Circuit Racing: Charles Chen appears!

Author : cmunroe

The drivers’ meeting re the Labour Day race was held at Sport Development Foundation’s facility at Phoenix Ave. I was present. The President, no, not ‘Short-Boss’ – Charles Chen – was absent. When I queried, I was told that sickness paid him a visit. In his absence, Monique Gibbs was forced to defend, deflect and at times suffer irreparable damage, as piercing jabs and countless blows were fired from all quarters.

The meeting was colored by myriad disgruntled voices. I was an active participant.Voices which conveyed in forthright, but respectful tones, issues which the individuals thought must be addressed inorder for some semblance of order, sanity and professionalism to be restored to circuit racing. The ‘King’, David Summerbell Jr, a typically, menthol-cool character, was forced to retort in an abrupt, blunt manner, to an assertion Monique made that several of the genuine concerns would be addressed before or on raceday. Like ‘Money’ Mayweather, she bobbed,weaved and survived!

On Saturday (June 13) I was exiting an auto-parts store and like a LMP machine, Monique appeared out of nowhere! Several unplanned words collided and created the question I asked. “Where will the meeting be held tomorrow?” Her polite response was adequate – Liguanea Club.

Chressmore White

On Sundays, I am the typical Jamaican -busy doing nothing! I lost track of time, so like an uninterested pupil I wandered into the meeting late. Charles Chen was present. He was supported at the ‘head-table’ by 3 loyal team members. The deviant, Chressmore ‘Bolt’ White, was seated with the masses. The minute room was at its ‘bulging point’ – the meeting was well attended. I slid to an area where I saw one of the few vacant chairs. I sat, listened and I spoke on several occasions.

I was forced to be a fan of boxing. My father made the choice. At times I was more fascinated with the pre-fight activities than the actual bout. Especially the march to the ring with everyone in the ‘camp’ and a carefully chosen musical selection hollering in the background. Somehow I saw Charles Chen preparing for battle with motivational music blaring between his ears as he made his way to Liguanea Club. He was ready for battle.

The President conceded that from where he sat, the shortcomings were obvious and a lot more needs to be done in several departments including communication and information. The club members who were present and the individuals from the Western end of the island who were electronically-attached, via Skype, spoke at will. In the relaxed, cordial setting, matters of profound importance to the members and circuit racing in general, were discussed in a rather candid manner.

‘Banana’, at Dover, checking if the ‘Fruits-only’ diet worked!

It was evident that the drivers all had the same objective – they want to race! But they were essentially clamoring for a better and a different approach to be taken to the general management of the affairs of the club in terms of promoting events, making information available and allowing members to participate in some of the far-reaching decisions  arrived at.

The President addressed all the issues that were raised. We did not agree on everything but, it is my view that he would have left Liguanea Club with a crystal’s perspective of the type of leadership that club members are demanding of him. He carries a significant load and the non-existent buck stops with him!

But, it was also conveyed by the members in attendance that they were are all willing to play an active role to return the club to a highway marked – Financial Success. Circuit racing has been traveling on a pot-hole laden path within recent times, but, in that meeting, at the Liguanea Club, I saw the determined faces of both veterans of the sport and motivated newcomers who were willing to put creative thought and action to do whatever is required to propel circuit racing to its rightful spot at the pinnacle of Jamaican motorsports -  an achievable feat with concerted effort!

Independence of Speed

JRDC members, drivers, relatives, associates and pets will be at Jamwest, August 1-2 2015 for Race #3. There will be no uncertainty this time around about who will be present and who will be absent! The journey will not be too far. All of the ‘big, bad’ machines will be in the building – no excuse will be accepted.

We were informed that Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore extended an arm to Europe and his machine will be devouring Jamwest’s start-finish straight.

Doug’s machine.

Well, ‘Hollywood’, you would have been informed by now, so this is a reminder. Stephen Gunter and the squad are in the process of acquiring the requisite gears and other speed-goodies to ensure that the only thing that the DTM Audi TT-R will devour, is TA-1′s Elf-laden exhaust!

Incidentally, Peter Rae, you will not be overlooked! Jamwest August 1-2 – NO EXCUSES!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer

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