Jamaica, T&T in go-kart showdown

Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter

TRINIDAD AND Tobago will renew their rivalry with Jamaica in a two-day regional go-kart meet which begins today at the Palisadoes International Raceway in Kingston.

"It should be a very good meet," said the medium-built Gary Hunt, who is leading the Trinidadian team.

Leading the Jamaican charge are Martin Anderson, Timothy Stewart, Peter Rae, Mike Simmons, Chris Myers, Sean Moore and Sean Jackson, Sebastien Rae and Chad Phillips.

Today's action will begin with a practice session at 8:00, followed by qualifying. The first race is scheduled to get underway at noon.

The Trinidadians, who dominated the Shifter Class events last year, arrived in the island on Thursday afternoon and look ready for action. They used the opportunity yesterday to get acclimatised to the winding, half-mile long track.

Among the Trinidadians are Justin Lennard, Rajendra Baboolal, Ryan Peyrau, Mark Gill, Sharaz Hosein, Aaron Lee, who will be racing in the Light Class, as well as Gerald Carrington, Shahinder Singh, Gary Hunt and Ravi Singh.

"Last year we dominated this class because the Jamaicans were less experienced with the Shifter Karts. We are hoping to dominate again but we believe the events will be a lot more competitive," said a smiling Ravi Singh, who spoke with The Gleaner during the driver's meeting held at the KIA Building on Half Way Tree Road on Thursday night.

The slender Singh, who is of indian descent, has been racing go-karts for the past 15 years. He has won the Trinidad and Tobago's local championship at least 10 times. He is presently third in this year's competition.

Singh and Gary Hunt are no newcomers to the local circuit. Last year they both competed in the Shifter Class and did very well.

Hunt, who is also the president of the Trinidad and Tobago Karting Association, said his team performed very poorly in the 100cc class last year and they are hoping to do much better this time around.

"Sebastien Rae and Peter Moodie Jnr. did well last year but we have been reading about Chris Myers," commented Hunt.