Drivers shackled by lack of sponsorship

Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Co-ordinator

Lack of sponsorship, the absence of good technical support and inefficient equipment are among the obstacles being faced by some of the Jamaica's young and talented go-karters.

"If corporate Jamaica invests in these young karters, like what they did with some of our successful athletes, then in under five years we may see them (karters) driving Formula One cars," said Neil Williams, one of the directors of the Jamaica Karting Association (JKA).

He explained that for the Jamaican karters to reach the highest level of competitiveness, the team needs sponsorship and experts to tune the karts superbly.

"We are at a serious disadvantage when we go to these overseas race meets two or three days before the events, because it takes a lot out of our youngsters to get familiar with the track in such a short time. So, it is really amazing when they go to Florida and do well," said Williams.

Sammy Law, a member of the Jamaican contingent which recently travelled to Florida, sided with Williams and quickly lamented the limited resources.

We can hit the world stage

"We are competing against people who are spending up to US$100,000 per meet, compared to us, who can only afford the maximum US$20,000 per annum. Our kids are very talented and if we get the support we can hit the world stage. We would love for corporate Jamaica to take an interest in the sport," said Law.

Reigning Caribbean Motor Racing Champion, David Summerbell, who got hooked to the sport before his teen years, believes if he had gotten the opportunity to compete at the highest level as these young karters he would have surely made the transition to Formula One.

"The talents that these kids have, if they get the support they will make Jamaica proud like some of our top sportsmen and women," said Summerbell. "Motor racing is expensive and somebody's got to pay the bills."

According to Jamaica's Bobby Marshall - who won the overall rally championship in Trinidad last year - without sponsorship one will get nowhere.

"Sponsorship is very important. As a competitor you have to deal with the expense of the service crew, the maintenance of your car, gas, tyres and entry fees. So if you are somebody who has no money, no sponsors, then you will not go far in the sport," said Marshall, who is currently leading in one of the classes of the Trinidad rally.