McConnell takes Skate 2.0
Fraser McConnell topped the leader board at the Montego Bay Racing Association (MRA) Skate 2.0 rallysprint at Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium, in Falmouth, on Sunday, March 16.
“It’s always a good feeling to win, especially in a home event. The crowd was super enthusiastic, which gave the event a great vibe,” McConnell told the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine.
McConnell, who has seen top-level success in various rallycross series worldwide, made sure that his local supporters received their own doses of thrills and excitement from the first drop of the start flag.
He captured the lead and never relinquished it. This kept patrons on their feet as he continuously explored every inch of the tarmac circuit put together from the narrow access road around the stadium.
McConnell’s Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX took class honours and posted the fastest lap of the day. He would then go on to take victory in the Championship Run, clearly unbothered by his move back to an internal combustion engine vehicle.
“The electric vehicles are a different animal and will always be a game changer, but getting back to a traditional turbocharged combustion engine is an experience that will always bring me joy. Pops and bangs, with full engine revs, is something that will always make a driver enjoy their time in the seat and give the crowd an exciting experience,” said McConnell.
Behind him, the battle was an intense one.
The draw of the Skate series of rallysprint, besides their welcome return to tarmac, is the mix of motorsports genres on hand. Circuit racers, rally drivers, and drifters are encouraged to participate.
In the case of circuit racers, Sebastien Rae is a very familiar name, and his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6.5 held a close position to McConnell, finishing out the main event with the second-fastest time overall, but was unable to partake in the Championship run, and it looked to be going the way of Demar Lee. However, a DNF left the opportunity for redemption for Raynor King. Having crashed out in spectacular fashion at the inaugural Skate event last year, King put himself on the second step of the Championship Run podium. Alan Chen proved to be the fastest of the circuit racers in third.
Mark-Anthony March of the MRA was happy with the event.
“The team found it to be a great event. It was amazing. It was what we expected. We were hoping for more spectators and entries, but a lot of drivers had issues a few nights before the event. Those drivers who had problems still came out to support, but we’re pleased with the spectator turnout and we’re looking forward to the next one,” March said.
As this was their second event at the venue, March explained that lessons learnt from last year were implemented, starting with the track layout.
“We made it safer for the spectators and a lot more exciting for the drivers,” he explained.
At rear section of the stadium had its long straight turn into a crossover. The road was widened and paved where necessary.
“It’s a work-in-progress, and every year we plan to do more and tweak more for this event to keep getting better and better. Our intention is for it to become one of the biggest tarmac draws in the Caribbean,” said March.
McConnell praised the efforts of the MRA.
“I competed in the last two MRA events. This past one in Falmouth and the December sprint in Spot Valley. I think they are doing a great job and I look forward to the next event,” he said.
