Nazim Gafoor eager to face new challenge in Group 3

By Akeem Greene

Guyanese race car driver Nazim Gafoor is eager to face the new challenge of the Group three category in the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) 2016 after making a switch from the Group two.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport on Wednesday, Gafoor explained that he has made some changes to his car to make it more suited for the category.

“I was in group two before but I choose to go to group three because the car is better suited there. Additionally,

we did an engine swap and the car is now powered by a 13B Mazda rotary engine,” Gafoor explained.

The former Drag racer revealed that he plans to give his best in the new category amidst the stiff competition.

“It’s a big challenge, and I will give it 100%, so once my car is going good, I think I will be right up at the top.” said Gafoor.

Gaffor who has been in race car driving for about three years now expects to put his Mazda Miata to the test at a track that will be challenging.

The driver said, “I had enough practice here but no race experience with this new set up, the track is different in Jamaica, it’s faster, with much more corners so that is bit of a challenge but I just have to be prepared to give my best.”

The young driver who is sponsored by Grand Sports Automotive Sales and Services expects a tough contest even from his own countrymen but being determined to win will be vital.

“There are a lot of drivers who have determination and skill so I would certainly have to be more determined than them, but a lot of times it comes down to luck”, Gafoor posited.

Team Guyana Wings Out

“We are leaving tonight [Wednesday] when we reach we will rest and then hopefully get our cars early and hit the track to start practicing and see the changes that have to be made, because the suspensions would have to be set to suit the track because of the huge difference from South Dakota.” Gafoor revealed to this publication.

He added, “It’s pretty sad we don’t have a lot of cars going but I think we have some good drivers and once everybody performs to their best we will give a challenge as we did for the past two years.”

The Guyanese contingent for the SeaBoard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) left these shores on Wednesday destined for Jamaica for the first leg of the Champions which will be held at the Jamwest Circuit on May 21 and 22.

Guyana are the reigning overall champions and will want to defend their title as will two-time CMRC Group Four Champion Driver Kristian Jeffrey who is set to lead the pack of drivers in his Mitsubishi Evolution.

Kristain will be backed his father and veteran driver Kevin Jeffrey (Group 4), Rameez Mohammed (Group 3), Danny Persaud (Group 3 and 4), Mohan Rangasammy (Group 4) and Gafoor.

In the bikers category, defending Champion Elliot Vieira along with his cousins Stephen and Matthew Vieira will join forces with Leroy Cort and together will look secure valuable points for Guyana.

After the Jamaican leg, the racers will turn their attention to the Wallerfield circuit in Trinidad and Tobago, followed by the Bushy Park Circuit in Barbados and then the final leg at the local South Dakota Circuit. ([email protected])