Jumbo Jet’s lucrative ‘Need for Speed’ karting championship looming

Motorsport enthusiasts across Guyana and the Caribbean are set for an action-packed season as Jumbo Jet Events officially unveils its ‘Need for Speed’ Karting Championship, an invitational series that promises high-speed competition, regional participation, and over G$17 million in prize money.

The championship will be contested over three rounds, beginning on June 21 at the Leonora Stadium in Region Three. The second round is scheduled for September 13 in Region Four, while the championship finale will take place on December 20 in Region Six, with both venues to be announced at a later date.

Designed to attract some of the region’s top karting talent, the championship will feature a wide range of classes catering to drivers of all ages and experience levels. Competitors will battle for lucrative cash prizes in categories including LO206 Briggs and Stratton Light, Heavy, Junior and Cadet, the Honda GX200, IAME 125cc, LO206 Rookie Over-35, LO206 Female, as well as Supermoto Senior and Junior divisions.

The premier LO206 Briggs and Stratton Light class will offer a top prize of G$4 million (approx. US$20,000), making it one of the richest karting categories ever contested in Guyana. Several other classes will award G$2 million (approx. US$10,000) to their winners, while the remaining divisions will compete for prizes ranging between G$1 million and G$1.5 million.

Adding further excitement to the championship is the introduction of a new ‘VIP and Local Celebrities Arrive and Drive’ category. The special class is expected to provide entertainment for fans while allowing prominent personalities to experience the thrill of competitive karting.

Veteran competitors have also been given a dedicated platform through the Veteran Pro Drivers category for racers over 50 years old. Participants in that division will compete for a winner’s purse of G$2 million (US$10,000).

Championship organisers have also specified tyre regulations, with most classes utilising MG Red tyres, while the IAME 125cc division will run on MG Yellow tyres to ensure competitive parity throughout the series.

The championship is being promoted as a major boost for local motorsport, with organisers aiming to attract international participation and elevate Guyana’s standing on the regional karting calendar. With substantial prize money, diverse racing categories, and three rounds spread across the country, the ‘Need for Speed’ Karting Championship is poised to become one of the biggest karting events ever staged in Guyana.

Fans can expect intense wheel-to-wheel action, emerging young talent, seasoned veterans, and celebrity competitors when the green flag drops at Leonora on June 21. The stage is set for a season of speed, skill, and fierce competition as drivers chase championship glory and a share of the lucrative prize fund.