Jamaica is gearing up to host one of the biggest motorsport events in the English-speaking Caribbean - 'Caribbean Karting Carnival' - which is scheduled to run from July 3-5 at the Palisadoes International Raceway, Kingston.

Except for the recently concluded Barbados Rally, this karting event attracts a number of international race drivers, with the former Brazilian Formula One World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi, 63, confirmed to attend. He will not be competing, but will be here to support his two grandsons - Pietro Fittipaldi, 11, and Enzo Fittipaldi, six - who will be participating in the three-day championship. Emerson Fittipaldi won the Indianapolis 500 racing championship twice, as well as the Formula One and Kart races. He has also competed in the United States and United Kingdom Grand Prix events.

eager to race

His grandsons are eager and ready for the meet. Pietro has been racing successfully in a number of regional karting series, including Rotax Minimax and Easy Kart 60. His skills will be tested against Jamaica's talented Jonathan Law, Thomas Issa and Frazer McConnell, who are currently in the United States preparing for the upcoming race meet.

His six-year-old brother, Enzo, is expected to compete in the 50 cc Class.

Among the other young competitors will be Mark and Sean Maloney of Barbados, who are planning to avenge the beating their parents got in the first leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship, held on May 25 at the Dover Raceway, St Ann.

In addition, it is understood that several top-class drivers will be arriving from the United States to compete, including Robert Kerr and Jamaica-born Matthew Mair.

"The 80 cc Class should be one of the most competitive events on the programme," said Neil Williams, vice-president of the Jamaica Karting Association - organisers of the planned three-day championship.