It’s clear that the 2019 motorsport season is waiting on no one, as the third round of the Championship events for most disciplines are already upon us. The latest being the Race of Champions, as circuit racing returned to the Wallerfield International Raceway. Though a low competitor turn out left classes such as Group 3 and Group 4 unconstituted, the Wallerfield International Raceway, saw a full day of circuit and time attack competition.
Following an identical format to Round 2, a format that the Trinidad and Tobago Automobile Sport Association (TTASA) aims to use going forward, the day’s proceedings commenced with Qualifying for all groups. Taking the pole position in qualifying to gain an extra 5 points each towards the Championship, were Darryl Singh (GP1), Isa Deen (GP2), Ronald Wortman (GP3), Isa Deen (Radical) and Keil Abraham (Bikes).
In Time Attack a mere 6 competitors ran against the clock across 3 classes- Street, Street Modified and Track Modified. Top positions going to Saed Rahimulla, Shiva Maharaj and Darrel Singh respectively. Rahimulla holding a comfortable 12 point lead in the Championship ahead of his fellow Street competitors, after just his third time ever at the Wallerfield International Raceway.
The Group 1 competition saw a trade between Haymant Singh, Saleem Deen, Aslim Ali and Anthony Carter for the podium positions in the 3 sessions, but the day ended with the drivers in that order. Neil Gopeesingh, the underdog from round 2, faced suspension issues that saw him in multiple 4th place finishes this event. Newcomer, Aaron Achan, found his way in the Group 1 action as he shakes down his recently built Honda Civic.
Group 2 action saw the familiar Isa Deen winning all 3 races of the day to take home 75 points, while Bridget Singh and Mark Williams, battled throughout the day for the 2nd and 3rd positions. Keeva Seegobin in 4th, with Aamir Mohammed in 5th after his second time racing his Honda Civic.
On two wheels, Kiel Abraham and Nicholas Gonzales secured their usual 1-2 finishes, while superstar Warren DeNobriga, returned to bike racing action to claim 3rd after a year-long hiatus. TTASA also welcomes Ronnie Ramdeo, a motorsport veteran, as he now tries the two-wheeled action- a big learning curve from his usual Honda Civics.
Back on four wheels, similarly to Round 2, Group 3 action saw only two competitors for Race 1, followed by Race 2 and 3 being cancelled. In the end Ronald Wortman and Keeva Seegobin, still scored points in this class.
Radical action once again saw Isa Deen victorious for all three races, with Ravi Singh and Fyzool Madan, following in 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
The Trinidad and Tobago Automobile Sport Association thanks all drivers, riders, event staff, sponsors and spectators for making Round 2 a success. Special thanks to our sponsors Safetec Limited, Garage Fresh, IRP Fire and Safety, TriniTuner.com, Lubetech Sales and Services (Motul, VP Racing Fuels, Meguiars), Trinidad and Tobago Security Services and also the Ministry of Sport of Trinidad and Tobago.
Photography by Pradeep Ramjit