‘High-level’ track inspection clears South Dakota Circuit to host GT Challenge de las Américas

Motorsport in Guyana is on the precipice of its most significant technical overhaul in decades, as the South Dakota Circuit prepares to join the prestigious GT Challenge de las Américas calendar.

Following a high-level “track walk” and technical inspection on Thursday, officials have confirmed that the circuit is set for a historic modernisation programme to meet the stringent safety and performance standards required for international GT racing.

The inspection was led by Eduardo Aguilar, Director of the GT Challenge series, alongside Caribbean franchise holder Franklyn Boodram.

They were joined by Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMRSC) President Mahendra Boodhoo to finalise the blueprint for what is being described as a “new era” for the region.

Aguilar’s assessment of the current layout was overwhelmingly positive, though he was quick to point out that the transition from a regional club circuit to an international GT venue requires surgical precision.

“The track has the capabilities,” Aguilar noted, echoing the sentiments of drivers who have long praised South Dakota’s flow. “It is fast. With some minor improvements, we will be ready to get the series going here.”

While the DNA of the track remains intact, the “minor improvements” Aguilar refers to are significant engineering undertakings designed to handle the high downforce and mechanical grip of modern GT machinery.

The upgrades focus on three critical pillars of modern circuit design: safety, speed, and logistical flow.

According to Franklyn Boodram, the primary goal is to increase average lap speeds while maintaining the circuit’s “punishing” nature, which rewards bravery.

The technical “To-Do” list includes:

• Aggressive Curb Profiling: Extension and rehabilitation of existing curbs to allow drivers to carry a minimum corner speed without compromising the car’s floor.
• Active Pit Lane Re-entry: The creation of a dedicated, high-speed pit exit that will see cars rejoin the main straight in a configuration more akin to FIA Grade 3 standards.
• Safety Cell Enhancements: Strategic updates to barrier placement and runoff zones to mitigate the risks associated with the higher entry speeds expected from the GT field.

For GMRSC President Mahendra Boodhoo, the project is about more than just asphalt; it is about “motorsport tourism.” Boodhoo confirmed that crews are already on-site, with physical work on the curbs having already commenced.

“We expect fans from Latin America, the US, and the Caribbean to converge at South Dakota,” Boodhoo said. “Furthermore, race engineers from Europe will be travelling in to support the teams.”

To meet the expectations of this international “paddock,” the club plans to introduce premium hospitality suites that mirror the VIP experiences at major global events.

As South Dakota moves from the local stage to the international spotlight, the message from the GMRSC is clear: the facility is no longer just a racetrack—it is becoming a global motorsport asset. (Modified GMR&SC press release)