Vieira endorses Boodhoo for re-election, cites golden opportunity for Guyana’s motorsport

Veteran racing champion Mark Vieira has officially thrown his weight behind Mahendra Boodhoo for re-election as President of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC).

In a statement emphasising the high stakes of the upcoming vote, Vieira framed the election as a defining moment that will shape the sport’s trajectory for the next decade.

Vieira described the current era of Guyanese racing as a golden opportunity, one that requires experienced leadership for it to be fully realised. He cautioned that while the potential for growth is immense, it is also fragile.

He noted that the right leadership could push the sport 10 years into the future, whereas a move in the wrong direction could just as easily push the sport 10 years back if the wrong hands are at the helm.

The endorsement is rooted in years of hands-on involvement at the South Dakota Circuit. Vieira pointed out that the progress seen today is the result of deep personal commitment rather than just administrative policy.

He spoke candidly about the manual labour and financial commitment required to complete the track extension, noting that he is often at the facility before every race meet, helping to cut the grass and ensure the work gets done. According to Vieira, the community invests personal time, resources, and finances because they believe in the sport’s potential.

A major pillar of the re-election platform is the completion of the international-standard drag strip. Vieira addressed the project directly, acknowledging the complexities involved in such a massive undertaking.

He confirmed that while work has already started, these developments do not happen overnight and require significant funding to meet global standards.

The goal, according to Vieira, is to bring the final of an international drag racing championship to Guyana. He emphasised that for an event of that magnitude to occur, the facility must be finished correctly. He stated firmly that the project must get done and that there is no “if” or “but” about that commitment.

Furthermore, Vieira highlighted the upcoming GT Challenge de las Américas, scheduled to take place in Guyana in July 2026. This prestigious series, featuring elite GT3 machinery from brands like Ferrari and Porsche, represents the first international series in the country since the end of the CMRC.

Vieira noted that hosting a series of this caliber is a massive undertaking that requires the stability Boodhoo provides to ensure Guyana remains a hub for international motorsport excellence.

As the GMR&SC prepares for the polls, Vieira’s message to the membership is clear: continuity and proven dedication are the only ways to safeguard the investments made by drivers, riders, and fans alike.

With international eyes turning toward Guyana’s racing scene, the veteran driver believes that sticking with the current vision is the only way to ensure the sport continues to accelerate.

Editor’s Note: The &SC 34^th Annual General Meeting of the GMR&SC is slated for February 21, 2026, at 18:00h at the club’s headquarters at Thomas Road and Albert Street, Georgetown. Current Vice-President Mohamad Shairaz Roshandin confirmed to News Room on Sunday his intention to challenge Boodhoo for the top post.