuned just right. Old heads say that enthusiasm, not just money, is the driving force behind motor racing; this was certainly evident on both occasions when GMR&SC held their “Quick Shift 2015” drag racing championship at the South Dakota Circuit. The vision for 2016, according to GMR&SC’s drag organiser, Michael Gonsalves, is to work in close collaboration with their Surinamese counterparts to promote the sport on a higher level, with teams from Guyana crossing the border to compete in drag events in neighboring Suriname, and return visits from the Surinamese dragsters.

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With the timing equipment and start lights now a vital part of drags here in Guyana, racers can know their precise quarter mile times, which is printed out after each clash. In a bid to give everyone a fair chance to race against their equals, GMR&SC implemented a time bracket system which is used to grade, and assign the participating cars to the groups best suited to them. So if you recorded a run, of say 12.26 seconds, you would be placed in the 12 seconds time bracket group, along with other 12 seconds cars. The more powerful cars are assigned to their 9 or 10 seconds bracket groups, which means that your stock 110 horsepower Corolla will be matched up against another stock car, and not against a 900 horsepower Evolution. Makes sense, doesn’t it?

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So if you have the need for speed, just turn up, sign up and you can become the next GMR&SC Quick Shift Superstar. Champions from Quick Shift 2 9 Second Class – Winston Wade – Mitsubishi Evolution 10 Second Class – Nasrudeen Mohammed - BMW M5 11 Second Class – Anand Ramchand - Toyota Verossa 12 Second Class – Romeo Singh – Toyota Starlet 13 Second Class – Imran Khan – Toyota Carina 14 Second Class – Fazal Bacchus 15 Second Class – Clifford Lallbeharry - Mini Cooper 16 Second Class – Keron Williams Superbikes – Ricardo Fagundes – Yamaha YZF-R1M

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A Day at the Races

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Triumph Returns to the South Dakota Circuit and Wins Again! By: Avery Gomes

oung Matthew Vieira’s Triumph 675 made its debut at the track early in 2015 and was the class of the field in the superstock class. The 3-cylinder made in England motorcycle was set-up for racing outside Guyana , yet appears to suit the Timehri track perfectly. While most superbikes have 4-cyclinder engines, the Triumph 675 has 3 cylinders and is allowed an extra 75cc in the engine capacity because it is one cylinder less. This supposed set-back has obviously been overcome as the bike is faster than the 4-cylinder machines. Another supposed shortcoming of the triple is its inability to rev as high as the four cylinder machines, but Triumph has fixed that evidently and at peak revs it sounds like all the other screaming 4-clinder bikes. However, at idle and lower revs, the slightly rougher engine note associated with 3-cylinder engines can be heard. Triumph’s previous reign included the decade between 1956 and 1966. In 1956 when organized motor racing moved to the South Dakota Circuit, Eric Vieira was the man to beat, and was often times uncatchable on his Triumph Tiger 100. A two-cylinder, 500cc, 4 stroke air-cooled machine that represented the latest technology of the day – it carried Eric to many wins and a long-circuit lap record time of 1 minute 36 seconds set in 1965. 80 - FAST LANE 2015

Matthew Vieira on a Triumph 675 wining in 2015 www.gmrscgy.com

Triumph ruled that roost until the Honda four stroke race bikes arrived from Japan in 1967 , but then even their reign was ended by the arrival of the Yamaha 2-stroke machines also from japan, around the same time. The 2-stroke engine design was developed until its peak in the early 1990s when the change in international Motor Racing rules and regulations mandated the return of the 4-storke engine for bikes in international competition.

So will the Triumph of Matthew Vieira be triumphant on November 15th 2015 just as it did for Eric Vieira in 1956? They say only time will tell , and it has told a great story for Triumph – yes ! it’s good to see the old brand back and winning again after 60 years!

Today the 2-strokes have been relegated to the oily-smokey history books because of environmental concerns mainly , and are no longer made by the major manufacturers – yes we’ve come fullcircle since the days of Eric Vieira and his triumph in 1956.

1965. Triumph and Eric Vieira prepare to set the lap record of 1 min 36 secs on the long circuit

Eric Vieira on a Triumph Tiger 100 wining in 1965 www.gmrscgy.com

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Racing Back In Time…

With Team Solo By: Avery Gomes

40 years ago Neil Chan dreamed of owning a Motor Racing Super Team, with the best riders and drivers of the day on the best available racing bikes and cars – he did it in 1975 and solo too! Solo? – that was the brand name of the range of brushcutters and mist-blowers he imported for his dealership. He got no sponsorship money from them but used the racing team to promote the product-line, giving his team that unique name. Sadly the team disintegrated by 1978, but achieved much and left its mark on racing forever. Neil Chan

Team Solo 1975. Left to right..Peter Da Silva, Patrick Tong, Lawrence Schmidt, and Victor Pires 82 - FAST LANE 2015

