Drag racing weekend in Essequibo postponed as airstrip undergoes resurfacing

Remedial works at the Mainstay Airstrip in Essequibo have forced the postponement of the county-wide drag racing weekend, initially scheduled for March 28-29, the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) said on Wednesday.

GMR&SC said the airstrip required resurfacing and updates to prevent potential safety incidents. “Following our last event there, we had begun noticing the potential for incidents to happen,” the club said, adding that the repaving would enhance safety for competitors and spectators.

The club noted that while there is a slim chance the works could be completed before the scheduled date, proceeding with the event would be too risky.

GMR&SC said it is also shifting towards a safer, more family-friendly event model, and the airstrip upgrade aligns with that goal. The club welcomed the government’s investment in sports infrastructure, noting ongoing projects aimed at decentralising sports facilities across the country.

“To the people of Essequibo, we are sad to announce this postponement… but rest assured, a new date will be found,” GMR&SC said. The club said it will announce the rescheduled date soon.