The fifth event in the Trinidad and Tobago Karting Association‘s calendar was held on June 26.  Track conditions were poor initially as Mother Nature had her way just after the qualifying laps forcing teams to make changes to their equipment and tires. Because of the sitting water on the track, competitors had a challenging time in the early races but conditions improved later on.

As usual, the cadet class got things going with a condensed field. Young Enrique De Leon continued his good form placing first on the day with Mathew Phillip placing a close second. The Mini Max class continued to provide some interesting competition with the likes of front runners Isa Deen and Avith Seepersad demonstrating their developing talent, but it was young Nicolas Madan, a previous champion of the Cadet class, who continued to show his championship driving capabilities, emerging first on the day with Isa and Avith completing the class placing.

The day’s events continued with the 100cc class.  Haymant Singh put in an admirable performance to cop third place while Che Carrington and Saleem Deen battled it out for first. In the end, the spoils were awarded to Saleem with Che taking second spot. The Masters Class saw the emergence of Fyzool Madan who has been knocking at the door of the first place on the podium all season thus far. Persistence certainly paid off as he managed to wrestle the premium placing away from the strangle hold that Gerard Carrington has had on this first place spot. Gerard would settle for third while Shameel Mohammed found himself placing second in the middle of these two keen competitors with another admirable showing.

The shifters had a rough day with another severely reduced field. In the end, Luke Bhola would be victorious with the returning Mark Mohammed placing second.
In what has become the premier and sometimes, most entertaining class, the action in the Rotax International was as quick as it was tight. Reza Ali, a relative new comer to the sport, persisted and managed to create an upset by taking his first podium placement by taking third place overall on the day. However the battle between the class leaders continued and in what was one of the highlights of the day’s racing Ryan Peru managed to squeeze past the very competitive Aaron Lee, who led the final race of the day for 19 of the 20 laps. Ryan, through what can only be described as a superb piece of driving, managed to get the top spot and the checkered flag.

The next event on the TTKA’s calendar is scheduled for July 17 at the Arima Race Club’s carpark.

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