While competitors are busy whipping themselves into shape and getting their machines to peak, the government and corporate Guyana have embraced the highly anticipated Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) ENet Caribbean Clash of Champions.
The mega showpiece, featuring drivers and riders from Guyana, the Caribbean and further afield, is set for November 5 at the South Dakota Circuit, with a billing of the ‘Greatest Race of All Time.’
At the official launch, dubbed ‘Road to Races’ at the weekend at the New Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown, senior government functionaries and members of the business community were present in a massive show of support for the marque year-end race.
Among those present were Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill and Local Government Minister Anand Persaud.
Landmark event
Government’s support to motor-racing has been continuous, having played a major role in the upgrade and extension of the now 1.6-mile track, prior to the November race meet last year.
Dr. Singh viewed the major undertaking as a massive factor in diversifying the tourism packages that Guyana has to offer.
“From my perspective in government, increasingly we see these events as landmark events in the annual calendar,” Dr. Singh commented as he drew a nexus with the overwhelming success of the Cricket Carnival activities held to coincide with Guyana’s hosting of the CPL Finals over the last two years.
“With the Clash of Champions of the 5th of November we anticipate that it’s a good opportunity for lots of associated activities. This is what we want; we want to encourage more of this kind of activity.
“It is in fact for this reason the government entered a strategic partnership with the GMR&SC, through which we invested in expanding the track because we see the potential of motor-racing. We see Guyana’s potential to be the capital of motor-racing in the Caribbean.”
A proven product
Sport Minister Ramson Jr. echoed similar sentiments as he hailed the economic impact of the November race meet.
“It has proven itself over decades,” Ramson Jr. asserted.
“I don’t think anybody who started with racing back then really thought about the impact it could have on the economy, but governments pay attention to those things, and that’s one of the reasons we see where the opportunities are for strong partnerships and this is one of the areas we consider to be important.”
“It’s got a massive following, rightly so, and I think over the years that has really shown itself that it’s a valued type of event that will continue to build and grow, once it’s got the right partnership.”
Sport Tourism product
President of the GMR&SC Mahendra ‘Raj’ Boodhoo said the November race meet is a colossal project that is not just about racing, but its value as a great marketing tool for the country via its Sport Tourism appeal.
“An event of this magnitude is a huge undertaking and requires all hands on deck,” Boodhoo indicated.
“Indeed, for it to be successful we need the support, and we have received that from the government and corporate Guyana for this upcoming event.”
Boodhoo added that it is important to have buy-in from all the key stakeholders, as the impact of their investment is felt beyond the race track.
“We’re thankful for the overwhelming response from all our partners and stakeholders and we look forward to their continued alliance in developing and expanding motorsport in Guyana.”
“It is important we have that partnership and more critically, be able to sustain it.”
Massive support
TITLE SPONSOR: ENet
PARTNERS: Tropical Shipping, AJM Enterprise, Massy Motors, Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc., Prem’s Electrical, Torginol Paints Inc. and AmCham Guyana
SPONSORS: B.M. Soat Auto Sales and Rentals, Automotive Arts, ECV Investments Limited, Stamina Energy, SBM Offshore, Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire and Life Insurance Companies, John Fernandes, Cyril’s Transportation Service, SOL, Precision Service Centre, Demerara Bank Limited, SVC Inc., Jeep, Tradewind Automotive Inc., Reliance Inc., KOBELCO, Agri Heavy Machinery Inc., Nabi Construction, Readymix and MG
MEDIA: News Room, HJ 94.1 FM, Ogle + Stone, NCN, Boost High Octane, NTN Radio and Television and Impressions.
Race fans can expect a day filled with high-speed action, nail-biting competition, and unforgettable moments.
This event is a must-attend for anyone passionate about motorsport and looking for a thrilling day at the racetrack.
Races get underway at 11:00h on November 5, with rivalry in Group 4, Group 3, Group 2, Starlet Cup, Sports Tuner, Street Tuner and Superstock and Supersport bikes.
Pre-sale tickets are available at G$3,000 (adults) and G$1,000 (children).
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