Boost Controller : Noel ‘Spi’ Rhone

The KGB, CIA, MI6 and other intelligence services all have a spy or few on their payroll. Little do they know that their spies are imposters.They aren’t real, they are knock-offs they are fake, costume jewelry!

The real S.P.I. is here, in the land where vegetation exists in abundance and rivers flow like the perennial sources of water they are. We have in our midst a stalwart posing as a common man, a giant in his field, a tutor to many and a master at his game. Known to his mother as Noel, he is more popularly known as ‘Spi’. And if his name is said in a drag racing setting, do not be surprised if the ground shakes as his opponents run for cover!

Blue Engine

His name instills fear, but to those who know him, laughter is only a phrase away when you talk to ‘Spi’. He was telling me about his desire to enter the 10 seconds class and while we spoke he said “Yeah man, dem have the blue engine”. I asked – “What?” He went on – “Yu no know the blue engine? Yeah man, a dat dem have!” Being more than a tad bit slow, it took me a while to figure out that he was referring to nitrous oxide as the blue engine. By the time I caught up, he was engulfed in laughter.

‘Spi’ has transformed the once emasculated turbo starlet into a fearless giant slaying machine. He builds his own drag rocket and his expertise is also sought by others in the Caribbean. His reaction time at the ‘tree’ is legendary and as one fan pointed out- “Watch im neck” as he reversed, then in one motion, engaged first gear, floored the go pedal and dumped the clutch. The protruding slicks screamed in protest as the machine lurched forward. ‘Spi’s’ neck showed little or no movement!

His dominance in the 11 seconds class is unquestioned, but he will tell you that winning is far more important than a time-slip. This, he says, as he gives one of his trademark ear to ear grins as he stands in front of the numerous trophies in his living room.

How much do you know about the man who is rumored to have a written contract with the ‘tree’? How else can you explain his rapid flight from the light? He sees green before the light had a plan to illuminate!

Name: Noel Rhone.

Current Race-Car: Toyota Starlet.

Favorite Music: R&B, Gospel, Country and Western.

All Time Favorite Car: Toyota Starlet -“Fast, reliable and cheap”.

Racing Hero: Richard ‘Puffy’ Nicholas.

Most Embarrassing Moment in a Race-Car: Missing a shift while racing.

Happiest Moment in a Race-Car: Achieving an elapsed time of 11.0 seconds.

Best Formula 1 Driver of All Time: Michael Schumacher.

When I interviewed him for the first time, a few months ago, ‘Spi’ was competing at Jamwest and as fate would have it, he went on to win the 11 seconds class. Drag racing hits the quarter mile at Jamwest this weekend, I wouldn’t want to be in the lane next to him. All the best ‘Spi’!

Jamwest Update : Good Father, Better Son ?

Spi- the father, gave his son Lancelot (Spi Jr.) the opportunity of a lifetime – the keys to the machine and the chance to compete at Jamwest (19/09/2010). So how did he do?

Competing officially for the first time in the 11 seconds class, Spi Jr. will remember this event for more years than his present age. Driving a machine plagued with clutch and fuel issues, Spi Jr. ripped father- like lightning starts, romped through the class and lined up next to one of Ochi’s finest, Seymour (Nissan- Badda Wagon) in the finals.

Spi Jr. knew no fear and with his dad’s honour on the line he revved a victory out of the mighty Starlet. Spi Jr. sealed his dream debut by winning the 11 seconds class! Drag racers now have another Rhone to worry about! Congrats to the Rhone family.

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer