After the launch of the regional circuit racing championship, the Jamaican drivers are in high spirits and anxious to defend the title they wrested from the Guyanese last year.

Dubbed 'The Caribbean Invasion', the launching took place at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston on Friday, May 2. The first leg of the championship will be held at the Dover Raceway, St Ann, on Sunday, May 25. It promises to be one of the biggest events since the inception of Dover.

"My car is basically ready, we have done some changes to the suspension components," said the regional champion driver, Doug Gore, who was referring to his newly acquired Evolution 5.

Checking gears

He brought it out on last Sunday at the Red Bull meet held in New Kingston, but during his demonstration, the car seemed to be missing a gear.

"We took it back into the garage and yesterday (Thursday) I took a spin around the block (Montego Bay) and nothing was wrong with it," said Gore.

The Jamaicans will be paying close attention to Mark Maloney of Barbados and Mark Viera of Guyana, two of the region's top drivers, whose cars are in immaculate condition. Other drivers from St Maarten, Cayman Island, and possibly Surinam, are scheduled to compete at the upcoming meet.

Team members

The Jamaican team will include Peter Rae, Marck Carey, David Summerbell, Peter 'Bull' Thompson and, hopefully, Matthew Gore. Up to Friday, Rae was still in the preparation process.

"My plan with the second-hand car did not work out, so I have reverted to the original zoom zoom (RX7 Mazda)," said Rae.

In the meantime, the big one on the street is about Summerbell's super Evolution 8 race car, which should be arriving from the United States.

"Yes, it is coming and it should be a super car," Summerbell confirmed on Friday.

- G.S.