Rally Jamaica 2012 ends downtown

Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

Hundreds of Jamaican motorsport fans are expected to turn out when Rally Jamaica 2012 climaxes in downtown Kingston this afternoon.

"It promises to be a very good rally. The stages are looking good," commented Larry Henriques, organiser of the event.

After yesterday's challenging terrain, the two-day rally restarts 7:30 a.m. today at the Tru-Juice Sports Club in Bog Walk, St Catherine. The first competitor is expected to cross the finish line at the Kingston waterfront, near the Bank of Jamaica car park, between 2:15 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Last year, eventual winner John Powell and his navigator Nicholas Telfer assumed the lead from the Barbados pair of Sean Gill and Michael Cummins on the final day. The winners were equipped with a WRC Ford Focus.

This year they will have Jamaica's Jeffrey Panton and co-driver Mike Fennell Jr to contend with. Equipped with a WRC Ford Focus, they are full of confidence that they will be among the front-runners.

"I am feeling good. We checked the stages and they are looking good," Panton told Automotives ahead of the rally. "Over the years I have always had an advantage on the Bybrook Stage, which suits my car," Panton, who has won the rally on several occasions, added.

a real 'dog fight'

Former president of the Jamaica Millennium Motoring Club, Errol Anderson, has described the anticipated nail-biting finish, as a real "dog fight" between Powell and Panton.

"The defending champion (Powell) has a very good chance, but Panton has had more seat time in his Ford Focus. It is going to be very close and the post-lunch stage times will give an indication of who is likely to win. But we should watch out for the Trinidadians in the lower classes," said Anderson.

He further explained that while Panton has good knowledge of the designated route, which has not changed much since last year, Powell has got familiarised with the terrain.

"The Barbadian, Sean Gill is very fast and will be right there to capitalise on any mistakes made by Panton or Powell," said Anderson.

A former Kingston Technical High student and the son of former Member of Parliament E.K. Powell, John Powell was born in Jamaica and grew up in upscale St Andrew. He represented Jamaica in swimming.

Today's stages will take the competitors across 11 stages between Bog Walk, St Catherine, and downtown Kingston. A total of 25 teams, including 11 international, from Trinidad, Barbados, United Kingdom, United States and St Vincent and the Grenadines, are scheduled to participate.