South Dakota Circuit set for upgrades ahead of GT Challenge

The South Dakota Circuit in Guyana is set for a major upgrade after a comprehensive inspection this week aimed at preparing the facility for international motorsport competition.
A delegation led by Eduardo Aguilar, Director of the GT Challenge de las Américas, and Franklyn Boodram, the Caribbean franchise holder for the series, visited the circuit on Thursday to assess its readiness to host the championship. They were hosted by officials of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMRSC), headed by President Mahendra Boodhoo.
The inspection focused on identifying upgrades needed to meet the technical and safety standards required for the GT Challenge series, which features high-performance racing cars and attracts teams from across the Americas.
Following the assessment, Aguilar said the circuit already has strong fundamentals and could host top-tier racing with targeted improvements.
“The track has the capabilities. It is fast, and with some minor improvements, we will be ready to get the series going here,” Aguilar stated.
Planned upgrades are expected to improve safety while also increasing the circuit’s competitiveness and average lap speeds, according to Boodram.
Key works identified include the extension and rehabilitation of curbs to improve cornering and define track limits, the creation of an active pit lane that allows cars to safely rejoin the main straight, and enhancements to barriers and runoff areas to protect drivers and spectators.
GMRSC President Mahendra Boodhoo said the club has endorsed the recommendations and has already begun physical work at the facility.
“This will be a major motorsport attraction. We expect fans from Latin America, the US, and the Caribbean to converge at South Dakota. Furthermore, race engineers from Europe will be travelling in to support the teams,” Boodhoo said.
He added that the club plans to introduce premium hospitality stands to accommodate international visitors and VIPs, aligning the spectator experience with global motorsport events.
The collaboration between the GT Challenge de las Américas and the GMRSC marks a significant step toward positioning Guyana on the international motorsport calendar, with construction now under way to bring the South Dakota Circuit up to international standards.