Carib champ drivers thank sponsors

The higher the level of motor racing, the more expensive it becomes. Providing crucial support, Seaboard Marine has renewed its support for the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) in 2013, facilitating more cars in the lower race classes and more young, upcoming drivers.

"The sponsors are very important to us," argued David Summerbell Jr. "Sponsors like Total and Seaboard allow, certainly in this case, the CMRC to be the success it has been. The future, without a doubt, depends on sponsors like Seaboard," he contended.

Jamaica's drivers, who made a clean sweep of this year's major titles at the third and final CRMC leg, showed their appreciation for the sponsors during a recent press conference at the Spanish Court Hotel, New Kingston.

Three companies, headed by Seaboard Marine, came in for high praises. According to the drivers, their success would not have been possible without the support. Seaboard Marines' responsibility was to take the cars around the Caribbean. Shell and Spanish Court Hotel were also recognised for their contributions.

"It would be very difficult to move the cars up and down the islands. Apart from the cost to maintain the cars, the freight charges are beyond our reach. This is our way, and the Reggae Racers' way, to thank Seaboard for their support," said Peter Rae.

Summerbell Jr, who took top honours at the South Dakota race track in Guyana, set the pace for Jamaica's whopping 137 points, which put them 88 points ahead of closest rivals Guyana.

Sebastien Rae, Jamaica Race Drivers' Club's (JRDC) 2012 Champion, placed second in the CMRC Group Two Class on 81 points in his Walkerswood-sponsored Mitsubishi Mirage.

Michelle Marks, director of marketing and sales at Seaboard Marine, Jamaica, described the drivers' decision to say thanks to the sponsors as "a very good gesture".

- GS