The following is the final of a two part series by Andrew Jackson, president of the Jamaica Karting Association, on the role that motor racing can play in the nation’s sports development.

OUR neighbours in Barbados are a clear example of what is possible though government support for motor racing. For example, the Bajan government has policies that allow race drivers to import a racecar at concessionary rates.

They also actively advertise their biggest motorsports event, Rally Barbados in collaboration with the local motor club. For tourists and goods arriving in the country, entry forms actually have an option for ‘motorsports’ which can be selected as a reason for visiting, and approaching a weekend of a big event, special care is given to them to ensure goods pass through customs as quickly as possible.

The result can be seen during the Barbados Rally Carnival — merely a culmination of two weeks of activities cleverly disguised as a two-week vacation — essentially 10 days of partying and four days of racing. This blueprint has worked wonders for them, as every year tourists flock from all over the world in their thousands to enjoy all the country has to offer and then take part in some racing, raising millions in revenue in the process. In fact, motorsports has become a significant source of income for the country. Rally Barbados is limited to 90 entrants yearly, and has become so popular that for 2011 the organisers are extending this cap to 100 entrants. All of this is achievable in Jamaica

Red Bull car in Jamaica

In May 2008, Red Bull gave Jamaica a sample of Formula 1 when they brought an F1 car to Jamaica to parade around the streets of Jamaica. Everyone of course welcomed this with open arms, especially young karters of the JKA, who took turns sitting in the car when it visited the Palisados International Raceway during a race meet. These five to eight year-olds are the future of Jamaican motorsports, and have begun racing at the same age as the greats such as Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna did. In 10 years we may see one of our own at the brink of F1 stardom.

When the car made its island wide debut on Trafalgar Road, over 40,000 spectators from all over Jamaica turned out to view a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But it need not be a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Formula 1 is one of the most highly regarded, exotic, prestigious forms of sports in the world. The top drivers are paid more than any other athlete in any sport, except golf. The season finale of a Formula 1 season has more television viewers than the Olympics, the Super bowl and the US Open. A typical F1 race attracts upwards of 300,000 spectators depending on which country they’re in. Now, imagine a round of Formula One in Jamaica.

Motor racing, with the proper vision and support can be very big business for Jamaica, and we have the talent to compete at the highest level. But, as our national anthem says, ‘give us vision lest we perish’.