Mark Vieira welcomes GT Challenge de las Américas; plans to dominate

Veteran Guyanese racer Mark Vieira has welcomed the announcement that the South Dakota Circuit will host the 3rd Round of the 2026 GT Challenge de las Américas, calling it a watershed moment in the nation’s sporting history.

However, the veteran driver is looking beyond just hosting; he is planning to dominate.

Vieira confirmed on Thursday that he will be on the grid to defend home turf in his newly acquired Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car. To ensure the machine is dialed in to the unique demands of South Dakota, a specialized technical team from the UK will travel to Guyana to conduct extensive test-and-tune sessions on the car ahead of the event.

Beyond his role as a competitor, Vieira was instrumental in making the event a reality. Serving as a key member of the negotiation team alongside GMRSC President Mahendra Boodhoo and Luis Kumar, Vieira worked closely with Trinidad’s Franklyn Boodram to secure the Guyana leg of the championship.

“This is a major step for motorsport in Guyana,” Vieira stated. “To have an international series of this caliber, featuring top-tier GT3 machinery like Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Porsches, racing on our soil is unprecedented outside of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship. It puts South Dakota on the global map.”

With the event scheduled for July 11 to 12, Vieira is already setting his sights on victory. Unfazed by the incoming roster of elite Latin American drivers, he issued a bold declaration to his rivals.

“I promise I will be on the top step,” Vieira asserted, making his intentions clear. “I am awaiting any challenge from any driver in this series. We are preparing to win.”