Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

A really tricked out Land Rover Discovery V8 HSE. Crazy decibels are capable from this beast, photographed in May Pen at a recent car stereo competition. - photo by brian carless

Fresh from her trip to the Cayman Islands, where she added another trophy to her collection, Japanese-born Yumiko Gabe is confident of winning this afternoon's Rodeo Energy Drink Car Stereo Championship.

"Right now I am feeling very comfortable," said the Japanese national, who has been living in Jamaica for the last 14 years.

A music coordinator by profession, 'Yumi', as she is affectionately called, drives a Toyota Ipsum. She is one of the few women participating in the male-dominated sport. 'Yumi' has so far won 10 trophies.

Another top competitor, Neville McConnell, alias 'Deep Blue', out of Ocho Rios, St. Ann, believes he has what it takes to upset the apple cart and spring some surprises. He is the owner of a 1987 Nissan Diesel.

"We like to challenge the bigger boys," said McConnell, whose son and daughter are also apart of his team.

The excitement begins at 2:00 p.m. at the Sun Island Village, on Chelsea Avenue, St. Andrew. Based on the preparations, the judges will today have a difficult task in naming the respective winners.

prize categories

The prize money will be shared among the seven categories. These include the unlimited class, bangarang class, this is for speakers turned outside. There is also the amateur class and 200-300 watt, plus the 301-600 watt and 601-1,000 watt.

The competitors hail from all corners of the island, sporting some posh vehicles with huge sound systems, loud enough to entertain a crowded dancehall.

A pool of custom-built cars, ranging from SUVs to sedans, will be on display. The participants will be asked to do their display in three one-minute segments for the judges to decide who advances to the next round of the various classes. "We have also asked a number of car dealers to parade some of the best cars in their lot," McConnell told Automotives.

Prior to the judging of the vehicle with the most powerful car stereo, the organisers will be recognising Nite Traxx, a big sound of yesteryear, as well as Gary Sailsman, Craig Lue, Martin Phipps, Wes Anderson, Wayne Phang, Mikey Shaw, David Pickson, Bram Soares, who were major winners of the past.

"We are reverting to the former glory days of car stereo competition, when the equipment used to be firmly affixed to the inside of the vehicle," McConnell said.

He further explained that already there has been quite a buzz in Kingston among auto enthusiasts since the elimination process.

Fuel stratified injected perfection.- Photo by Mario James