Dover Drift Invasion – The Verdict?

I am a firm believer in the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC). The series brings the biggest, baddest and most ferocious machines in the Caribbean, together, on three different race-tracks, in three different Caribbean countries. Each country that competes in the Championship will obviously hold the view that their machines are like ATL -Unbeatable!

But, we are all fully aware that in motorsports, unlike that which exists in an essay competition, the battle is not won on paper! So to prove your brainwashed or assumed supremacy, you have to win races and slay the other competing giants.

History has been kind to us – Jamaica – we have been able to etch our name on the Championship trophy more often than not. The statistics are somewhat misleading though, but, with a logical explanation. Our dominance, though rightfully ours and one that is earned through the tireless effort of the members of the Reggae Racers/ Team Jamaica, is often times treated with a bit of cynicism because it is felt by the motorsports monks in the region ( a band of wise men), that one of the most intimidating and downright vulgar machines in the Caribbean, the tenacious Ford Focus from the Mayers camp, usually goes MIA for the Jamaican leg of the championship and as such the Jamaicans usually race to an unassailable lead. And if you give David Summerbell, Doug Gore and company, a minute whiff of championship-blood, like starving sharks, they will be diving for the feast!

Mark Maloney

Today, I salute the CMRC because it brought to our shores some ‘sick’ machines which, through their sound, appearance and delivery are the visual and actual definitions of a ‘real race-car’! I am still in awe when I reflect on my introduction to Mark Maloney’s version of the Terminator -his n/a 20b Mazda Rx3. The first time I heard the Rx 3 wailing through Dover’s dozen-plus corners, words took flight from my distorted brain and silent lips and I felt an inner peace which must have been similar to that which was found by Neo, when he realized he could defeat the agents – in the final scene of the first installment of The Matrix! Big up CMRC!

JRDC

My rant, despite its tendency to obfuscate, has profound logic at the end of the tunnel. Each year, I look forward to and plan at length for the CMRC Round 1, which is usually held during the Labour Day holiday. We were informed rather early, in 2014, that because of events in Barbados, Round 1 will not be held in Jamaica! I was floating in a pool of disappointment until I learnt that a team of drifters was invited to ply their trade before the Summerbell an Gore fanatics at Dover. I endorsed the effort and I was convinced, even before I spoke to a Nu Gen Motorsportz representative at Vernamfield, that the JRDC drew an ace from its deck!

Despite the oppressive economic constraints within which the average Jamaican resides, Dover was a hive of activity Saturday evening and Sunday morning (May 24th and 25th). Fans, informed through various channels, were willing to invest in the new movement. After the first drift demonstration, they (the fans) were blatantly tripping over each other. Why? They were busy – attempting to reorganize the unusual visual images of machines drifting at insane speed, through corners made famous for their treachery – with their sudden, unintended bouts of pleasure and excitement!

Drift Invasion

The jury did not need to deliberate to arrive at a verdict! Dover Drift Invasion was, in my view, an overwhelming success on several fronts and I am anxiously waiting for the pleasant surprise, which the remaining aces being held by the JRDC, have to offer!

Hailings to Nigel Edwards and his family! We are thankful that all is well! Big up mi Boss!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer.