The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), yesterday issued an apology to its fans, spectators and racers for the incomplete March 27 Quarter-Mile return and has planned a one-day event on April 10.
A release from the club stated, “April 10, 2022 is the proposed date only for the completion of these classes. Free entry for fans and spectators. Again, we are cognizant that we have let our fans and racing enthusiasts down by not completing the event in a timely manner and as such, we owe it to them to make up to them as much as possible.”
The release continued, “Following the events of the Quarter-Mile Return meet, we feel the need to clear the air on several issues regarding the event and the way forward for those competitors who were not able run their time brackets, namely the fifteen (15) seconds, the fourteen (14) seconds and thirteen (13) seconds time brackets.
“The premature end to the day was a result of the fading light combined with the fact that spectators had crowded both the start and finish line, making it impossible for any more races to be run off,” the release noted.
The correspondence detailed that at the time, Team Mohameds’ GTR Godzilla was attempting a ‘bye’ or single run for the strip record but that had to be abandoned due to the circumstances.
“We wish to state that while we are grateful for the fan support which was considered to be one of the largest in recent history for drag racing, we also wish to remind those spectators that their safety and the safety of our competitors, marshals and officials are of paramount importance,” the release added.
The club has convened a special committee to identify the shortfalls of the event and recommend changes.
Sensor malfunctions and system errors were deemed the causes for delays passionate race supporters unintentionally dis-aligned the instruments used for timing and ultimately resulted in the sensor failing shortly after.
“On separate occasions, we were forced to shut down the timing system, re-align the sensors and in one case change an entire sensor before re-starting the system and resuming racing. This takes time hence the lag in racing action,” the release pointed out.
The club decided that planning will be in place to ensure instruments are placed in a safe environment.
“It is imperative that fans understand that adherence to the marshals and officials are of the utmost importance to ensuring that the day is run off effectively and safely. Fans are also reminded to follow the flow of traffic. As a club, we look forward to ensuring that this event goes off without a hitch,” the release stated.
