President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced ambitious plans to invest significantly in the country’s motorsport infrastructure as Guyana aims to become a key regional hub for elite motor racing, potentially hosting a major GT3 series from 2026.
Speaking on the rise of sport in Guyana, President Ali confirmed motor racing is a premier focus, stating: “We are looking for regional, global opportunities that are larger in scale than what we have now.”
Discussions are ongoing with the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) to secure a high-profile event next year. The president has committed serious government funding to the project.
“We will definitely target something big next year; we will invest close to $300M in the facility to get it to the standard where we want it to be and integrate it into the tourism product.”
This investment is not a short-term measure. The government plans a three to five-year commitment to bringing the “best in Latin America and the Caribbean” to the nation.
While exact details remain under wraps, it is understood that a joint effort is underway to bring the GT Challenge de las Américas- a high-performance GT3 racing series- to the South Dakota Circuit starting in 2026.
Current GMR&SC President Mahendra ‘Raj’ is leading the drive to have the series in Guyana, with support from Trinidad and Tobago racing stalwart Franklyn Boodram.
An initial three-year commitment to the championship is being sought.
The decision to focus on the GT3 format is a significant move for the GMR&SC, aligning the region with the global benchmark for production-based racing.
This category features globally renowned, high-specification machinery from manufacturers like Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren, Audi and Porsche.
By embracing this standard, the GMR&SC hopes to attract greater international investment, lure top driving talent, significantly enhance Guyana’s sports tourism opportunities, and integrate tourism.
President Ali emphasised the broader economic goals behind the sporting investment.
“We are investing in sport, but sport from a different perspective; not only for those who are participating but also from a tourism perspective,” he said, noting that sporting infrastructure is now being integrated with tourism across the country.
President Ali has asked former GMR&SC President and current Group Four driver Vishok Persaud to head the fusion of ideas between the Government, the private sector, and the racing community to develop this opportunity.
The South Dakota Circuit’s planned upgrades include improvements to safety areas, the track surface, and the pits.
The president aims to ensure a “dynamic ecosystem” where families can enjoy racing alongside other activities.
In 2022, a massive strategic partnership led by Boodhoo saw the track expanded to 1.6 miles.
Boodhoo is expected to play a key role and is also helping to gain support, as the magnitude of the 2026 event will require invaluable private sector support.
A formal announcement is expected later this year at a gala hosted by the GMR&SC to celebrate 70 years of motor racing in Guyana.
President Ali reiterated the long-term vision, stating that the initiative’s success will require regional integration from partners such as Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.
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