Miami-based Jamaican Matthew Mair leading in the ICC Shifter Class last year at the Caribbean Karting Carnival. - File

Matthew Mair is rated as one of the best international go karters to race at the Palisadoes Raceway, Kingston, since the debut of Denmark's Gert Munkholm, in 1994.

Munkholm is a former European World Formula 'A' Champion, who came to Jamaica in 1994 and upstaged everybody, dominating the Jamaica Karting Association's (JKA) international event that year. The 16 year-old Mair is yet to win a world championship title but he is already an established driver on the Miami circuit.

Mair's driving style has brought back memories of Munkholm's outstanding performance. It sends a strong message to his rivals, who will be competing at next weekend's big international race meet.

The Jamaican-born karter is among a list of 25 overseas drivers confirmed for the three-day event which begins on July 3, at the country's premier go-kart circuit.

Mair is not only full of flair, but has the ability to destroy any opposition. In his debut last year, he gave his rivals a lesson in go-kart driving during the Jamaica Karting Association (JKA) international race meet.

shifter-class drivers

Vice president of the local association, Neil Williams, has confirmed him as one of the participants in the ICC and Moto Shifter Class. He will be tested by the Canadian duo of Fitz Leesman and Oliver Sirola and Ory Hunte of Barbados. They will be up against Jamaica's best shifter-class drivers, which include the Jacksons, Joel, Justine and Sean. The Jacksons will be supported by fellow-countrymen Brian Fong Yee, Chris Myers, Andre Anderson and Peter Moodie Jr.

According to a report on the teamfactoryone.com website, Mair won the Stock Moto Championship after the Ocala round of the 2008 Florida Winter Tour.

His driving coach then, Robert Cao Jr, described the Jamaican karter as an exceptional driver who responds to instructions immediately.

"I believe Matthew (Mair) has the ability to do very well if he remains focused and keeps his goals well defined," his coach commented.

The report said that Mair has been driving shifter karts for one year and has shown both the maturity and speed necessary to compete in this highly competitive division.