Great Expectations
Published:Sunday | August 22, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Laranzo Dacres • Gleaner Writer
IT'S an unlikely combination: a 19th-century great house, a 1,800-metre dirt track and racing cars.
But, that is part of Kevin Scott's vision for the 140 acres of land which boasts the Thetford Great House located in Church Pen, St Catherine.
"I hope this is the birthplace of motorsport tourism in Jamaica," the mechanic and entrepreneur told Automotives.
"What we are doing here is incredible. We are providing motorsport fans and drivers with an opportunity to have some intense, family-oriented fun in a heritage-rich environment."
Scott said the great house, located off the main road heading to Old Harbour, was protected by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust. However, as for the dirt track, there is enough room for expansion to up to 4,500 metres.
"The property is currently owned by my family and is on lease," he said.
The track, still in its developmental stage, already features horse shoes, chicanes and straight-aways.
"It's a drifter's paradise!," said Scott.
The young entreprenuer said the track is now opened to anyone who wants to use it and has received approval from his family.
"In October, we will be fully up and running. However, on August 29, we will be having a soft launch. Drivers can come and test the track. It's free of cost," he said.
Scott said the idea for the track is to provide drivers with a safe place to test their cars and get away from the city.
"At completion, we will also have vehicles that drivers can rent and take to the tracks at a very affordable price, for an allotted time," he said. "We will provide everything from cars to helmets. The only thing the driver needs is a licence and meet the driving skills stipulated by us, as safety is first!"
Visionary
The visionary said the vehicles to be rented are refurbished and modified to handle the dirt road.
"We call them dirt-cars. We are adding more suspension, modifying the engines a little, adding roll cages, reinforcing the seats and shocks," he highlighted. "We are building them specially for dirt activities, but persons can drive their own cars, if they prefer."
Scott said his long-term vision is a multi-purpose recreational centre. The track is only one feature and it will be generating employment opportunities.
Persons can visit the track on Sundays when a lyme is held on the grounds.
"It'll be a fun place that has a rich heritage," Scott said.