THE first National Race of Champions is on today at the South Dakota Circuit Timehri and it is the first taste of circuit- racing action that drivers will have for the year.
For many, this event marks their first official track event and the only occasion for teams to test various new parts in keeping with the rules.

While the usual personal battles between drivers will commence today, mechanics have more incentives to want their cars on the podium.
The Club has announced this year that it will be crowning champion mechanics in accordance with the team’s and the driver’s points, allowing them their five seconds of fame.

An overall aggregate trophy will be given at the end of the year to the best mechanic; the only catch is that he has to be a registered member of the club.

That move by the club lends credence to the mechanic banter of who is the best across the circuit-racing format and now offers a way to settle the age-old dispute.

More importantly, however, this race meet provides the only competitive testing for cars and teams interested in going to the first leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships in Jamaica.

While the touring contingents may lack the ‘big names’ locally, the introduction of a ‘Group One Caribbean championship’ opens the door for the smaller group competitors to make the voyage.

Traditionally, the big names draw the crowd but the smaller groups hold the crowd and that’s what is expected to happen today.

The 21-race programme will feature action in the Street and Sport Tuner classes as well as the Starlet Cup, Groups Two, Three, Four and Bikes.