Circuit Racing: Team Jamaica prepares for battle in Guyana.

Fast and Furious is not only the title of a blockbuster, it is also a cliche which is used more often that a restroom at a primary school! But, the fact that it accurately defines a particular moment in time, or an event, will encourage its selection as a part of various descriptions. And this is one of those moments. Yes indeed (in a Tommy Cowan voice)!

Motorsports events are racing at checkered flag-grabbing speed, in a fast and furious manner, better yet, a blind hurry, to complete their seasons. And when the depression rents a room in our brains (after the season ends), we will subconsciously count the days before the 2014 season begins! We are on the clock so we will do our best to keep you informed.

‘Teach’

When former JRDC President/Chairman, Christopher ‘Teach’ McFarlane pulled his disappearing trick and resigned, I was a bit taken aback. His stunt came as a surprise because of what I knew about his love for and commitment to motorsports. I went and spoke to him and I have not yet posted the essential bits of our dialogue. But, some of what he said struck me and I will repeat a snippet now.

At some stage in our discussion, like a scene from Wanted, the name Dean Corrodus came up. It is widely accepted by individuals who claim knowledge, that both individuals are not the best of friends. Their friendship or lack thereof is definitely no concern of mine, but Teach did not mince his words when he expressed -  “I do not know how he does it”. He continued and explained that there is no one better than Dean Corrodus at locating and disseminating motorsports related information. That admission, by the usually misunderstood former President, in my book, was a ‘big man’ statement. Big up mi boss!

The relevance of ‘Teach’s’ comment will be laid bare now. There are times when, for one reason or another, I am out of the loop and as if he reads minds, Dean sends a document detailing an upcoming motorsport event. Say what you want to say about the man, but you must give credit where it has been earned.

CMRC

The Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) has seen better years – 2013 will not be reviewed with beaming pride, unless – save that thought. The series got off to its usual blistering start at Dover Raceway. I must admit I could not mask my disappointment with Mark Maloney’s machine (RX3) which is now a shadow of its former spine-tingling, glorious-self.

Mark Maloney’s machine.

When I heard it in May, sounds from a muted trumpet came to mind. I was devastated when reality confirmed that the machine lost the pulsating Luciano Pavarotti notes it was known for. I was overcome with grief and burdened with misery!

DTM Audi TT-R

But, the Jamaican band did not miss a beat – where David ‘King’ Summerbell Jr. stumbled, Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore’s DTM Audi TT-R excelled and the German-bred V8 monster read the riot act! The other members of Team Jamaica played their role in ensuring that the fans left the venue entertained and with elevated pride -  raised to the summit of the Blue Mountain!

Round 2 of the CMRC crash-landed like a faulty test rocket – it didn’t happen! So, the CMRC, the 2013 edition, has its final shot at glory in a few days and the venue for this Hail Mary shot is the South Dakota Raceway, Guyana.

At the 2012 edition of Round 3, controversy erupted at the end of one of the races when the ‘King’ ran off course after crossing the finish line in P1.

The ‘King’s’ chariot – TA1

Essentially, the victory was withdrawn and efforts to have the matter resolved, like a crash dummy, have met an uncooperative obstacle. So, the ‘King’ being a no nonsense monarch, chose not to participate. I understand.

But, gentlemen and ladies who appreciate our sport, machines will be revving their motors to high heaven or hell in Guyana on Sunday. Team Jamaica is comprised of Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore (DTM Audi TT-R), Peter ‘Zoom Zoom’ Rae (Mazda RX7), Gary Williams (Evo 6.5) and Noel Golding Jr (Honda Civic – Banana).

The Lueboyz built ‘Banana’.

Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore

Team leader Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore (I assigned him leader) is a seasoned racer who is a former CMRC champion and I am certain he will put pedal to metal, to deter any attempt to upstage his big bad machine – Unbeatable mi seh! Newcomer to South Dakota, Noel Golding Jr, is known for his ferocity behind the wheel. The track is new to him, but with support from a knowledgeable crew I expect him to pull a few surprises.

DTM Audi TT-R – Unbeatable in Guyana!

The question has been raised in Guyana – Is Doug Gore’s machine the fastest car in the Caribbean? I am reading Doug’s mind now – It is the fastest car in the Caribbean, and after Sunday, all those who felt its wrath will have sleepless nights. They will scream like the frightened children in Monster Inc., awakened by the memories of the torture they had to endure courtesy of the body blows the roaring V8 handed out! So, as Team Jamaica prepares for battle in Guyana let me play my part in encouraging the effort – Go Team Jamaica!!

Nb. ‘Hollywood’ is leading the championship, so if the machine remains Unbeatable we will all be celebrating at the end of the event on Sunday!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer