THE throttle is wide open and paddock tension is reaching boiling point as nearly 30 riders prepare to storm the South Dakota Circuit this Sunday, November 1, across a blockbuster programme featuring the 1000cc, 600cc, and Street Bike classes.
With regional supremacy on the line at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) Caribbean Clash of Champions, the rivalry between marquee stables Team GuyAmerica and One Guyana Racing has shifted into overdrive following a media conference on Wednesday.
Leading the charge for One Guyana Racing is marquee international star Loris Baz, whose elite pedigree brings unmatched world-championship calibre to the front of the grid.
Baz quickly acknowledged the unique intensity and passion awaiting him on Guyanese tarmac. “There is not many places in the world that bring this kind of energy and atmosphere trackside,” Baz said.
Team GuyAmerica, however, arrives with an uncompromising counterpunch, fielding a formidable trio of overseas heavyweights: British Superbike victor Richard Cooper, Daniel Linfoot, and world endurance standout Gregg Black.
Cooper made his intentions clear as the team finalised their baseline setup for the high-speed layout.
The local pride on display will be every bit as relentless, particularly in the cut-throat 600cc division where Guyanese standout Matthew Vieira looks to exploit every inch of local circuit knowledge to hold off the international onslaught.
Adding fuel to the competitive fire, GMR&SC Vice-President Alain Hopkinson issued an emphatic personal challenge to the entire paddock ahead of race day.