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Guyanese optimistic of maintaining lead at CMRC
Guyana’s Kevin Jeffrey (left) and Omar Crespo, who tunes his car seen at the last Race Meet.
A strong Guyana contingent left yesterday morning to participate in the second leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) which is scheduled to take place, at Bushy Park, Barbados.
The team is being led by veteran racer Andrew King and includes Kevin Jeffrey, Mark Vieira, Paul Vieira, Shawn King, Jad and Ryan Rahaman and Super Bike racers Stephen Vieira and Canada-based Kevin Graham.
Guyana, who has 64 points currently, leads the CMRC Series followed by Jamaica on 56 and Barbados in the cellar on 16 after a poor first round showing in Jamaica.
Jeffrey, who produced a solid performance lies third on 24 points just six adrift of current leader Jamaican David Summerbell Jr. with the maximum 30 and two behind another Jamaican Peter Rae.
Mark Vieira on 22 points occupies the fourth spot overall, while his brother Paul added a vital 18 points to the team’s tally.
Kaieteur Sport caught up with some of the drivers for their comments about their individual chances and that of Guyana’s with the final leg set for November right here at the South Dakota Circuit.
Paul Vieira- Paul drives a Mazda RX7 and will be competing in the two-wheel drive Group 4 category.
He told this newspaper that he has never competed on the track before, but from all reports believes that it will suit his car and style of driving. “My car is working well and I say this judging from its performance at our last Meet just over a month ago so I feel that my chance is as good as any other in my category,” he said.
Vieira noted that from what he had heard, the track is ideally suited for his car as compared with the Circuit in Jamaica which is much bigger with a much longer straightway that requires supreme horsepower.
Touching on who holds the key to a good performance for the Guyanese team, Vieira said that even though King suffered badly from mechanical problems that ruled him out of contention the entire day, he will still be a factor due to his experience of the track and his skills.
He singled out Jamaica’s Peter Rae, who performed outstandingly on his home turf as the man to beat. “His car performed well back home and it should find favour at Bushy Park as well.” He, however, felt that Guyana is taking a strong team and once there are no mechanical setbacks should maintain their lead heading back home.
Mark Vieira- He lies second in the points standing in the two-wheel driven cars and according to him the aim is to improve on that at Sunday’s Meet.
Though not entirely satisfied with the performance of the car which he described as a work in progress, Vieira said that they are hoping to keep Rae at the back of them throughout the day. He disclosed that some work was done on the machine since the last Meet, but niggles the have not been totally settled as yet. “I’m still not up to full speed as yet to become very competitive, but I’m optimistic that we will do well come Sunday,” Vieira said. He feels that the team possesses the strength and depth to keep their quest to win the country title on track.
Jeffrey- He pointed out that on his two previous visits he was not as prepared as he is now, adding that fans should expect a much better display this time.
“This time I think that I’m much more prepared, I did a lot of driving on the Shifter Karts which helped my reflexes and hand, eye co-ordination so I feel more confident now than before,” Jeffrey revealed.
He said that Guyana stands an excellent chance of doing well and head back home firmly placed in pole position for the overall title.
“You must remember that we got the lead without the contribution of Andrew (King) and you know he is definitely going to be one of our key drivers at this Meet,” Jeffrey reasoned. He added that he is silently optimistic that he could duplicate or even exceed his performance in Jamaica.
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