Local riders rule race meet
JAMAICA’S motorcyclists propelled their way to the top of the Caribbean Motor Racing Champions (CMRC) points standing with a clean sweep of the Dover track on Sunday.
Adrian Blake and Andre Norman battled for supremacy in the Motorcycle “A” races, with Norman grabbing the checkered flag in race 1 and Blake racing ahead for first place in race number two. The black, green and gold pride was held high by both riders.
“It was a tight one because Adrian is a Speedy Gonzales, so I just held my composure and kept up with him. As soon as I saw an opening, that was it. It was on the last lap of the first race, on the third corner that I took him. In the second race I allowed him to go because I know he doesn’t like to lose. I’m never scared of Adrian, so the next meet I will be on him again,” said Norman, who rides a Honda RR.
Following up on his promise, Blake took the second race.
“I eased off somewhat in the first race as Andre was right behind me. He kinda caught me off guard to be honest and passed me. The second race I told him that he was to watch out because that race would be mine. I’m happy for that win,” said Blake, who rides a Grease Lightning/Amsoil Honda 600 RR.
Robert McDonald, who hails from Westmoreland, made mincemeat of the other Motorcycle “B” riders on his orange and black Yamaha R6 (number 4).
“It’s a new bike, a stock bike. Although I’m not getting 100 per cent from the bike right now, we are doing our best and we were victorious in the races. The race was good, I was out there having fun… wasn’t pushing the bike but we are happy with the results,” he said.
Caswell Lewis, from Mandeville, also scored points for Jamaica in his CMRC race.
“The race was okay. I am happy with my placement and I will continue to do my best. The Audi crash raised some concern for me as the type of fence used is dangerous for riders. If we crash in the barbed wire fence that would physically harm us. The drivers are a bit safer because they are covered by the car, but the rider is exposed to the danger,” said Lewis.
Troy Campbell finished second in “B” class action and was happy to have contributed points to Team Jamaica. Although Bajan Terence Olliuierr was the only overseas-based rider, the Jamaican motorcyclists worked very hard to secure these wellneeded points ahead of the Barbados second leg in September.