Generation next on track - Young go-karters follow family driving tradition

Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Co-ordinator

The adage that 'the chip never falls far from the block' now applies to the new-look Jamaican go-kart fraternity. The transition phase of introducing second- and third-generation offspring of former champions to the sport to the track is on in earnest.

"This is one of the ways that we are building the sport and increase the membership," Neil Williams, president of the Jamaica Karting Association (JKA), told Automotives on Friday. He said youngsters who started out in the introductory class a few years ago are now the stars of today, competing in meets on the North American circuit.

That batch of youngsters included Joshua and Justin Sirgany, Thomas Issa and Collin Daley. They were among a contingent of Jamaican drivers in Homestead, USA, racing against the clock in preparation for this weekend's meet in Florida.

Among the newcomers who will be making their debuts at the JKA's first race meet next Sunday are six year-old Mark Moodie, son of Garth Moodie and grandson of local motorsport legend Peter 'Jack' Moodie. Tommi Gore, six years old, who is the son of renown rally and circuit racing champion driver, Doug Gore, will also face the starter for the first time. The lone female of the group is five year-old Mattea Issa, daughter of Chris Issa, who was among the top-rated circuit and rally racing drivers.

"Mattea is coming on and with time she should get it right," said her driving coach, Peter Rae.

Zander Williams, five years old, is the brother of Matthew Williams, who competes in the Rotax Jr. Class. Their father, Neil, is the president of the JKA.

There will be five classes at next week's meet, each with four races. The categories are Kid Kart (five-seven years old), Rotax Minimax (nine-12), Rotax Junior (13-16), Rotax Senior (16 plus) and Rotax Masters (32 and over).

As part of their 2012 plan, the JKA said it will be introducing a young drivers' development programme with the objective of adding 15-20 new drivers to the sport each year.

The plan is to introduce the drivers from as early as five years old and have a structured programme to take them to the top of the sport.

"We have already gotten the support of donated go-karts and engines for the programme and wish to begin in a couple of weeks. The programme will feature cost-effective driver and safety training for both the drivers and parents," Williams said.