2016 is a year etched deeply into the memory of young motor biker Matthew Vieira since he had many solo rides around various tracks, savouring the winning feeling with the chequered flag, and knowing ultimately he would be crowned Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) Super Stock champion.
Well, in 2017, his fortunes changed vastly. An accident impeded much of his participation for the year and then former MotoAmerica Champion Bryce Prince, who rides under the Team Mohamed’s banner for Guyana, unleashed a beastly performance to win the title.
Number 48 was in sublime form at the National Race of Champions held in March (GT Ridez Photo)
Prince, along with British teammate Matt Truelove, who rode a Super Biker but is understood to be making a switch to the 600cc action, were simply a step above the annual “local competition” that Vieira came to dominate.
Based on reports, Prince will not be making the trip to Jamaica for the first round CMRC at the Jamwest Circuit in Jamaica from May 12-13, which opens the door marginally for Vieira to stage a challenge for the title, albeit Truelove will be in action.
“I was actually looking forward to racing with Bryce in Jamaica. I would’ve learned a lot from a professional rider. I’m confident that my chances are really good to win a race there, but there are other skilled racers and you know it’s racing, anything could happen,” he conveyed to Guyana Times Sport on Tuesday.
He went on to state, “It feels great to get back into my suit and also to race on a different track. I plan to fight hard for the championship.”
Jamwest is known for more high-speed action due to longer straightaways, and the 20 year-old is banking on his previous knowledge to bring the desired results.
“I’ve been looking at a lot of Jamwest race videos and training to get into physical shape for the race and I think I’m ready. I was in Jamaica in 2016 and didn’t really get a lot of practice there, but I’m sure we’ll be fine,” the son of veteran car racer Mark Vieira declared while expressing gratitude for the support of Houston Industrial Services and Company (HISCo) and Fly Jamaica.
Close to 20 bikers are expected to take the grid for this weekend’s test of speed, which will also see Guyana being represented by Paul Yearwood, Raveiro Tucker, John Bennett, and the recent addition of LeRoy Cort; Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club President Ramez Mohamed is the lone driver on the team.
