Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

Kyle Gregg and Joel Jackson are no strangers to fierce, international rivalry in motorsport, and because of this they will be leading Jamaica's charges in the Rotax Senior Class at next month's big international go-kart meet.

The three-day event begins on July 3 at the Palisadoes International Raceway, Kingston. More than 30 foreigners have been confirmed for the meet.

The Jamaicans will be going up against the likes of Thomas Silva and Carlos Duenas from the United States; David Evelyn and Luke St John, Barbados; and Jonathan Arenas from Aruba.

Main threat

"Thomas Silva will be my main threat, he just won the Rotax Junior Championship in Miami," Gregg told Automotives on Friday.

A student of Lynn's University in Miami, Gregg has been active on the Florida circuit and finished second in the Rotax Senior Championship at the recently concluded Homestead Winter season.

"I lost by a point to Jarvis Gennari, who had wanted to compete at next month's meet," argued Gregg.

Andrew Jackson said he was expecting his son Joel to naturally make the top of the podium.

"He has always been doing well against these guys, plus, he is far more familiar to the track than the foreigners, so we are certain of a podium finish," boasted Jackson.

Another local driver expected to well in this class is the talented Timothy Stewart, who has made his mark in the sport locally.

"He has not raced competitively since last July, so he is coming back to a baptism of fire. In spite of this, we are hopeful," said father, Duncan Stewart, when he spoke with Automotives on Friday.

The other Jamaicans who will competing in this class are Sabrina Sirgany, Ornela Leahong, Sean and Justine Jackson, sister and brother of Joel. Leahong and Justine (Jackson) are two aggressive and multi-skilled female drivers, who are expected to make their presence felt.

Foreigners participating

Of the foreigners participating in this class, Carlos Duenas seems to be a cut above the rest. He has been busy on the Miami circuit. According to a report on the Auto Racing 1.com website, one of his better races was in 2004, when he and Johnny Johnson were involved in a wheel-to-wheel battle for the Rotax Junior title. Johnson won the event but was later disqualified.

The race was awarded to Duenas who copped the championship. David Evelyn of Barbados is another karter who has been doing well in his country's local championship and seems capable of springing some surprise.

Local businessman Mike Simmons and his overseas-based son, Andrew, could be the only father and son team competing at the meet, and more so in the same class.