Capleton's death casts gloom over motor-racing fraternity

 Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

The sudden death of former Air Jamaica pilot, Captain Russell Capleton, has cast a pall of gloom over the motor-racing fraternity.

Reports are that Capleton died of a heart attack yesterday morning.

"This is a man who has served the JMMC for over three decades, both as an executive member and a competitor," Anderson, president of the Jamaica Millennium Motoring Club, told The Gleaner yesterday.

He added: "I spoke to him a week ago, and he was planning to return to the sport as an active competitor.

"At one stage, he had begun shopping for a car to resume his motor racing career," the JMMC president added.

Impeccable bookkeeping

Captain Capleton is best remembered for his impeccable book-keeping while he served as treasurer of the JMMC.

"I will remember him for his professionalism and accuracy. When he was the treasurer of the club, he ensured that our financial accounts were impeccable," Anderson reminisced. "He was one of few persons who served as a steward on panels to arbitrate motorsports cases."

Anderson was one of several persons who served annually as a steward in Rally Jamaica, an event which attracted a number of overseas competitors. It is also the country's biggest motorsports event.

Capleton's long-time friend and former rally partner, Kent LaCroix, described him as someone who was well liked.

"He was a good competitor, one who stuck to the rules and regulations and enjoyed motorsports to the fullest.

"He gave enormous time and experience to the JMMC and I personally will cherish the memories of his professionalism, sportsmanship and friendship," said LaCroix.

Veteran motor-racing driver, Christopher Issa, of Spanish Court Hotel, described Captain Capleton as a gentleman on and off the track.

"He was a friend to all and will be greatly missed," said Issa.