Circuit Racing: Team Jamaica goes to Barbados

 
This weekend (August 28th – 29th), the motorsports spotlight in the Caribbean will assume illuminating duties in an island massive in historical relevance, but minute in land mass – Barbados. Barbados owes its existence to an organism which marine biologists label the Coral Polyp. Yes, Barbados is a coral island.

Humans eventually found this idyllic retreat and long after they got bored of racing canoes someone thought it prudent to race cars. I guess the tradition still lives on, because drivers and teams from several countries will converge on a dot on the world map, to battle to the victorious end, as they attempt to steal both personal and national honours.

The event – Digicel Williams International Race Meet – has as its main event, Round 2 of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC). Based on pre-race releases, a speed extravaganza will take shape at the circuit at Bushy Park. International flavor has a way of elevating the appeal of an occasion and this meet will see five accomplished foreigners, from England and Ireland, mixing it up with the locals.   

The CMRC’s defending driver’s champion is our very own David ‘King’ Summerbell Jr and at the first Round at Dover (Jamaica), he drew first blood. The King and his Beast, TA1 stood tall like the emergents in a tropical rain forest. They towered over their Caribbean rivals, as they executed a stout defense of a title Summerbell does not intend to relinquish. Summerbell won all three CMRC races and in the process inflicted serious wounds on his rivals. 

Teammate, Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore’s efforts were hampered by mechanical issues. He changed cars and continued, but the CMRC rules were not accommodating. He scored zero points. Peter ‘Zoom Zoom’ Rae is on the comeback trail with an improving RX7. He had a good showing at Round 1 and he is leading the 2wd class.

Round 2 in Barbados presents the first opportunity for Bajan and Guyanese drivers to seek revenge for their humbling experience in Jamaica. Team Jamaica is fully aware of this and a brief perusal of the resumes of the three drivers making the trip will confirm that we are in good hands. Good luck Team Jamaica!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer