Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator
In this April 19, 2007 file photo, karting enthusiast, Jean Noel Foulard, of Bouygues Travaux, public construction company, enters the kart presented to him by the Jamaica Karting Association after the official opening ceremony and press launch of the Jamaica Karting Association's world- class multimillion-dollar track and facility at Palisadoes, Kingston. Mr Foulard, who developed and donated the new karting track, returns to his home country France at the end of this month. - File
He has been living in Jamaica for the past four years, helping to construct not only a modern highway across the island, but also a first-class, world-standard go-kart track at the Palisadoes International Raceway in Kingston. The time has now come for Jean Noel Foulard of Bouygues Travaux, public constructionm company, to say goodbye and return to France. But not without the intervention of the Jamaica Karting Association (JKA), which plans to recognise him for his significant contribution to the development of go-kart racing in Jamaica.
"He played a major role in the renovation of our world-class track. One of the things we are planning to do, is to name one of the corners on the track in his honour," says Neil Williams, president of the JKA. Automotives understands he will be also presented with a special plaque to remind him of the track. "He was a very good go-karter," comments Peter Rae, who confirms the Frenchman raced a Formula A Kart, which is better known locally as the 'Big Juice Engine'. Foulard was actively involved in go kart-racing over a two-year period. Previously he had raced competitively in Malaysia. In the meantime, local karters are gearing up for the next race meet, which is scheduled within two weeks, during which the JKA's Kid's Class, plus the 50 and 80cc championships will get under way. According to the JKA, they have since purchased 15 new engines for the young karters to use in the 50 and 80cc championships. "We are going to seal the engines to ensure that they are not modified," the JKA president discloses. The championship will take a break next month to facilitate the young karters who are preparing for exams. After the break, the executives of the JKA will start preparing for the big international race meet in July. According to the organisers, the event will be run over a three-day period. Some nine countries are down to participate.
