Revved-up entrants, put brakes on kart costs - More competitors expected with new tracks

Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

Motorsport has played a role in promoting Jamaica's image on the world stage positively and 2012 is regarded as one of its better years, particularly in circuit racing, go-karting and rallying.

Circuit racing was undoubtedly the biggest success in motorsport for Jamaica last year. In addition to winning the country title in the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC), David Summerbell Jr took the major award, winning the regional drivers' title for the fifth time. Sebastian Rae took the top honours in the lower class.

"Apart from the CMRC successes, our high points for 2012 was the confirmation of Shell, The Antilles Group (TAG) as our major sponsor, plus the continued support of other sponsors. The improvement of safety at the track, for both drivers and patrons was another plus," said Monique Gibbs, vice-president of the Jamaica Race Drivers Club.

Preparations for new drivers/riders

For 2013, Gibbs said the JRDC is making preparations for the anticipated influx of new drivers/riders and larger fields of competitors.

Neil Williams, who heads the Jamaica Karting Association (JKA), is a happy president following outstanding performances by Jamaican karters on the world stage. Apart from successes on the Florida circuit, 2012 saw two Jamaicans, Thomas Issa and Collin Daley Jr, qualifying and competing at the World Karting Championship which concluded in Portugal last month.

Both karters crashed out and failed to make it beyond the semis.

"Our positives were, the restart of the 50cc and 80cc programmes. We got some new members and the events were highly competitive. Our aim this year is to put measures in place to reduce the cost of kart racing," Williams said.

"We endorsed all of the achievements of the JKA and the JRDC," commented Peter Clarke, president of Jamaica Millennium Motoring Club (JMMC).

Increase participation

According to Clarke, in 2013 the plan is to increase the level of participation in events across the region and elsewhere. "This year we are looking forward to strengthening our role as the national sporting authority, increasing our presence in regional events," he said.

The JMMC president disclosed that Sebastian Rae has been named Jamaica's motorsport personality for 2012. This was after he turned in a spectacular performance at the Dover Raceway last October to win the Driver of the Year title.

"Among the positives for the JMMC in 2012 were the increase in promotion of more motoring events at Vernamfield (Clarendon) and JamWest (Westmoreland). The more of these events is the better for the country," Clarke said.

The successful staging of last month's international stages rally is another positive for the JMMC.

It was not all upbeat, though. "The negative for me was the low turnout of competitors in the rally sports, which include sprints and rally events," said Clarke.