THE Guyanese contenders for the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) in Trinidad and Tobago were yesterday loaded into containers at the John Fernandes wharf. The cars, in containers provided by the CMRC’s title sponsor Seaboard Marine, will be shipped later this week ahead of the second leg which will take place in the Twin Island Republic from June 19 to 21.
Speaking after the loading, vice-president of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) Mohammed ‘Shyraz’ Roshandin said that it is a historic moment for the sport as the guys return to Trinidad and Tobago.
The vice-president also indicated that the club has recognised the role that the Caribbean Championships have been playing in putting motor sport back on the regional calendar and has lauded the efforts of all involved.
“Trinidad was out of motor racing for about 8-10 years and now because of the Caribbean Championships the government (of Trinidad) has recognised that there is a growth in the sport and wants to have a part in it. So the government gave back the motor racing fans and clubs in Trinidad, Wallerfeild, so they can have a part of the Caribbean Championship.”
Meanwhile Roshandin also heaped praise on the Trinidad and Tobago Automotive Sport Association (TTASA) for the resurfacing of the track following several complaints last year about the quality.
The cars loaded today include the Mitsubishi Evolution of Defending Group 4 champion Kristian Jeffrey, as well as the Mazda Miata of Danny Persaud, who will compete in Groups 3 and 4.
Also the Group 3 Toyota Levin of Rameez Mohammed and the Toyota Starlets of Kevin Deodass and Afraz Allie were loaded. The Group 2 cars were Ryan Rahaman’s Ford Escort, Kemal Rahaman’s Nissan Sentra and the Honda Civic of Roshandin.
The Mazda Rx-7 of Paul Vieira was loaded but will be representing Trinidad and Tobago.

RULE CHANGE NEEDED
Initial selectee Mark Vieira has opted out of the Trinidad leg due to the current setup of rules in Group 4.
Speaking to Chronicle Sport yesterday, Vieira said that he will not compete with the current rules.
“I refuse to drive with the current rules they have in Group 4. The current rules make absolutely no sense whatsoever, it’s ridiculous.”
Vieira was expected to represent Guyana alongside overseas-based Kristian Jeffrey.
The Caribbean Motor Racing Association is the governing body for regional motorsport and devises the rules for the various groups in the Championship.

FRESH ASPHALT
Meanwhile, the resurfacing of the track will be on the mind of every racer, especially the Group 4 division with lap records expected to be shattered.
The current record is held by Frans Verschuur and stands at forty-one point six nine three (41.693) seconds.
Guyanese Kristian Jeffrey, the 2014 Group 4 champion is one driver that pundits are keeping an eye on as he sets a blistering pace at the Jamwest Raceway and also holds the lap record at the Bushy Park Raceway in Barbados.
Wallerfeild seems highly likely to be the next course to be conquered by the Group 4 points leader.