Summerbell takes pole for Thundersport showdown

Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

After some anxious moments yesterday during the qualifying session at the Dover Raceway, St Ann, the nation's top circuit racers will return to the track this morning for an intense and epic battle, which has already attracted hundreds of die-hard fans, from the nook and cranny of the motorsport fraternity.

When the starter waves the green flag and send them on their way in the day's feature, the Thundersport II event, David Summerbell Jr who qualified on pole, will be in front, followed by his 'nightmare', Doug 'Hollywood' Gore. They will be challenged by Chris Campbell, Alan Chen, Peter Rae and Captain Marck Carey.

"The track has been buzzing with excitement all day and what I do know is that Summerbell (David) has qualified on pole. Tomorrow (today) promises to be a more action-packed day," Hilary Jardine, president of the Jamaica Race Drivers' Club (JRDC), told The Gleaner yesterday.

The first event is set to get under way by the latest 10 a.m., which will be followed by an official opening ceremony and parade of all the competitors in front of the grandstand and the now famous 'Gullyside' which overlooks some of the sharpest and most challenging corners on the track.

During yesterday's qualifying, the fans were entertained by some spills and thrills.

Car caught fire

In one instance the RX7 Mazda of Peter Rae caught fire and an extinguisher had to be used to cool down the smoking car.

"I suspect it was as a result of a battery shortage, it happened while I was completing my warm-up lap for qualifying. But I should be good for tomorrow (today)," said Rae.

Gore complained of experiencing mechanical problems too, to his spanking new Audi TT DTM.

"We had to do some adjustments and we are back on track now," said Gore, who has been playing the role of a captain for the drivers representing the western Jamaica-based Montego Bay Motor Racing Club.

Chris Campbell looked good during qualifying, but later had some mechanical issues, while Alan Chen, sporting the RX7 Mazda of Peter 'Bull' Thompson, looked ready for action also.

Other drivers from whom a lot is expected are Teddy Burton, in his Superior Parts-sponsored '98 Honda Civic EK, Martin Anderson, Brian Foster, Kyle Gregg, Peter Jaggan, Gary Williams and Charles Chen.