Atkinson arrives early

Oct 11, 2008 Sports

-to be part of the Hits and Jams Car & Bike Show

The Canadian speedster spins off the track on the clubhouse turn during his last visit to Guyana.

By Rawle Welch
Leaving nothing to chance Canadian motor bike racer Craig Atkinson arrived in Guyana almost three weeks before the season ending Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club International Race Meeting which is scheduled to be staged on November 2, at the South Dakota Circuit.

Atkinson, who had been plagued by health problems in the past, told Kaieteur Sport that his early arrival is to get acclimatize to the weather and altitude in Guyana, citing the two as among the main difficulties that severely affected his ability to perform well in the past.

“Right now I’m constantly in the GMR&SC gym working on maintaining my fitness and doing a lot of cardiovascular exercises to ensure that I remain fit and healthy leading into the race day,” he disclosed.

The Canadian, who has been overshadowed by his fellow countryman Kevin Graham, also indicated that another explanation for his entry into the country this early was to get his racing machine up to the level of preparation that would optimize his chances of doing well at the upcoming Meeting.

“I really suffered from not being able to put together the machine satisfactorily in the past due to my late arrival, but with the early appearance I’m sure we’ll be complete and up to the required level to gain some positive results.”

The suspension and chassis specialist said he has already started work on his bike and plans to get in some valuable practice sessions very soon.

“Right now, I’m doing a lot of bike work that is fitting it up and I’m also making an appeal to anyone of my opponents who needs help they can call on me.”

Responding to questions about his chances should Graham not make an appearance, Atkinson said there are a few other elements to his answer.

“First of all, I’ve beaten Kevin in the past if I recall correctly it was in 2003 when everything went right and even if he does not present himself, Guyana now has a lot of promising riders such as Stephen (Vieira), Gregory (Lopes) and Carlos (Rodrigues) and they are all highly skilled riders who’ve stepped up their game,” Atkinson acknowledged.

The speed ace disclosed that he is interested in securing a sponsor and pleaded with the business community to come forward and offer their support.

He is expected to appear on the Hits and Jams Car & Bike Show slated for later this month where he will display his bike and interact with the fans.

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