Government backs upgrades to South Dakota Circuit ahead of GT Challenge de las Américas

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar and Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs led an evaluation of the South Dakota Circuit on Thursday.

The inspection marks a strategic partnership between the government and the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) as they prepare for the GT Challenge de las Américas on July 11-12.

The event marks a historic first for the region, as Guyana becomes the first English-speaking nation to host the prestigious series, with an anticipated influx of 4,000 to 5,000 international visitors.

“In collaboration with the GMR&SC, we continue advancing motorsport development as we prepare for this historic event,” stated Minister Jacobs, underscoring the administration’s commitment to the sport’s growth.

Recently elected GMR&SC President, Mohamad Shairaz Roshandin, welcomed the ministerial visit, noting that the club’s goals are perfectly aligned with the vision of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali to establish Guyana as a premier sports and entertainment hub for the Caribbean.

“We are elated to have the government as a vital partner,” Roshandin commented. “Our vision is to make Guyana the premier destination for motorsport in the region.”

To accommodate the high-performance GT3 and GT4 machinery expected on the grid—featuring marques such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Porsche—the circuit will undergo a rigorous upgrade phase starting this weekend.

The technical directives, initially established during a January inspection by GT Challenge Director Eduardo Aguilar and franchise holder Franklyn Boodram, focus on three critical pillars: Safety, Speed, and Logistical Flow.

The GMR&SC President confirmed that the track will be temporarily closed to facilitate the following works:

•      Safety Cell Enhancements: Strategic updates to barrier placement and runoff zones to mitigate risks associated with the higher entry speeds of modern GT machinery.
•      Active Pit Lane Re-entry: The construction of a dedicated, high-speed pit exit designed to bring the facility closer to FIA Grade 3 configuration standards.
•     Advanced Curb Profiling: Rehabilitation and extension of existing curbs to allow for higher minimum corner speeds without compromising vehicle floor integrity.

According to GMR&SC President Roshandin, the timeline aims to have all asphalt and track work completed at least six weeks prior to the July event to ensure proper curing.

More so, Boodram had previously emphasised that while the upgrades will increase average lap speeds, the “DNA” of the South Dakota Circuit—a layout that famously rewards driver bravery—will remain intact.