Juniors gear up for go-kart spectacle

Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter

Nine-year-old Colin Daley Jnr. and Matthew Williams are among several young Jamaicans who will parade their skills at next week Sunday's (August 27) massive go-kart event in New Kingston.

Reports are that Red Bull will be spending more than $15-million to stage the go-kart extravaganza, which is scheduled to take place on Knutsford Boulevard between Trafalgar Road and Barbados Avenue.

According to Carlos Rodrigues, Red Bull's communication manager for the Caribbean, Jamaica has a lot of talent and his company's only interest is to help develop the sport of motor racing.

The event is being staged at a time when the young Jamaicans are gearing for the Rotax International Series, which will be held later this year in the United States.

More than 50 karters have been confirmed for next weekend's event.

Among them is an American national, Timmy Mergenbier, who is rated as one of the best young karters in the United States.

The meet is scheduled to begin at about 10:00 a.m. and run until late in the afternoon.

Paratroopers

Apart from kart racing, Rodrigues said his company has invited a group of paratroopers known as the Red Bull Air Force Team. They will be jumping from about 5,000 feet out of helicopters and will land on the asphalted turf in New Kingston.

Treasurer of the Jamaica Karting Association (JKA), Neil Williams, explained that the event will be like a 'family setting' with entertainment galore.

"The go-karters will be doing a number of demonstrations, with 50cc engines up to shifter karts," said Williams.

Reports are that the winner of the Rotax event will receive a trip for two to a Formula One event in Brazil later this year.

Meanwhile, another local motorsports event - the Raynor King Memorial Stages Rally - will take place tomorrow in the canefields of Frome, Westmoreland.

The nation's top rally drivers are down to participate in the event jointly hosted by the Jamaica Millenium Motoring Club (JMMC)/Montego Bay Motoring Club (MBMC) in honour of the former top driver, Raynor King. Among them is his son, Rory, who will team up with Winston Dawes.