Kristian Jeffrey targets GT Challenge glory as “historic” series comes to Guyana

Guyanese racing ace Kristian Jeffrey is gearing up for what he calls a “historic moment” for motorsport in the region, as the prestigious GT Challenge Series prepares to make its debut at the South Dakota Circuit.
The arrival of the Latin American series marks a significant milestone for Guyana, promising to bring high-calibre machinery, including Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and McLarens, to local soil. For Jeffrey, the last Guyanese driver to claim an international championship with the Radical Caribbean series, the event is the realisation of a long-held dream.
“This is huge for Guyana,” Jeffrey said. “I’ve been racing internationally and always wanted to see cars of this calibre compete in our region. It’s definitely going to be eye-catching… things we dreamed of seeing are now becoming a reality.”
Beyond the spectacle, Jeffrey highlighted the potential economic impact, noting that the multi-year deal for the series will “attract a lot of tourism” and ensure fans get their money’s worth.

Stepping Up to GT3
To meet the elevated level of competition, Jeffrey and his team are making a bold move into the GT3 class. The decision shifts their focus significantly toward endurance and reliability, essential factors for the series’ 20- to 40-minute race formats.
“To first win, you must first finish,” Jeffrey emphasised. “It doesn’t mean that we are done with our current cars, but with the level of competition, we had to find a more reliable package for the extent of the races.”
The team are currently in final negotiations to select their new vehicle, with a decision expected this week. Jeffrey revealed that he is working alongside experts from England, with the clear intention of winning.

Preparation and “Hunger”
Jeffrey’s preparation for the 2026 season began last year, with a rigorous focus on physical conditioning to meet the demands of endurance racing. He has joined the KFC Evolution Cycling Team to boost his cardiovascular fitness and engaged in daily strength training with fitness experts Tariq Dakhil and World Champion Rosanna Fung at BPM.
He credits his fiancé for managing his nutritional needs, ensuring his recovery aligns with his intense training regimen.
Despite his history of dominance, Jeffrey dismisses the idea of pressure. “When you have been there and done that, there isn’t any pressure,” he stated. “I don’t race to make up numbers… preparation is key, and I’m hungry and ready for competition.”

A Sustainable Future
Looking at the broader picture, Jeffrey sees the event as a critical step in the evolution of local motorsport. He anticipates a grid of 20 to 25 cars across multiple classes but stresses the importance of sustainability.
“It will definitely be a historical moment for Guyanese, being the first major championship,” Jeffrey noted. “But it’s important to make it sustainable so we can have the series here for longer periods. I’m looking to put Guyana on the map at this event.”