Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter
Local competitor Peter Rae inspects the engine of Cayman driver Andy Bodden at Rae's Central Road Garage. Bodden is one of a large contingent of drivers from overseas who will be participating in the Invitational Grand Prix race meet at Dover Raceway, St. Ann on Heroes Day, Monday. - Norman Grindley/ Deputy Chief Photographer
INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT racing returns to the Dover Raceway, St. Ann, on Monday, Heroes Day, when the top drivers of Trinidad and Tobago and the Cayman Islands challenge the local drivers in a battle for regional suppemacy.
The event, which is organised by the Jamaica Race Drivers Club (JRDC), has been dubbed the "Invitational Grand Prix" race meet.
HUNGRY FOR ACTION
Reports are that Jamaica's top drivers have fine-tuned their cars and are not only ready, but hungry for action.
"They will have to catch me if they can, because my car is ready," says Tedroy 'Teddy' Burton, the local motorsports hero from St. Elizabeth.
Meanwhile the Montego Bay-based Junior Barnes said he is taking no chances, as he strategised his plans to ensure that Jamaica come out on top of the tri-nation championship.
"I am coming all out to defend Jamaica. I am not going to leave it up to the Kingston-based drivers. My car is in good condition and I will be giving my rivals the same treatment like what they got at the last race meet," said the tough-talking Barnes.
The lanky Peter Rae in his DHL RX7 Mazda, is very confident that he will be upsetting the applecart.
This meet promises to be an action-packed event. The local drivers will be going up against Neil Johnson, who will be driving an Evolution 6. There are also Andy Bodden and Gary 'Rambo' Bennett. All three are from the Cayman Islands. The latter pair will be competing in two Honda Civic motor cars.
But while they will be making their debut in high spirits, the visitors can expect no special treatment on the track, from their local counterparts, which include many time champion David Summerbell Jnr., Burton, Mark Creary, Rae, Barnes and the veteran Peter 'Bull' Thompson.
"My cars have been prepared and I am ready," said Summerbell.
Up to Thursday afternoon, Trinidad and Tobago's top rated driver, Daniel Ramtorsingh, looked a doubtful starter, as his Mitsubishi Evolution 6 racing car reportedly rolled and got damaged during a practice session at the track.
BOWMAN-LEE TO MAKE RETURN
Although she has not raced at the track over the past year, Lisa Bowman-Lee, will be returning full of hope.
"As we speak, we're putting the car together. We have done improvements to it and are now hoping for the best," Bowman-Lee, is down to compete in the Improved and Modified Production classes.
Reports are that the 'Big Man', as he is referred to by some die-hard motorsports fans, 'Bull' Thompson, has been busy over the past week getting used to the track. He has been absent from the circuit since 1996.
Thompson has completed repairs to his RX7 Mazda, which he recently acquired from overseas. He is aware of the talent he will face on the track, but Thompson said he has not seen any of the overseas drivers in action, but have only heard about them.
