GUYANA is aggressively establishing itself as a premier regional hub for elite motor racing. President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced a substantial government investment in the nation’s motorsport infrastructure, aiming to host a major GT3 series as early as 2026.
President Ali, speaking on the burgeoning sports landscape in Guyana, confirmed that motor racing is a central focus of the government’s development strategy. “We are looking for regional, global opportunities that are larger in scale than we have now,” he stated.
Financial and Long-Term Commitment
The President committed significant funding from a public-private partnership, announcing plans to inject close to G$300 million into the South Dakota Circuit.
“We will definitely target something big next year; we will invest close to G$300M in the facility to get it to the standard where we want it to be and integrate it into the tourism product,” President Ali said.
This investment is framed as a long-term strategic move. The government plans a three—to five-year commitment to attract the “best in Latin America and the Caribbean” to the nation.
Key discussions are underway with the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) to secure a high-profile international event for next year.

While details are scarce, the ultimate prize is understood to be the GT Challenge de las Américas, a high-performance GT3 racing series.
The ambition is to bring the championship to the upgraded South Dakota Circuit starting in 2026, with an initial three-year commitment being sought.
Current GMR&SC President, Mahendra ‘Raj’, is leading the push, which has backing from veteran Trinidad and Tobago racing stalwart, Franklyn Boodram.
This move aligns the region with the global benchmark for production-based racing, attracting high-specification machinery from manufacturers like Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren, Audi, and Porsche.
The government views the motorsport investment as a key component of its broader economic goals, particularly in sports tourism.
“We are investing in sport, but sport from a different perspective; not only for those who are participating but also from a tourism perspective,” President Ali emphasised, noting the integration of sporting infrastructure with tourism across the country.
President Ali has tasked former GMR&SC president and Group Four driver, Vishok Persaud, to lead the effort to merge government, private sector, and racing community interests.
The planned upgrades to the South Dakota Circuit, which was expanded to 1.6 miles in 2022, include Improvements to safety areas, enhancements to the track surface, and upgrades to the pits.
The President reiterated that the initiative’s long-term success will require regional integration, support from partners such as Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, and crucial private sector backing.
A formal announcement is anticipated later this year at a gala celebrating the GMR&SC’s 70 years of motor racing in Guyana.