Legendary Guyanese motorsport figure Errol Tenpow, a pioneer of international motorcycle racing and a pillar of the Tenpow racing family, was remembered as a gentleman, mentor and true sporting icon at a memorial hosted by the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) on Friday evening.

Tenpow passed away in Canada late last week, leaving behind a legacy that spans generations of racers, mechanics and motorsport enthusiasts.

Family members, club executives, race officials and motorsport stalwarts gathered at the club’s Thomaslands and Albert Street office to celebrate his life and contributions to the sport.

Tenpow made history when he competed in the 1981 Daytona 200 series aboard a Yamaha. According to his brother Brian, he remains the only rider in the club’s history to have won at the historic Daytona motorcycle circuit, establishing himself as a trailblazer for Guyanese competitors abroad.

Brian remembered his brother as a protective and caring sibling whose influence extended well beyond racing. He also credited Errol and their brother Elson with shaping his own motorsport journey, saying the lessons they taught him continue to guide his work in engine tuning, vehicle preparation and driver development.

Former GMR&SC president Stanley Ming recalled admiring the Tenpow brothers as a schoolboy, often visiting their Waterloo Street shop to watch them work on motorcycles. Having known Errol for more than 60 years, Ming described him as friendly, approachable and a superb representative of motorsport.

Another former president, Vishok Persaud, praised Tenpow’s technical expertise and unwavering commitment to racing. He recalled Tenpow restoring his 1989 Lotus Esprit to working condition, describing the experience as a lasting testament to his remarkable mechanical skills.

Current GMR&SC president Mohamed Shairaz Roshandin also credited Tenpow with playing a major role in his development as a driver. He recalled receiving guidance on engine preparation, vehicle handling and navigating racetrack corners, with Tenpow continuing to follow his progress after every event.

Tenpow’s passing marks the loss of a pioneering competitor and dedicated mentor. His achievements, mechanical expertise and generosity will remain an enduring part of Guyana’s motorsport history.