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Peter Da Silva leads Jad Rahaman into the Gooseneck

eil Chan’s business ventures were making money then, and he started buying up machinery; first a Datsun 1600 SSS to be driven in Group 1 by local fast man Peter DaSilva who dominated the class. Setting his sights on bike racers Stanley Ming, David Reid and Frank Van Sertima – he bought a full-race Yamaha 350 cc from Geddes Grant for Victor Pires and Patrick Tong, who became a very good rider over time. Lawrence Schmidt got a 100cc go-kart to challenge Brian Jardim (the Demico Kid) and he did, but he did not win. Next Chan took aim at the prestigious Group 3 class, including Phillip De Freitas and his Blydenstein Vauxhall Viva and the Minis of Team Angoy and Parkspeed. To race them he bought a brand new replica of the European Touring Car Championship winning Ford Escort from Broadspeed for Peter DaSilva. This 2000cc BDA fuel-injected reputedly cost £22,000 and beat them all – setting a record in 1975 of 37.2 seconds on the short circuit!. In 1976 Yamaha’s OW750 two-stroke production race bike was available and Chan bought one for US$4,000 and, with a go-faster kit installed by mechanic Richard Yhip and Victor Pires riding, it clocked 1minute 13.7 seconds on the long circuit, topping out at 178mph (286.5km/h) on the back straight!

Peter Da Silva & Patrick Tong with the Broadspeed Solo Ford Escort

However, all it managed on the short circuit was 39 seconds, because heat build-up in the ventilated front discs welded the pads onto them intermittently, turning the bike into a bucking bronco, making it real hard for Pires to ride. The monster raced in Trinidad at Waller Field in 1976 – flown there by Chan in a private jet for Pires to ride, when Tong refused to share the Yamaha 350. He won all 3 races that day, with Van Sertima and Tong second and third everytime. The Broadspeed Escort raced at Waller Field in 1977, but won nothing as its electronic ignition and fuel injected problems were too much for Tong to fix. It came back and slowly fell into disrepair as the foreign exchange needed to maintain it dried up – Forbes Burnham’s socialist thrust, had other priorities and put Motor Racing on the back burner. Neil Chan also bought a Vauxhall Firenza and a Ginetta G12 locally to race towards the end, but the team dissolved by 1978, with the machines sold to individuals who soldiered on until the sports’ shutdown in 1982. By then Victor Pires, Peter DaSilva, Lawrence www.gmrscgy.com

Victor Pires & Patrick Tong with the Vauxhall Firenza Schmidt, Tong and others had left for Canada in the tidal wave of migration from Guyana. Yes – 40 years ago Neil Chan and Team Solo was the last of the big teams in the GMR&SC’s history, and he made a name for himself as Mr. Solo that will always be remembered by true race fans! FAST LANE 2015 - 83

A Celebration of Speed 60 years of Motor Racing in Guyana: 1955 – 2015

Going back where it all began on the sands of No. 63 Beach By: Avery Gomes

o mark this achievement FAST LANE looks back at the birth of organized Motor Sport on the Sands of the #63 Beach, Corentyne. After World War II, the youngsters with money discovered the freedom and thrills of Motorcycling around the streets of Georgetown in then British Guiana, on the Nortons and Triumphs that were sold through local dealers. Soon as many as 30 riders were going “out-of-town” to Mahaicony, and then Berbice and Corentyne where they “discovered” the No.63 Beach. The smooth 5-mile long stretch of sand was a welcome relief after the 100-mile ride up the rough, dusty red-dirt East Coast road, and they ended up racing in groups up and down the beach. By 1955 the young, wild ones had grown up, but still loved the sport, and saw the need for a more respectable image and acceptance from civil society. This led to the formation of the British Guiana Motor Cycle Club (BGMCC), with respectability coming in the form of Hector Steel (then Chairman of Sambach Parker) who agreed to be President of the Club. The other

members of the Executive comprised his son Mark Steel as VicePresident, Eric Vieira – Secretary, Neil Savory – Treasurer and Hashim Hack – Club Captain. The membership consisted of Hilary Jardine, Mike Brassington, Max Jardim, Roy Shabrol, Yusuf Ali, Joe Mendes, Des Andrade, Naz Sabga, Roddy Too-Chung, David Foo and others. The newly-formed BGMCC held its first official Race Meeting on No.63 Beach on Easter Sunday of April 1955. Hundreds from the nearby villages flocked the beach to see the organized races – started by the local catholic priest when Sunday mass was over! At that meeting race-winners received silver trophies as prizes. Yes!! Motor Sport had arrived! 1955 was the first and only year that saw organized racing on #63 Beach, as the South Dakota Circuit took over the following year as the centre of motorsports, following its discovery by the Club’s members on one of their rides up the East Bank Road to what was then Atkinson Field at Hyde Park. The photo shows Des Andrade, Hashim Hack, Pat Holder, Eric Vieira, George Jardim and Joey King on No. 63 Beach having ridden up there in 1980.

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Retracing Old Wheel-Tracks in 1980 In 1980 – make that 35 years ago! – when the sport was still a youthful 25 years of age, the veterans around then returned to No. 63 Beach to remember the early days when, as teenagers, they raced across the brown sand at high speed. At that reunion they were in their 40s and 50s. Sadly, back then just a few remained in Guyana, as the massive migration of the middle-class over the past decade (the 1970s) had greatly reduced their members.

Back to the Sand Track of No. 63 Beach in 2015 Shiraz Roshandin Vice President GMR&SC takes a fast trip back in time

Just the way it looked in 1955

Apart from the racing the crowd had a good time having fun on the sand

Good looking people on a good day at No. 63 Beach

The bikes didn’t look like this in 1955 www.gmrscgy.com

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A Day at the Races

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