Dhanraj, Maharaj win car rally

The course took the drivers, both novices and experienced, from North Trinidad, over the Lady Young Road to El Socorro, through Santa Cruz and on to the North Coast road.

The first car left at 8.01 pm from the BF Goodrich Compound in Port-of-Spain with remaining competitors leaving at one minute apart.

From Maracas to Las Cuevas to Blanchisseuse to Arima at midnight, gave new meaning to darkness, visibility only as far as headlights allowed.

Trinidad really is a beautiful country, even in the still darkness of night the majestic beauty of the northern range served as a reminder of the unspoilt quiet melodies of nature.

The stresses of a tiring work week were now only a faded memory in the minds of many who participated.

A welcome rest stop was made at 2 am on Saturday morning at the Lynx Restaurant and Bar in Chaguanas and then it was onward through Waterloo, Carlsen Field, and Couva ending at Point Lisas welcome breakfast at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.

At the half, Greased Lightning’s Shelford Robinson and Rajesh Ganar led by only 200 points from Team ESSO’s Surendra Dhanraj and Rishi Maharaj with the second ESSO team comfortably in third.

The navigation to Manzanilla was intense as little penalties were accrued at this point.

Quick drives through St Helena and live quarries in Valencia bore stark comparison to the greenery which had passed and lay ahead. Robinson and Dhanraj had switched places and had all but been confirmed at this point.

An easy final leg was to be had, or so they thought. Manzanilla to Mayaro was brisk; two checkpoints came quickly like the crashing of the waves.

The steady dance through Ecclesville, Rio Claro and Tabaquite was lead by Vishal Dhanraj. Numbed by tiredness but refreshed by utter determination to reach the end at Marabella, the competitors battled on regardless of penalties.

The adventure sadly was over. As they stood around telling tales, “triumph” was on the minds of all.

Plotter Shiraz Rajab met with tremendous accolades for his effort and thankful were the competitors for their sponsors — Hott 93, Michelin/Quick Service, Stag and NP Ultra, for hosting a wonderful and invigorating time.

Special thanks must also go out to members of the Trinidad and Tobago Cadet Force for meals at the rest stops.

RESULTS

Experienced Category

1 Surendra Dhanraj and Rishi Maharaj; 2 Shelford Robinson and Rajesh Ganar; 3 Vishal Dhanraj and Kevin Mohammed

Team — ESSO

Novice Category

1 Sascha Baksh and Miguel Charles; 2 Shelly Ann Joseph and Mary Da Silva; 3 Barry Samaroo and Shiva Maharaj.

Team— Stormers