CIRCUIT RACING: SUMMERBELL – BULLIED AND BEATEN! PART 1

I am a motorsport fan and I am also indirectly coerced by a contractual arrangement. As such ‘politics’ will never interfere in the choices I make re attending or participating in an event.

I will admit that I was of the view that a lot more could have been done to promote the Independence of Speed. But, I required no enhancement! There were enough intriguing factors on the table, which served as obvious reminders that a riveting and intensely pulsating event would, like the pages of the Gleaner, unfold with crisp consistency, at Dover Raceway on Sunday August 7th!

The fact that Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore’s DTM machine was rejuvenated and revving with renewed European inspiration, provided ample justification to guarantee attendance. Doug’s machine, despite being wounded, appeared and fought valiantly at the CMRC Round 1 at Jamwest and it is still an engineering masterpiece and is worth any trip.

And when you add its genocidal rampage against all non-Jamaican combatants in Trinidad recently, against odds that Just Bet would deem unfair, motivation to be present at Dover Raceway was in abundant supply!

Flashbacks of Kyle ‘Speedy’ Gregg’s romp to supremacy at Jamwest strummed my adrenaline strings. David ‘King’ Summerbell’s machine, still referred to affectionately as TA 1, in April, silenced scores of its critics. There were many who argued that the machine has done its time and possibly the King should be seeking a more modern and technologically superior platform consistent with the Pagani Huayra theme!

Apparently TA 1 and the team overheard the discussions. The machine in April, barked ferociously exiting the Esses and like a rogue MI6 agent, it left a trail of dismembered machines, as it followed a path of boost-driven explosions, which ultimately resulted in not only the subsequent mutilation of the start-finish straight, but also defeat for its foes! The non-existing debate was settled – I would be present at Dover on Sunday, but practice on Saturday would serve as an appropriate appetizer!

RADICAL

When I arrived at Dover some time after two pm, machines on the track rang a familiar, reassuring note. I was at the closed, main gate when I witnessed a magical occurrence. I saw the container-bridge. I heard the Radical. It appeared. Time ceased. It swallowed the chicane with a shark’s fury and disappeared. Time and space must be held accountable because a second did not elapse! Strange but true.

Practice or testing, prior to race-day is a unique experience which every fan should try and experience. Practice wears a laissez-faire attire. Drivers and their teams are sociable, relaxed and jovial mortals who are still committed to the task at hand, but they are much more accommodating and willing to engage in an information gathering conversation.

When I arrived at the pit-bay area I was somewhat perplexed. The usually bustling area was swollen with acute desolation! Where were the race-cars?  I was concerned but my core function beckoned.

Kyle Speedy Gregg’s machine was chilling, apparently at peace with what was discovered during the rev test. It did not return to the track.

KYLE’S MACHINE – THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM!

May Pen’s only hope, Bull Thompson’s machine, was present. I was elated. I spoke to Mark Morgan (Brinn Morgan’s son) who is currently a part of the May Pen Ice squad. He indicated that the machine was ready. I had realistic expectations re what it would deliver on Sunday.

BULL THOMPSON’S MACHINE – INTIMIDATION TACTICS?

‘Wings’ Williams is built like a pencil. Lithe and noddle-thin he is, but race-cars resent weight and that might help to account for his electrifying ability when he grabs the wheel of his EG. The KFC machine was present . ‘Wings’ went out and even to the casual observer it was evident that the machine was victory mode! Big Deals were on the cards for Sunday!

I noticed that Ackeel Shorter’s machine was added to the Moodie portfolio. What happened with Xavia Murray’s involvement? Interesting.

There were few other machines scattered throughout the pit-bay but not enough to instill confidence that a stellar event would materialise. One group which would secure the ‘you can count on us ‘ award – the bikers – were in attendance in their usual number. The bikers remain an organized and unified bunch who are untouchable where the tribalism that, unfortunately, the sport breeds, is concerned. They deserve special mention and commendation! Big up Kyle Reynolds and the crew!

While I collated my thoughts TA 1 – the inimitable – was fired and the King went out to test the newly acquired search and destroy mode! The aural ecstasy began immediately!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer