Persaud’s Lotus highlights Race of Champions

A familiar sight! Vishok Persaud’s Lotus Exige comfortably led all of his races at the second  GMR&SC National Race of Champions at the South Dakota Circuit, yesterday. (Royston Alkins Photo)
A familiar sight! Vishok Persaud’s Lotus Exige comfortably led all of his races at the second GMR&SC National Race of Champions at the South Dakota Circuit, yesterday. (Royston Alkins Photo)

Vishok Persaud humbled in his Lotus Exige humbled the grid at the second Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) National Race of Champions at the South Dakota Circuit, yesterday.

Persaud’s Lotus, which sports a Honda K20 engine, was a joy to watch as he sped to two wins in the Group Three class and a third place finish, only because his machine spun out of control handing Adrian Fernandes a consolation win.

Persaud, in his Lotus, took the turns smoothly and gassed his engine on the straight to easily separate himself as one of the most skillful drivers on the day. The driver, after the championship, said that he was satisfied and even moreso finishing his races.

“I’m just happy to finish all three races which is something I’m unaccustomed to,” Persaud said.

Meanwhile, Azaad Hassan, who was the other top performer on the day, drove off with six wins in the Group One class to end the championships with his reputation enhanced.

Hassan had little trouble manoeuvering his car away from the field to comfortably win most of his races.

The super bikers, however, had a torrid day owing to the wet racing surface which scripted two freak accidents.

The only Supersport class A biker’s event was won by Heemand Boodhram ahead of favorite Mathhew Vieira.

Boodhram was able to snatch the chequered flag only after Kevin Persaud, who won all three of the bikers events at the last championships, crashed when he turned on the straightway. Persaud, who led the race before his accident, was unable to finish. He was one of the major disappointments for the fans.

The final super biker event had to be cancelled after Boodhram found himself in a horrific accident during the warmup lap which saw him being rushed to the city for further medical attention.