Down to the last lap

Last Dover meet for 2012 on tomorrow

Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

The curtain comes down on the 2012 circuit racing season tomorrow with a potentially sensational showdown between the country's top drivers, who will be vying for critical points to wrap up titles in their respective classes. The first race will get under way at 10 a.m.

Another massive crowd is expected to cram the hillside, grandstand, paddocks and the popular 'gullyside' area at the Dover Raceway in St Ann.

Challenges were laid down and drivers were oozing with confidence at the launch of the race meet, held on Thursday at the Spanish Court Hotel, New Kingston.

Like Olympic gold medallists Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake, drivers David Summerbell and Kyle Gregg are from the same camp, but have grown to be arch-rivals and will be battling for the Driver of the Year title.

It's the grand finale and the two are separated by four points. Gregg won the championship last year, but now finds himself in second place behind his Total Lubricant teammate, Summerbell, who cannot afford to make a mistake.

'nothing to chance'

"I know the other participants have their plans, but I am not leaving anything to chance," said a confident Summerbell, whose Mitsubishi Evolution 8 is ready for action.

While Gregg is hopeful, his eyes are also focused on the class championships, where he is locked in battle with Alan Chen.

"When you are on top, everybody wants the underdog to win, but I have done my homework and the car is ready," said Gregg, who currently leads on points in the Thundersport II Class.

George Bayley, who was impressive at the last race meet, has sent an early warning that he has no intentions of facilitating friendly rivalry. "We are friends after the race, but it is war on the track," said Bayley, who is going all-out to defend his Bracket 27 Class title.

Natasha Chang described the 2012 season as a colourful year for her. "The Honda Civic is unbelievable. I am coming to break the MP 1 track record," commented Chang during the launch.

Although it has been a challenging year for him, Heath Causewell says everything should be in good shape come tomorrow.

'i'm ready'

"My car is well prepared. I have my plans for Monday. I have made some adjustments to the car and now looking to lower my time in the MP1 Class," said Tarik Minott.

Peter Rae, whose car is vastly improved, indicated that he is anxious to visit the winner's enclosure, therefore he is coming all out to upstage Summerbell. His nephew Sebastian Rae is well poised to win the Bracket 32 championship.

In the motorcycle clash, Adrian Blake leads by 11 points in Section A. He is followed by Andre Norman, who won all three motorcycle races at the last race meet. In the B Class, Robert McDonald leads by 22 points, ahead of Jason Campbell. McDonald will move up to the A Class next year.