Circuit Racing: The West is Best? (Emancipation of Speed)

Circuit racing, for more reasons than my eight fingers and two thumbs can count, like Jamaica’s economy, has been in a vicious free-fall for a longer time-frame than the JRDC will admit. But, this is not to suggest that considerable thought, effort and coordinated effort have not been utilised to dig success from failure’s grasp.

The available data at the JRDC’s disposal revealed that there were dates on the circuit racing calendar which, like an exposed flame, would burn a spirit-sapping orifice in club’s balance sheet. Dollars and cents met, traded and a shrewd decision was taken – JRDC’s Round 3 – Emancipation of Speed (August 2015) would chase the checkered flag at Jamaica’s fastest circuit racing venue, Jamwest Speedway.

CMRC

Jamwest Speedway in February (2015), played host to the CMRC machines and it delivered on its promise to provide a riveting and successful event. Lightning rarely strikes the same place twice, but for the Emancipation of Speed, the JRDC had a dinosaur-sized ace up its sleeve – Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore would return to the track!

I must admit that in the days leading up to the event on August 2nd, I was burdened with more than a slice of apprehension. I was not convinced that fans would respond positively to the calculated switch (of venue). While I was driving on the minor road, heading to the track, a lady friend who resides in Westmoreland said she was told that the event would be ‘bigger’ than the CMRC event. I disagreed. I was wrong.

When we drove through Jamwest’s main entrance there was no one at the gate. I feared the worst. But when I made the slight left bend and commenced the 150 m straight to the first security-manned barrier, an Instagram-worthy picture emerged. Machines, like children at a video-games shop, filled the parking area. And in the not so far distance, music, to a petrol-head’s ears was booming through unrestricted exhaust pipes. My fear died instantly and I was elated that I was wrong.

Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore

It goes without saying that I underestimated the appeal and the fan-base that Doug Hollywood Gore and his ex-DTM Audi TT-R maintained. I am fully aware of his superstar status, but I overlooked the loyalty his Hollywood persona grabbed and the insatiable desire his fans had to see him defeat David Summerbell Jr.

Doug Gore fans from the west rolled out in droves. They were present at Jamwest and vociferous sessions reigned when the Audi came in full view on Jamwest’s start-finish straight. Unfortunately, if close, aggressive, fractious encounters were expected between the two protagonists (Doug Gore and David Summerbell Jr), disappointment would be a familiar feeling. However, if you are ‘Hollywood’/Audi/Mobay racing fan you would have experienced sensory overload courtesy of an excess adrenaline short circuit!

At Jamwest, at the Emancipation of Speed, Doug Gore had no rival. To say the TT-R was on rails would be a reprehensible understatement. Like the Bullet Train, the ex DTM Audi TT-R  delved into magnetic levitation, adopted electromagnetic propulsion and pummeled the opposition. The other machines on track were simply out-paced, tortured and crushed into predictable submission.

Peter Rae

Surprisingly, Peter Rae in his parts-shedding RX7 gave an impressive account. I spoke to him after one of the races. Despite finishing behind Doug and Chris Campbell, the effort he invested in the pursuit was obvious. He was breathless, sweating profusely, walking gingerly and supported by his daughter but, he had enough energy to inform me that no major changes were made to the car. Apparently the rotary loves Jamwest!

Chris Campbell’s machine (BMW) honored its heritage and walked away with the Bad Machine Wailing trophy. He, for the most part, remained engaged in tit for tat battles with Peter Rae and he emerged ahead on each occasion. I overheard congratulatory salutes being thrown in his direction in the paddock.

David Summerbell and TA-1 fans received a comprehensive flogging from a machine, which on August 2nd, was unbeatable! To retain pride they will retort that TA-1, like a misfiring cylinder, was not delivering optimum performance, but unbiased racers/fans will remind the audience that when a machine appears in its grid position a zero-excuse approach is maintained. Doug Gore cannot be blamed for bringing his A(udi)-game. And at Jamwest he did.

Based on what unfolded at Jamwest is it safe to conclude that the west is best?

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer