The
day's programme got off to a good start with qualifying
for grid positions – Formula 1 style. One warm
up lap and two flying laps. In the Group 1 (Nissan
Sentras) there was keen competition for pole position
between Greg Deverteuil - the defending Champion,
Christian Hespedales and David Coelho. The pole eventually
went to Greg with a lap time of 51.36 sec. Group 2B
modified cars up to 1650cc; pole position went to
Franklyn Boodram in his Honda CRX with a time of 48.05sec.
Group 2A modified cars with 1650 cc and over, saw
a heated battle between the Rotary of Ravi Singh and
piston powered "Crouching Tiger" of Gary
Hunt. Hunt won out winning pole with a lap time of
45.9 sec.
The stage was now set for the day’s competition.
The rain began to fall lightly and the track conditions
became very slick. The first group 1 race there
was again heated battles between Greg, Christian
and David for first place. The lead swapped between
these competitors throughout the race. Christian
eventually finished first, Greg second and David
third, Vinda Ramsingh show good improvement and
finished fourth setting a good example for Vinda
Jnr. Aslim Ali, Ajmal Mustapha, Krishna Balliram
and Jimmy Fifi battled for middle order positions.
This race proved and exciting one for the fans.
Mark Singh scored an easy victory with his Tola
prepared Honda Civic in the first Group 2B, beating
his teammate and pole sitter Franklyn Boodram.
The
first Group 2A produced surprises, every one expected
a battle between Ravi Singh and Gary Hunt. In the
early stage of the race Hunt pulled a tremendous
lead on Ravi and began relaxing. Ravi was having
tremendous traction challenges in the wet. Daniel
Ramoutarsingh sneaked up from behind in his now
turbo powered Mitsubishi Mivec and clipped Hunt
in the second to last lap on the bottom corner to
take the victory. An excellent drive by Daniel.
At the weighing tent however, the MIVEC proved to
be 20lbs underweight and was eventually disqualified!!!!
This pissed off ‘the dude,’ Daniel Ramoutarsingh
who vows to put on his extra weight and teach the
Hondas a lesson next race meet.
The rest of races for the day similar placings
resulted. Christian Hospedales won the other two
races. There were exciting moments with Aslim Ali
and Greg Deverteuil trading paint. Mark Singh made
a clean sweep in Group 2B. Gary Hunt in the ‘Crouching
Tiger, ‘ was also in good form winning the
rest of races in his group. In one of the races
with mixed groups Mark Singh gave Hunt some anxious
moments passing him and giving a run for his money.
This action had the crowds on the edge of their
seats cheering for Mark who they saw as their underdog
hero. The rotaries of Tanko Baboolal and Ravi Singh
were relegated to the back. This is a dramatic change
to their dominant form of last year. Piston Power
ruled the day. One can only expect that they will
be living on the track to find their form for the
next up coming event.
The final race of the day a handicap race also
proved to be nail biting. The race directors split
times were brilliant. On the second to last lap
all cars from various groups came together and exchanged
position. The Krazy Kustoms Honda Civic was the
overall winner a superb drive by Stuart ‘Sorbie’
Johnson. Franklyn Boodram placed second and Hunt
placed third.
The
highlight of the day was Ryan Garcia’s premier
run on local soil since his world record campaign
in the US. He was only able to use half his tune.
He launched with only 8lbs of boost and then 28lbs
of boost. He scorched the length of the straightaway
getting sideways at times, his excellent car control
kept things in perspective. Gordon Rooks, Flambeau
and Sean Reddy dazzled the crowds with their horsepower
display.
In all one can say the TTMF and its competitors
and guest gave the patrons a tremendous show and
left the crowds wanting more.
Stay tuned for international battles between Guyana,
Barbados, Jamaica, Cayman Ils, St Vincent and T
& T on 2nd May. Pace like fire!!!!
