New timing system introduced for Sunday’s showdown: Up to 300 races on cards for Berbice drag meet

Motor racing fans could be treated to as many as 300 races when the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) stages its latest drag-racing event at the East Canje, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) airstrip in Region Six on Sunday.

The October 11 event is expected to feature both cars and motorcycles battling over the quarter mile, with organisers also introducing a new timing-based system to determine the classes in which competitors will race.
GMR&SC President Mohamad Shairaz Roshandin said more than 100 competitors registered for last year’s event, and the elimination format means the number of races could increase significantly as the competition progresses.
“The last time we had over 100 competitors registered, so it’s two cars going down together. So just for all of them to have at least one race, you’re looking at 50,” Roshandin explained.
“And for elimination purposes, that will multiply tremendously. It will reach maybe 200 to 300 races.”
One of the major changes for this year’s event is the method being used to classify competitors.
Last year, cars were grouped according to the cubic capacity of their engines. This time, Roshandin said, a timing system will classify competitors according to how quickly they complete the quarter mile.
“The last time we did what we did, we were just classing cars according to the cubic capacity of the engine. This time around we’re working with a timing system which classes you depending on how fast you can finish a quarter mile,” he explained.

The system will allow cars to be grouped into classes ranging from 16 seconds down to 11 seconds, with organisers also considering a 10-second class.
Motorcycles, meanwhile, will compete in 600cc and 1000cc classes.
Roshandin noted, however, that the surface at the East Canje airstrip will place some limitations on the type of high-powered cars that can compete.
“The surface down here is not asphalt; it’s concrete. It’s a bit rough, so the higher-power cars can’t really drive on it,” the GMR&SC boss explained.
Nevertheless, he said organisers intend to have the highest-powered machines that are suitable for the surface participate in Sunday’s event.
The GMR&SC is hoping to build on the success of last year’s staging and establish the Berbice drag meet as an annual event.
Roshandin said apart from providing entertainment for motor-racing enthusiasts in Berbice, the event has the potential to contribute to the county’s tourism sector and wider economy by attracting patrons and competitors from other parts of Guyana and neighbouring Suriname.
“We want to bring the entertainment and excitement for the people of Berbice and also let that help with the tourism sector and also help with the economy in Berbice, where people will come from Georgetown; those will come across from Suriname, and, you know, it will add to the economy in Berbice,” he noted.
Organisers are also seeking to improve arrangements for patrons after assessing the system used during last year’s event.
Roshandin explained that vehicles were previously parked along the road, with shuttle buses transporting patrons into the venue.
This time, designated parking areas are being identified, and signs will be erected to guide motorists. Shuttle buses will again be used to transport patrons from the parking areas to the airstrip.
“We’re trying to improve on that,” Roshandin shared. “We’re going to put up parking signs… so you know that area you can go park, and there will be a shuttle bus there or two to just shuttle you all the way in.”
He described last year’s arrangements as a “trial”, noting that organisers are seeking to improve the system this time around.
Safety and security arrangements are also being put in place.
The East Canje airstrip has dams on both sides, with a canal alongside the racing area. According to Roshandin, spectators will be positioned beyond fencing on the dams, providing separation between them and the racing strip.
Police will also be on hand to direct and control activities in the area, while private security personnel are expected to assist with ensuring the smooth movement of vehicles.
Tickets for Sunday’s event will be sold at the gate.
The gates are scheduled to open at 07:00h, while qualifying and racing will get underway at 10:00h. (G-4)