Glenroy Sinclair, Staff ReporterRated among the region's most experienced co-drivers Jamaica's Mike Fennell Jr. has his eyes set on winning the inaugural rally event at next weekend's X Games in Los Angeles, United States.
Last weekend, the Jamaican and his rally driver, Ramana Lagemann, were victorious in the Maine Forrest Rally - a win which qualifies them for the X Games Rally. The team made it home in a Dent Sport Garage-run Ford Escort Cosworth.
Up against several drivers already nominated to compete in the X Games, including the factory Subaru Rally Team, Lagemann and Fennell began the rally with a measured approach.
At the end of the first day, the team found themselves solidly in seventh position, less than 30 seconds behind the leader.
"We realised that on day two we needed to up the pace. Maine is a fast rally with lots of exposed rocks in the road, it's really punishing. Luckily the Ford is an especially strong car and we knew we could drive it hard and it would take the abuse," Lagemann told reporters.
Chances good
Speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, Fennell said he considered his chances just as good as any of the other competitors. The 44 year-old operations manager has been racing competitively since 1982. He got hooked on the sport through the influence of his father.
The X Games Rally, held from August 2-5, will feature top North American driving talent, plus WRC veteran Collin McRae and will be televised live on ABC August 5 at 3:00 p.m. (EST) from the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles.
