Racers gear up for Dover meet - Auto - Jamaica Observer Mobile

Auto

Racers gear up for Dover meet

BY KESI ASHER Observer writer asherk@jamaicaobserver.com
Friday, July 27, 2012

ALTHOUGH Sunday's Independence of Speed race meet at Dover Raceway in St Ann will be without some of its regular competitors, the remaining drivers and motorcyclists are intent on going out to have fun.

Ace driver Doug 'Hollywood' Gore and motorcycle rider Stefan Chin will miss this one-day meet while Halquin 'Pugu' Rodney is expressing some amount of doubt.

Gore's ATL-sponsored Audi TT was involved in an accident at the previous meet in May and will not be ready for battle until October. Motorcyclist Chin had concerns about the one-day format, while Rodney said he is experiencing mechanical problems with his mount.

New lap time record holder David Summerbell Jr, however, promises patrons a day filled with excitement.

"The day will be good. We are hoping that the Total Team dominates. Kyle [Gregg], Andre [Anderson] and I will do well and earn maximum points towards the championship at this meet," Summerbell Jr told Auto.

Summerbell Jr currently holds the new Dover lap time of 1.17.735 seconds.

With both qualifying and racing scheduled for Sunday's meet, Summerbell Jr hopes the cars will be kept in good condition for the second leg of the

Caribbean Motor Racing Championships in Barbados come September.

"Andre [Anderson] and I have to make sure our cars go off to Barbados so we will be safe and we are expecting to do well," said Summerbell.

Anderson has made some improvement on his car and promises spectators his best on race day.

"We've done some work on the car and we are going for the checkered flag. Spectators should come out and have fun with us. It will be a great day of racing," said Anderson.

Manchester sensation Alan Chen plans to give it his all although he was unable to do the necessary upgrade to his Toyota Starlet.

"My engine isn't in the state we would like as we didn't get the funds to upgrade. So we will have no more power than before. Plus, we will be running on old tyres, so I guess we will just have our usual fun," Chen told Auto.

Motorcycle rider Adrian Blake is in high gear with his preparations and is ready for the grid.

"I did some repairs to the bike, and with some testing and practice. I will be a force to contend with come Dover race day. I plan to do well," said Blake.

Natasha 'Chiney Dolly' Chang will be out in a 'brand new' Honda Civic and is set to wow patrons with her ATL-sponsored machine.