Drivers push for upgrades
Published:Sunday | December 11, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Jardine steps down from JRDC presidency
Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator
With a new president set to take over the reins at Dover Raceway, St Ann, next year, some prominent members of the Jamaica Race Drivers Club (JRDC) are hoping to see changes that will take the sport to a higher level.
"I would love for issues relating to safety improve and also a review of the number of tyres one can use per race meet," said David Summerbell. His arch rival Doug Gore wants to see marketing of the sport improve. "I am not saying it is wrong now, but what I can tell Jamaica is that there are going to be some interesting times at Dover next year. Because if Summerbell (David) acquires a new car, then we will be acquiring one too," argued Gore, who now has one of the fastest circuit racing cars in the Caribbean.
Peter Rae wants to see drivers in the lower classes get more exposure.
"Safety should be top priority next year, while I am hoping to see the Grand Prix of Kingston become a reality," said Rae.
The drivers' comments came after applauding Hilary Jardine, who a week ago retired as the JRDC president.
"Lack of sponsorship has prevented me from accomplishing what I had wanted for motor racing in Jamaica. I wanted to take the sport to the highest level," said Jardine, who was one of the influential persons who injected life into the sport at a time when it seemed about to come to a halt.
A justice of the peace, he was the president of JRDC for the past six years but served the sport for many more. During his presidency, the club grew significantly. Jardine spearheaded the improved physical infrastructure of Dover and was also the driving force behind the revival of the very successful Caribbean Motor Racing Championship.
"I started motor racing at Vernamfield on July 4, 1970, and stepped down in 1979," said Jardine.
He has been involved in motorsport in Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica at various levels for over 50 years. Guyanese by birth, Jardine has been a naturalised Jamaican since the late 1960s.