By Delwin Neblett – HGP Nightly News |
Guyana to Host FIA-Sanctioned International Motor Racing Event
Guyana is set to make history in international motorsport, as the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club has confirmed that the South Dakota Circuit will host Round Three of the 2026 GT Challenge de las Américas on July 11 and 12.
The event marks the first FIA-sanctioned international racing series staged in Guyana since the conclusion of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship, significantly elevating the country’s profile on the global motorsport stage.
The race weekend is expected to feature GT3-spec machinery from leading manufacturers, including Ferrari, McLaren, Lamborghini, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, with elite drivers and technical teams drawn from across Latin America.
Local representation will include veteran racer Mark Vieira, Team AJM led by Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr., and two-time CMRC Group 4 champion Kristian Jeffrey.
Shamar Joseph Nears Return Ahead of T20 World Cup
Guyanese fast bowler Shamar Joseph is poised to return to competitive action ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, following a successful recovery from a shoulder injury that sidelined him since September 2025.
According to Cricket West Indies, the 26-year-old Baracara native has resumed high-intensity training and is now bowling at full pace without discomfort. He missed the recent West Indies tours to India and Bangladesh due to the injury.
Joseph’s recovery places him firmly in contention for selection as the West Indies prepare to name their final squad for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka beginning in February.
The West Indies are scheduled to open their campaign against Bangladesh in Kolkata on February 7.
Banks Classic Guyana Cup Nomination Series Announced
In horse racing, the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee, in collaboration with Banks DIH Limited, has announced the provisional race programme for Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Port Mourant Turf Club.
Branded as the Banks Classic Guyana Cup Nomination Series, the event marks the first and most lucrative official nomination day for the 2026 Guyana Cup. The 10-race card carries a combined purse of $12.75 million.
The feature Banks DIH Classic One-Mile Race will offer a purse of $3.7 million, while the Sprint Classic will be contested for $1.8 million. Several supporting races will range from $750,000 to $1.5 million, including events for Guyana-bred, imported maidens, and various class divisions.
Athletics Association of Guyana Opens 2026 Season
The Athletics Association of Guyana will officially open its 2026 season with a cross-country race on January 17 at the Guyana Defence Force Ground.
Vice-President Niall Stanton said the association’s primary objectives this year include increased international exposure, medal success at major competitions, and stronger promotion of track and field to attract sponsorship.
The association is also focused on improving senior-level performance through structured programmes that involve athletes, clubs, coaches, and managers. Development meets will play a key role in preparing athletes for the 2026 CARIFTA Games, scheduled for April in Grenada.
CARIFTA trials are set for February 7 in Linden, followed by February 21 and 28 at the National Track and Field Centre.
Schools Basketball League Launches 2026 Season
The Guyana Basketball Federation will officially launch the 2026 Schools Basketball League on Friday at the Transport Sports Club.
The launch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., with media invited to attend. The Schools Basketball League remains a cornerstone of Guyana’s basketball development structure, nurturing young talent and strengthening the sport’s foundation nationwide.
Over the years, the league has served as a vital pipeline for national youth teams, senior clubs, and the Guyana National Basketball Programme.
