Bansie

Jamaica Race Drivers Club (JRDC) is revving up for next big event. But, this time, it is off the track.

Come May 20, the organisation will recognise the stalwarts who have contributed to the development of Dover Raceway, St Ann.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the raceway, Jamaica's only dedicated circuit racing facility.

"People of Jamaica owe the late Alfred Chen a debt of gratitude for giving us this race track, which is second to none in the Caribbean," said Hillary Jardine, president of the JRDC.

Some of the persons expected to be honoured are Michael Lewis, Peter Rae, Robert Moyston and Christopher Issa.

The dinner comes just four days before the first leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship.

This meet, to be held at the St Ann-based raceway, promises to be an exciting one.

Caribbean Invasion

With three weeks remaining, the drivers and their support crews have been making preparation for what they have describe as the 'Caribbean Invasion'.

At least seven cars are expected out of Barbados and three from Guyana.

A local driver to watch for this meet is 33-year-old Stephen Bansie.

He gave dazzling performance at the recent Easter Monday 'Carnival of Speed' race meet.

"I almost didn't make it for the meet. I was searching for a sponsor and could not get any. Then in the dying moments when I decided to sell the car, luck came my way and I got sponsors. That's how I was able to participate at the meet," said Bansie, who is a graduate of the St Andrew-based Wolmers' Boys' School.

First place

According to the JRDC website, Bansie had qualified on pole for the IP 27 Class race, but his intercooler pipe became disconnected, putting him out of the first race. He, however, stormed from the back of the field in the second event to take first place. The driver also finished third in the second Thundersport event.

He said he watched from the sideline for many years before deciding to make his debut in January 2006.

"My schoolmate, Christopher 'Teach' McFarlane, invited me to one of the JMMC events," he said. "I eventually won the four-wheel section of the dexterity event and got hooked."

A former aircraft pilot, Bansie competes in a Subaru Impreza WRX STI and refers to his support crew as 'Team 310'.

"Team 310 reminds me of A310, the airbus I flew for Air Jamaica," said Bansie.

If he is able secure sponsorship, Bansie is among few drivers expected to spring some surprises at the upcoming meet.