THE final event on the Jamaica Race Drivers Club (JRDC) 2018 season, Heroes of Speed, will take place this holiday weekend — October 14 through 15 — at Dover Raceway in St Ann.

“We expect a great day of racing on Monday,” Peter McConnell, non-executive chairman of the JRDC, told the Jamaica Observer’s Auto magazine.

Sunday’s roster will see a full day of qualifying action, while a 15-event race card is planned for the following day.

McConnell said the club currently has 24 bikers registered and is expecting between 45 to 50 cars across all classes.

“Being the last race meet of the year, there are many people competing for their class championships and the overall driver’s championship, so there will be a lot of great rivalries sure to entertain the fans,” he said.

The JRDC has implemented a host of changes to ensure a smooth and safe day of racing.

“The venue is well prepared. The grounds have been well groomed.”

On the safety side, security fencing and the track’s curb walls have been repaired along with the installation of new tyre barriers. The start line has also been moved further up the front straight, increasing the space for those races with lots of cars and bikes.

“We have done a lot of planning and training with the timing team to improve the smooth running of the race,” he said.

McConnell explained that the aim is to stick to the race schedule and for the meet to be finished on time.

“This will not only keep the entertainment constantly flowing, but allow both competitors and fans to get home at a reasonable time,” he explained.

One of the men in the championship chase is current circuit racing champion Kyle Gregg. Gregg,who has dominated his Thundersport class this season, but is in a tight points fight for the 2018 overall driver’s title.

“From the current situation, I have to win all my races to be overall champ for 2018, and, of course, it would feel good to take another championship,” Gregg said.

Given their success so far, Gregg said his team has planned minimum changes to his car for Monday. However, he is fully aware of the big news for the meet, the return of Doug “Hollywood” Gore.

“I know Doug is coming.”

Gore was suspended from racing, fined and ordered to do community service earlier this year for an incident at the 2018 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship Round 2 in Trinidad and Tobago on June 24.

“I’m cleared to race locally, this weekend,” Gore explained.

During his absence, Gore has been fine-tuning his Kia Rio race car.

“I’ve been testing, working out the brakes and handling as a lot has changed since the car got here. Once my full team is here, we’ll start working on the other elements into race day.”

With no championship on the line, he plans to use the delayed circuit debut to showcase the new car’s speed and durability.

“I’m looking forward to being on the track,” Gore added.