Since its humble beginnings in 1957, rallying in Jamaica has evolved into a sophisticated and competitive sport. Initially reliant on alarm clocks and basic tools, by 1961, more advanced instruments and tighter competition elevated the sport. The introduction of special stages in 1967 pushed drivers toward high-performance cars, while international rallyists began competing locally.

Published Saturday, September 22, 1973

History of rallying in Jamaica

IN 1957 serious rallying started in Jamaica, if it could be called serious then. People travelled with alarm clocks on the rear seat of the car and when the alarm went off if you were not at the checkpoint, you were late. Mile- ages were then measured to one-tenth of a mile and the points incurred by the winner were never less than four figures.

Around about 1958 certain competitors obtained more accurate measuring instruments that could measure to one hundredth of a mile and these instruments also indicated how far ahead or how far behind of the average one was travelling. These instruments were few and far between and most competitors continued with their alarm clocks and wrist watches.

The people who had these new instruments were not doing as well as they liked. They were apparently spending more time adjusting the instruments than staying on the route set. As time progressed the instruments won out and everyone had them installed.

This was about 1961 and competition was tight with few points separating the top five in each rally.

MORE SOPHISTICATED

Route instructions at this time became more sophisticated and set crews were formed so that efficiency was increased as crew members began to understand each other better and better. Rallies also started to attract sponsors and in 1962 Texaco Caribbean Inc. became the first major sponsor.

Rallying continued on this plane for a few years and then there came 'Special Stages', sections in which speed was vital. The international rallyists were competing in special sections and the Jamaican counterparts were not going to be left behind. This was about 1967 and with the advent of these speed sections, there was a large swing to cars of higher performance, both in respect of speed and durability. International rallyists now started to compete locally and in 1968 the first overseas win was registered in Jamaica.

The local boys smarted as a result of the above and over the next two years they came out in force of number and in force of strength.

They were also travelling to other Caribbean islands and making a name for themselves during this period. Then, in 1971 the foreigners came again and went off with the first prize. This was also the first year that a Jamaican team registered their first overseas win. Not content with just winning they made this a first and second in the event.

EMBARGO

1972 brought an embargo on motor vehicles. With the embargo there came a decline in entries and the slackening of the severity of events. But enthusiasm did not wain with this decline in entries. If anything it increased as competitors know each other that much better and friendly rivalries begun to build. The 1973 Texaco Orange Rally will not begin with more than 25 starters but there is hardly a team amongst the 25 that does not have a very good chance of winning.

What the 1974 rallies will bring remains to but one thing is certain, Jamaica is on the rallying and from the standpoints organisation and competence of competitors, this country can hold its head high.

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