CIRCUIT RACING: THE REAL HEROES OF SPEED – THE FANS! PART 1

You might not be familiar with the myriad challenges facing the JRDC. Monique will tell you that 2016 has not been a walk in the park. There are burning issues, in a never decreasing line, waiting to be addressed.

Despite the obstacles, competitors who are undoubtedly committed to Alfred Chen’s vision for circuit racing in Jamaica, brought their machines to the grid. And it would not suffice to simply show up on race day, drivers and riders delivered of their best and scintillating races were the norm for the 2016 season.

KYLE ‘SPEEDY’ GREGG

Happenings at the previous Rounds, especially  August’s Independence of Speed, paved the way for a mouthwatering treat at the Heroes of Speed. The Sparta-like battle involving perennial protagonists, David ‘King’ Summerbell Jr and Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore was always a must-see event. But, the temperature in the furnace exceeded that of the Earth’s core when Kyle ‘Speedy’ Gregg entered the fray and laid bare his intentions to unseat the dominant duo and rearrange the status quo!

Each of the three ‘big drivers’ exited Dover Raceway in August with one solid victory, but they all knew that being on level terms could not deliver dominance and in October a single opportunity remained to introduce their foe to humiliating defeat and extract luscious revenge!

I attended the drivers’ meeting. A handful of drivers was present. I was concerned. It was being said that not much was being done to promote the event. I was genuinely concerned.

Race-day, rather early, anywhere between 20 and thirty race-cars, in total, were present. The NDRC is known for registering 150+ machines! But, the ‘big machines’ were in the building and as such the highly anticipated spectacle, the war to the victorious, glorious end was still on schedule.

CHRIS CAMPBELL

Despite the absence of numerous ‘regulars’ at the track, Chris Campbell was casually attired – a tourist enjoying the tropical ambiance -the Summerbell vs Doug Gore vs Kyle Gregg battle lured the loyal fans to the hills of Dover. They were not present in the droves required to rattle a feeble balance sheet but thankfully, they were present.

And they were treated to riveting battles that would make Leonidas extremely proud. I am of the view that a transformation of sorts occurs when the typical, jovial or sociable individual grabs a helmet, sits in a race-car and positions himself to chase victory.

DOUG GORE

A case study would reveal that Doug Gore is the most likable of persons when he is approached beyond the confines of his DTM-machine. Kyle Gregg is similar in this regard and we all know that David Summerbell is still the King of cool. But, at the Heroes of Speed, the fortunate fans who were present, saw the three drivers locked in a tumultuous bout – label it Wrestlemania 2016! And this was a bout being waged, at one stage, with gloves off!

NASCAR has thrived courtesy of what some would say are unsavory knuckle-bruising events and as such we may have differing views when confrontations arise. No harm done. It is good for the sport! A little fire shows passion!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer