Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

The country's top circuit racing driver, Doug Gore, holds a slim lead over his sibling Matthew Gore. Behind the Gores are Peter 'Bull' Thompson and Peter Rae. The drivers were competing in one of the GTS races at the Dover Raceway on Heroes Day. The event was won by Doug Gore. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

LIKE A blessing in disguise, the heavens burst open and down came the 'showers', just as the Minister of Transport, Mike Henry, was about to 'green' flag the grand finale race meet at the Dover Raceway, St. Ann, on Heroes Day.

The rain lasted for about 15 minutes and then it was time for racing. The loud cheers of the more than 3,500 spectators were enough to indicate that the cars were exiting the pit area for the track.

It was a happy moment for the fans of Doug Gore and the Montegonians who came out in droves to support Team Mobay.

Happiest of them all

However, happiest of them all was the 52-year-old Guy Fraser, who finished with at least 67.6 points to crown himself the national circuit racing champion for 2007. "I went to the meet knowing that if I could just win two races, then I would be in with a good chance of winning the championship," said Fraser, who up to last year was not among the list of top drivers. Now he has grown into a tough and fearless competitor on the circuit.

"My only disappointment was that I wanted this championship when all the cars of the top drivers were in excellent condition," said Fraser, who got hooked on the sport almost three decades ago when he used to accompany his father to the Vernamfield drag strip in Clarendon.

Although Peter 'Bull' Thompson, David Summerbell and Peter Rae did not take the checkered flag, they put up a good fight against strong Team Mobay.

Other winners for the 2007 season were Doug Gore in the GTS Class, Rohan Clarke who retained his title in the IP39 Class, Lisa Lee in the IP35 Class and Brian Foster in the IP45 Class.

Don Gilbert took the top honours in the MP1 Class, Errol Bowla in the MP2 Class while Doug Gore won in MP3.

After watching the two first races on the programme, Henry said: "It rekindles memories of my youthful days in the sport."