Rally: Carnival at the National Stadium

Rally Jamaica 2009
Part 2

After the clerk of the course gave the green light, the stages began and the machines were given the go ahead to entertain and make their teams proud. The fans came to see a show and the drivers did not waste much time to deliver what was expected of them.

For all the doubters who thought that front wheel drive cars could not drift, they got a pleasant surprise. Maurice Whittingham/Andre Forbes (Toyota Starlet) slid easily out of the hairpin turn which was at the end of the generous straight section of the stage.

When national pride is on the line, drivers hold nothing back and the Bajans can deliver a good punch. Ian Warren/Graham Gittens in the 300 hp high pitched monster (Suzuki Swift) and James Betts/Jeremy Gonsalves (Subaru Wrx), claimed their share of the applause from the spectators as they impressed with skillful displays.

Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore wasn’t able to provide his usual level of delivery. His car was wounded, limping along without a turbo and his archrival Richie Rerrie, another crowd favorite, was sidelined due to mechanical issues.

Scandinavian Flick

Where Doug and Richie came up short, John ‘Penti’ Powell (John Powell/ Michael March- Subaru Wrx WRC) and Jeffery Panton (Jeffery Panton/Michael Fennel Jr.-Ford Focus WRC) shouldered the burden. Penti, obviously not intimidated by the other WRC machines, gave the Subaru ‘hot heads’ a lot to cheer, whistle and shout about. For all who did not know what a ‘Scandinavian flick’ was, Penti opened their eyes.

 A WRC car is really a laboratory for automotive engineers - technology on wheels and in the right hands it will take your breath away each time it hurtles by, in a blur of explosive, hissing, popping, controlled speed.

Approaching the hairpin, Penti swung the car right, left, then right again, in what appeared to be one motion, applied throttle and left the hairpin. As he exited the hairpin, the rear of the Subaru was moving left, the front veering right and we could hear the tires shouting for mercy, searching for traction, as Penti’s right foot dictated the way forward. The applause and cheers were deafening.
 

Jeffery Panton

Jeffery Panton was driving without 5th and 6th gears but he wasn’t willing to allow Penti to upstage him. Jeffery realizing the implications of the moment came rocketing towards the hairpin aboard his valiant steed. The Focus is a smaller and lighter car than the Subaru and it shows when the drivers are tossing the cars around. Jeffry’s right, left, right, transitions had unparalleled finesse and his departure from the hairpin unveiled a graceful dance of rubber gliding over asphalt. The billowing tire smoke and the distinct scent of shredded rubber confirmed Jeffery’s massacre. Jamaican flags clutched the air, whistles and shouting could be heard everywhere – a world class driver catering to the desires of his fans. Jeffery Panton to the flipping world!

I left the Stadium when the 3rd run was about to begin and I am certain that the drivers brought the house down with their shenanigans.

Congratulations are in order for all the individuals who made the event possible. Main sponsors Petcom, The Hilton (and others), organizers, the JMMC, the stewards, marshals and the team members who do all the behind the scenes work to ensure that the machines are in good order. Many thanks to the drivers/navigators who despite remaining focused on the ‘race’ side of the rally, do put out the effort to entertain the fans who battle the dust, rain, mud, bush, etc. that rallies offer from time to time. Thanks to everyone involved.

Congrats Gary ‘The Colonel’ Gregg, winner of Rally Jamaica 2009. I would think twice about allowing Jeffery to test drive the ’05 Focus!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer