Jamaican motorsports has been bolstered through a training workshop put on by the Jamaica Millennium Motoring Club (JMMC), with the support of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

The event took place October 31 through November 1 at the S Hotel, New Kingston.

“I had put forward the proposal in 2024 and applied for the grant funding as I realised there was a need for training of our officials and volunteers as the sport lost a lot of experienced persons coming out of the pandemic. Some of the new persons, while they were enthusiastic in taking on the task of trying to rebuild the sport, were not sufficiently knowledgeable in some key areas. I conceptualised this training to help fill that gap,” Marcia Dawes, project manager, told the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine.

Leading the training were Daniel Coen, FIA vice-president for sport — North America, and Kuldar Sikk, FIA official.

Day one was targeted at marshals, the volunteers at the heart of motorsports.

Kuldar Sikk (left), Marcia Dawes, and Daniel Coen (Photo: Rory Daley)

“Saturday covered marshals — health and safety of marshals; preparation and equipment needs for race days and the weekend; marshals responsibilities in regard to safety, timing, safety, and radio; flags and board meanings and usage across rally and circuit-type events,” Dawes said.

Day two was for senior officials, including race directors, clerks of the course, stewards, and scrutineers.

“The session covered event planning and preparation for circuit racing and rallying.”

Both Coen and Sikk were happy with the interactivity and pursuit of knowledge about the differences in global practices and how they could be applied at the national level by the attendees. Participants were receptive of the information and appreciative of the sessions.

— Rory Daley