Canadian racers warm up in south

From Golo Racing

On Feb. 17 round 1 of the Guyana National Motor Racing Championship was held at South Dakota Circuit in Guyana, South America.

Bike and car racers from all over the Caribbean, US and Canada wowed over 10,000 spectators at The Mashramini Race of Champions, presented by GT&T Blue Power, Carib Beer, Sunburst Orange Juice and Autofashion.

Once again representing Canada in the Superbike catagory were Orion Motorsports/Pirelli Tires distributor Kevin Graham and Acme Slate/Yamaha Team rider Craig Atkinson.

Originally scheduled for four superbike events, race day was slightly marred by inclement weather resulting in only two races for the big bikes. After previously qualifying on pole position, Graham once again dominated the field, bringing his Sunburst Orange Juice Kawasaki ZX-10 to two convincing wins.

After some serious complications with his Yamaha R1, Atkinson fought a hard fight aboard a borrowed R6 to complete both races in a well deserved fourth place.

"I've really got to hand it to Sunburst Orange Juice and the good folks at GMR&SC (Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club)," Atkinson said. "Without their support and dedication, I wouldn't even be here. They, along with their fans and spectators are true motorsport die-hards, some of the most dedicated I have ever known. It's truly an honour and a privilege to race for them."

Plans are in the works that will see local fast guys Stephen Vieira and Robyn Lall visit Canada this summer to try their hand at some Parts Canada Superbike and RACE regional events.

Meanwhile, round 1 of the first ever All Caribbean Championship Series will be taking place at the daunting and world famous Dover Raceway in Jamaica on May 25, followed by rounds in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.