Rally Jamaica 2015: Simon Jean-Joseph – Part 1

It was Tuesday, November 10,2015. Someone posting from a ‘JEFF’ account, indicated – “Simon Jean Josephs is also a confirmed entry”. Rally fans reacted accordingly – “Rally here jus turn up another click”. Another fan said – “Now we talking”. But, there is always an individual who occupies the hermit’s post and as such he is unaware of what the rest of the world knows. He asked – “Is he good on gravel?” ‘Shifter Kart’ responded with uncertainty, but ‘JEFF’ provided video-substance from which the appropriate conclusions could be drawn.

As D-Day for Rally Jamaica 2015 approached, it was HID clear that a spectacle was on the stages (cards). Machines from near and far were destined to battle the elements in the orchard and the driver lineup bellowed WRC skills, abilities and accomplishments. I am always eager to witness Jeffery Panton’s abusive, aggressive, but purposeful approach to executing victory, but I was tickled by jabs of nervous anticipation while perusing the confirmed competitor-list.

Jeffery Panton

Jeffery Panton’s main Caribbean rival, John ‘Penti’ Powell, was present. He was also brandishing a highly volatile weapon – 2008 Ford Focus WRC! The NACAM contingent which consisted of a potent assortment of Evos, Subbies and Fiestas, was locked and loaded. The sublime Richard ‘Sir Rich’ Rerrie grabbed the lifeline.

He was scheduled to deliver his theory from a seat in his favorite lecture theatre – Subaru WRX. The 2014 Rally Jamaica winner and defending champion Kyle ‘Speedy’ Gregg must have known that a mammoth challenge would be his companion for 2015, but, he was committed and to bolster his resolve, his dad, Gary Gregg dived in, aboard another Evo. Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore auditioned for the leading role on the stages and yes, the former European and French rally champion, the illustrious, Simon Jean-Joseph was in the building, contemplating how to extricate victory from Panton’s clutches in a M-Sport built and maintained, 2015 Ford Fiesta R5! Santa delivered early for Jamaican rally fans!

When the formalities disappeared and the battle commenced, the rally ran,unusually, like clockwork and the expected pattern emerged on the leaderboard. I watched several stages and left with my foregone conclusions confirmed. On the final day of the rally (Sunday) I arrived, rather early, at the designated parking lot for the machines before the tarmac-attack – the Downtown Stages!

News came about the freak-storm which flung a lot more than rain on the rally stage. As the machines rolled in, the treacherous tales were audible from the lips of a few, still frightened, competitors. Concern, despair, relief and gratitude were all colliding in multiple voices in the parking lot. I listened.

Toyota Celica GT4

Simon Jean-Joseph arrived. Jeffery Panton’s service team is known for operating at a factory-team’s level! Stories of the sole  ’Englishman’ who prepared and maintained his Toyota Celica GT4 -’ The Tank’ – are inked in the Legend Aisle of local motorsport history. When Simon’s machine rolled in and crept to a halt, below its already erected tent, it had a photoshoot’s attitude! It was pristine, immaculate in both poise and appearance. Visually stunning. Monti’s lens could not have produced a more appealing image! And this was after two grueling, gravel-infested days! Evidence of a ‘super car-wash’ and thorough detailing before arrival at parc ferme!

There was no escaping the fact that the 2015 Ford Focus R5 was an awesome machine and the only visible battle scar it displayed was a missing portion of the roof wing/spoiler which befuddled the mechanics. But, I was interested in hearing the views of the man manipulating the M Sport machine. He emerged from behind the intricately constructed roll cage, exited the machine and said “Hello Jamaica”.

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer