All set for JMMC stages rally

Leighton Levy, Gleaner Writer

Everything is coming together as expected for this weekend's JMMC stages rally that is set to get going on Friday night in New Kingston. This is according to the rally's co-ordinator Larry Henriques, who is promising an entertaining event for local rally fans.

Speaking to The Gleaner over the weekend, Henriques said work is ongoing at Lydford in St Ann to prepare for the Bog Walk stages of the rally that will see some world-class rally drivers perform on local soil.

Twenty-four drivers will participate including Roger Skeete and Sean Gill, who will be debuting his Suzuki SX4 WRC in the Caribbean. Henriques says he expects about six WRC's to be entered in the rally.

Other quality drivers

Of course, there will be a host of other quality drivers as well, including Don Powell, Colin Chambers, Dave Lee and James Betts from Barbados, who has won two years in a row. Fans will also get to see England's Robb Swann, who will be driving a Subaru. Bobby Marshall, Darren King and Matthew Gore, who has virtually sewn up the 2010 title, will also be among the drivers on show. "We have a small field but a quality field and the competition will be intense," said Henriques.

The rally gets under way between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday on Knutsford Boulevard where the cars will be on display for fans. Then on Saturday morning the action will move to Lydford in St Ann. The rally will begin at the Petcom station in Moneague.

On Sunday, the rally will move to Bog Walk in St Catherine for the Tru-Juice stage of the event. Henriques says Tru-Juice, sponsors of this stage of the rally for the last decade, will be setting up a VIP section from where fans can enjoy the rally in comfort.

According to Kim Lee, head of marketing of Tru-Juice, fans should take the opportunity to enjoy the VIP section. "We've created an area that has prime view, the race cars pass there at five different times so fans get to see the cars in action," she said. "We have created an area where you can sit and you can have a drink and some food and play some games."

Entertainment

Lee said entertainment personality Elva will host the entertainment activities and DJ Sparks will provide music. A commentator will also be on hand to provide guests with information on the rally as it develops. As there will be no parking at the VIP area, she is also urging guests to park at the Tru-Juice facility, get their armbands, and take shuttles to the location where they will be assured of having a grand time during the rally.

On Sunday evening the action returns to downtown Kingston where spectators will be treated to exhibitions from the stunt bikers and race cars from Dover while they wait on the rally cars to arrive about 4:30 p.m.

Henriques urges spectators to come out early to enjoy the entertainment before the rally cars arrive for the conclusion of the event.