Kart meet on today

Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

Despite the disagreement among executives of the Jamaica Karting Association (JKA) - which resulted in president Andrew Jackson's resignation - the club's season opener is still on today at the Palisadoes International Raceway, Kingston."My mission was to aggressively grow the club, but I am being strongly opposed in some quarters," said Jackson, who tendered his resignation last weekend.

Jackson was elected president last month and previously occupied the chair between 2001-2004 and in 2007. Though he will no longer be leading from the front, Jackson made it clear that he will still be supporting karting, but on a smaller scale.

"My activities will be reduced," he told Automotives.

In the meantime, interim president Peter Rae confirmed there have been some problems at the club.

"Yes, there has been some differences among the executives. But we are in the process of addressing the issues," Rae said. He was quick to point out that this would no way, however, affect the staging of the meet.

He also promised today's event will be a thriller, especially for lovers of high-powered motorcycles.

"There will be some stunt performances from the crazy bikers," said Rae.Marlon Fletcher, president of the Crazy Bikers, promised a grand display of stunt riding.

"Two other members of Crazy Bikers and myself will be performing between intervals. We'll be doing one-wheel stunt displays, among other things," said the 15-year veteran.

Renewed rivalry

Apart from the stunts, karters will renew their rivalry in the Mini Max, Rotax Junior and Masters Classes. The Junior Class will feature Collin Daley Jr, William Myers and Tristan Emmons.

Old rivals Jonathan Law, Fraser McConnell and Joshua Sirgany are expected to be involved in some close finishes.

"Jonathan (Law) will be using this meet as part of the preparation for the Florida Winter Tour (FWT) season in Florida. Based on the practice sessions, Fraser McConnell seems to be the fastest of them all right now, but the finish is going to be very close," said Sammy Law, Jonathan's father.

In the masters class, the battle will be among Garth Genus, Peter Moodie Jr and Dr Derrick McDowell.