‘Motorsport has lost a pillar’- GMR&SC mourns passing of stalwart Victor Pires

Statement by the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club

The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the wider motorsport fraternity on the passing of veteran racer and respected motorsport stalwart, Victor Pires.

Pires, whose contributions to motorcycle racing in Guyana spanned more than five decades, passed away on Monday, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the history of local motorsport.

Widely regarded as one of the country’s most accomplished and knowledgeable motorcycle racers, Pires excelled in both the 125cc and 250cc classes and was revered by generations of riders for his skill, dedication, and passion for the sport.

Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) President Mohamed Shairaz Roshandin paid tribute to the late racing icon.

“Motorsport has definitely lost a pillar in Victor. His work in the sport, and more so the motorcycle aspect, cannot be overstated. He brought tremendous value to motorsport in Guyana, and his legacy will live on for generations to come,” Roshandin stated.

“To his family and friends, know that Victor will continue to live on through the sport he loved and helped develop.”

Pires began his racing career in the early 1970s, during the formative years of Guyana’s grass-track racing scene, competing alongside notable figures such as Kamil Haniff, Peter Da Silva, Clive Ng Kien, Rene Carrega, and Terrence Clarke. He quickly rose through the ranks, capturing championship honors before transitioning to circuit racing.

Representing Team Solo and Guyana on several occasions, Pires established himself as one of the country’s premier riders, competing against some of the sport’s most respected names, including Frank Van Sertima and Stanley Ming.

Following a period in Canada, Pires returned to Guyana in the 1990s and once again made an immediate impact. After returning to grass-track competition, he moved back to circuit racing, where he dominated the 125cc category aboard specially prepared machines.

His pursuit of excellence saw him acquire a Honda 250 Grand Prix motorcycle, with fellow racing legend Stanley Ming serving as his mechanic.

The pair competed at Daytona in Florida before bringing the machine to Guyana, where Pires successfully challenged much larger motorcycles in the 600cc and 1000cc categories.

Throughout his illustrious career, Pires competed against and alongside some of the finest riders of his era, including Wayne Vieira, Mike Correia, Kevin Graham, Lennox Beckles, and Aubrey Archer, among many others.

Beyond his achievements on the track, Pires was respected for his vast knowledge of motorcycle racing and his willingness to share his experience with younger competitors, helping to shape the sport’s continued growth and development.

The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club joins the entire motorsport community in mourning the loss of a true champion, mentor, and ambassador of motorcycle racing.

His remarkable contributions and enduring legacy will continue to inspire racers for generations to come.

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