Gary Gregg and Hugh Hutchinson in a Ford Focus at the official opening ceremony of the JMMC motor rally at the National Stadium car park last November.- Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

DESPITE HIS wealth of experience in a number of world rally events, Jamaica's top rally drivers have expressed no fear of their Mexican opponent, Ricardo Trivinio, who is scheduled to arrive in the island later this week for the premier motoring event Rally Jamaica 2008.

Instead, the Jamaicans are more worried about two teams out of Barbados - Paul Bourne/ Stuart Maloney and Roger Skeete/Robert Simmons, who will both be driving World Rally Cars (WRC).

Mexican Dark horse

The three-day Petcom-sponsored event begins at the National Stadium car park on the afternoon of Friday, December 5. It re-starts in Ocho Rios the following morning, then, on Sunday, in Bog Walk, St Catherine.

"We don't know what to expect from the Mexican who will be driving a 4-wheel drive, 2000 WRC Peugeot 206, but the five WRC cars have an excellent chance of winning," says 37-year-old businessman, Jeffrey Panton, one of two Jamaicans who will be driving a WRC car in next weekend's event.

While describing the Mexican as the 'dark horse' in the upcoming event, Panton said the Bajans are more prepared than they were last year. Roger Skeete, in particular, has a much better car and knowledge of the local terrain.

Panton, a St Georges College old boy who began his motor racing career at age 14, has won this premier event at least five times. He has raced competitively in the United Kingdom, Barbados and the United States.

"Now that we have a WRC car, we will be taking this rally very seriously. Everybody will be going all out from the start, but the stages on the second day suits my driving," says Panton.

Good chance

Gary Gregg, the other Jamaican who will be driving a WRC car, has won this event several times, with his co-driver, Hugh Hutchinson.

"I think we have an extremely good chance of winning, the car is ready and we are ready," Gregg told Automotives.

The 46-year-old businessman is undoubtedly one of Jamaica's most outstanding race drivers. He is coming out to defend the title he won last year.

Another former champion, Richie Rerrie, believes he does not have a chance against the WRC cars. While he is still waiting for some parts to complete his preparation, Rerrie is confident that he will win his class.

"One thing for sure, I will be entertaining the spectators," Rerrie said.

Jeffrey Panton at the 2006 JMMC/Petcom all-stages rally. File