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With the historic hosting of the GT Challenge de las Américas series just over three months away, the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) has begun the mammoth task of bringing the South Dakota Circuit into 21st century standard.
Following the announcement and subsequent track visit by officials of the GT Challenge de las Américas, along with government representatives and club executives, major infrastructure upgrades were mandated if the club is to honour its commitment to host the series at the Mecca of Caribbean motorsport.
The magnitude of the work required to bring the venue up to standard, coupled with an aggressive programme by the newly elected executive of the GMR&SC, means the club’s calendar of events must be adjusted, according to President Mohamed Shairaz Roshandin.
“The sheer volume of work outlined to us by the organisers of the GT3 class of racing ahead of the July event means that, as a club, we have had to make the difficult decision to postpone the first round of the circuit racing championship, which was initially set for April 12,” Roshandin said.
“It’s not something we want to do, but given the scope of work required to modernise our South Dakota track, even with resources working around the clock, we would not be able to complete the works in time for the April 12 event,” the GMR&SC boss added.
He noted that the club is in the process of identifying a suitable replacement date and will keep fans and racers updated.
Among the slew of upgrades are a complete revamp of the entire front straight to accommodate the calibre of racing expected in July, the removal and replacement of several kerbs within the track perimeter, and the lengthening of the pit straight.
“For now, to put it in layman’s terms, we have to renovate about 70 per cent of the front stretch. All the old fencing between the pit and the front straight has to be uprooted and replaced with a solid concrete pit wall and catch fencing. We are talking about at least a quarter- to half-mile of work where we need to construct a structure in keeping with the prescribed guidelines,” he explained.
“In addition to that, we must create what is deemed a ‘hot lane’ where cars can enter the pit area, alongside the normal garage-style space.”
Roshandin stressed that these works are mandatory if Guyana is to host events such as the 2026 GT Challenge de las Américas and other regional series — something the current executive is actively pursuing.
The upgrades, he said, will significantly enhance local motorsport.
“Once these works are completed, drivers and riders will have a facility that is up to standard and on par with most, if not all, circuits in the Caribbean and Latin America.
This will open the door for competitors to hone their skills. Something as simple as having the correct height and style of kerbs can unlock higher cornering speeds and improved racing lines, ultimately producing better, more agile competitors.
“They will then be able to translate that experience when competing at other racing venues in the Caribbean and beyond, and no longer be on the back foot.
“We’ve already begun the work because the clock is ticking. We have deadlines to meet. They are ambitious, but with the team backing me, along with the support of the Government of Guyana and private-sector racing stakeholders, I have no doubt we will get this done.”
Guyana will host the third round of the championship from July 11–12, 2026.
