Carlos Rodrigues opts out of GMR&SC meet tomorrow

Local motorcycle star Carlos Rodrigues will not be a part of the action tomorrow when the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club stage their Race of Champions Meet at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri.
Rodrigues was one of the riders in contention for the crown following the unfortunate accident in Suriname that cause injuries to lead rider Stephen Vieira and the death of basketball star Damien Liverpool.

Carlos Rodrigues

Rodrigues, who was a friend of Liverpool, a member of his racing team, took the death of the hard along with the team and informed that he was in not frame of mind to be a serious contender.  He indicated that he was not focused enough and following discussions and on the advice of the team members and manager Udoh Kanu, they decided not to participate at the upcoming race meet.
Rodrigues, who had beaten Vieira in the past, referred to yesterday’s Kaieteur Sport article, stating that, “In regards to licking my lips to Stephen Veira’s throne, that’s not so. In the past I’ve beaten Stephen. The reason for not contending for the title in the past was that we were behind the curb in the development of our bike – simply put our machine was not fast enough.”
He continued, “After months of testing and developing my skill we believe we have reached the point where we can compete for that title. During testing we matched Stephen’s lap times which is a good indication that we are on point and ready. Stephen is the best right now and very difficult to beat so come race day everything has to go right for us.”
Rodrigues did not compete since last November’s meet because he crashed while testing early this year and sustained a broken wrist and forearm.
He clearly stated that, “We don’t want to win races without Stephen in them. That still doesn’t mean you are number 1, to be the best you have to beat the best.”
Meanwhile, he offered best wishes to Vieira and condolence to Liverpool’s family, “On behalf of my team we wish Stephen a speedy recovery and hope he will be fit to race come November. And we extend our deepest condolences to Damian’s family. He will be missed and forever remembered.”