Limit Less returns to Great Race after one-year hiatus

TOBAGO-BASED David Singh (owner/throttleman) and Otis Walker (driver/navigator) of Limit Less are ready to make a welcome return to the TT Great Race after a one-year hiatus.

The duo is well-known participants of the 100-mile inter-island regatta having made their debut in the 60 mile per hour class in 2016. Singh and Walker went on to capture the division’s title in 2017 and 2018.

Due to unforeseen circumstances in 2019, the pair did not participate and was unable to defend their two-year reign atop the 60mph field.

However, they have confirmed their participation at the 52nd edition and are gearing up for an exciting race on Saturday.

With eight boats gunning for the category’s crown this year, Walker admitted it would be a challenging race but he was ready to return to the open-water meet.

“It’s going to be tough this year but I’m looking forward to it. I’m also racing against two of my cousins who are competing in another powerboat, Time Less, so it will be a good competition,” he said.

The seasoned driver admitted the covid19 pandemic did not have a major impact on the team’s preparations.

The marine race was originally scheduled to roar off on August 22 but was postponed one week prior following the Prime Minister’s announcement of new restrictions to curb the spike in covid19 cases.

However, in mid-September, the TT Power Boat Association (TTPBA) said Government approval was given for the event to speed off on September 26.

Singh and Walker utilised the March to July downtime to put in additional hours behind prepping Limit Less for its 2020 return.

He added, “We try to do our preparations very early. We make sure to run through the boat completely and ensure everything is in tip-top shape.

“It’s a very long race and anything can happen. Preparation is one of our top priorities.

“Even when they confirmed that the Great Race was put off, we were almost 99 per cent ready. We’re ready to return to the competition and we’re excited.” Walker affirmed the team’s main goal was to complete the gruelling course. They believe conquering the inter-island route serves as an achievement in itself for all competitors who have been able to do so over the years.

“Once you finish the Great Race, that a big plus for you and for many of the competitors who complete the course,” he said.

Beyond the race, as Tobagonians, Walker and Singh usually look forward to the event’s prize-giving ceremony on Store Bay where fellow competitors converge to share in friendly banter and post-race commentary.

This year, covid19 restrictions forbid any large gatherings and participants have been given specified times to disperse following a physically-distanced closing ceremony.

“We usually look forward to the after-party and lime in Store Bay with family and friends. But now, that’s not going to happen,” Walker concluded.