Caribbean showdown kicks off at Dover today

Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

ALL HELL is expected to break loose at tomorrow's Labour Day race meet at Dover Raceway, St Ann, when Jamaica take on Guyana, Barbados and the Cayman Islands in the first leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC).

At least 14 cars and one motorcycle arrived in the island last week for the event. This is in addition to the more than 30 local-based cars which will be participating.

Racetrack drama is always on the agenda at Dover and the meet promises to be one of the most exciting and thrilling starts to the CMRC series since its inception. Motorsports fans will get an opportunity to witness the clash of the four fastest cars in the Caribbean.

Though the qualifying sessions begin this morning, the Jamaica Race Drivers Club have scheduled four events this afternoon.

Thrills and spills are almost guaranteed and, based on the line-up of drivers, tomorrow's event is expected to be filled with non-stop action and some keen bump\er-to-bumper rivalry.

No fear

"Though I fear none, I will not take them lightly. The only unknown one to me is Stuart Williams, whose car I understand is very fast," said Jamaica's David Summerbell, who is assuring his fans that once the starter waves the green flag, he will be among the frontrunners.

The Barbados team comprises Williams, who will be driving a Lotus Elise Turbo; Doug Maloney, with an Audi A4 Quattro Turbo; and his son, Mark, who will drive a RX3 Mazda.

"My car has the potential to be a good contender. So far, everything is OK though we have had issues with the braking system," commented Williams.

He further said his teammates, the Maloneys, are more knowledgeable of the Jamaican circuit and are ready for action.

"They are equipped and should be good competitors. I am still learning about the circuit," said Williams.

Apart from the three CMRC races, fans will be in for a treat, as Summerbell and Doug Gore will renew their rivalry in the Modified Production Class 4 events. Because of technicalities with his Audi TT and weight issues, Gore will not be competing in the CMRC series.

The Jamaican team will include Peter Rae, Chris Campbell, George Bayley, Martin Anderson and, hopefully, Mark Carey.

Others expected are Kyle Gregg, Alan Chen, Teddy Burton, Peter Jaggan. Motorcyclists Greg Cross, Adrian Blake and Harlequin Rodney.