The flags of the participating countries danced and waved in the breeze yesterday, as if sending a signal that all the karters were hungry for action and ready for the start of today's big international race meet, which has been dubbed 'Caribbean Karting Carnival'.

The first event is scheduled to get under way at 9:30 a.m. at the Palisadoes International Raceway, Kingston.

"One of the positives about this two-day race meet is that we will get an opportunity to look at our local-based karters performing against these world champions and see if we are on par or how far behind we are," argued Errol Anderson, president of the Jamaica Millennium Motoring Club.

'Thrills, but no spills'

"It is my wish that the second Invitational International Race Meet of the Jamaica Karting Association will provide many thrills, but no spills, for drivers and spectators. May all those attending from abroad find their visit to Jamaica an experience worth repeating," commented Olivia Grange, minister of youth, sports and culture.

The minister further stressed that it is of tremendous credit to the Jamaica Karting Association that in staging its second Invitational International Race Meet, the association has been able to bring to Jamaica a number of world champions.

"The association must be doing the right things as I also note that drivers from several countries, including the United States, Brazil, Canada and Australia, have entered the event," said Minister Grange.

President of the Jamaica Karting Association, Dave Wong, believes the Jamaicans are ready for the big occasion.

Very competitive event

"Everything is in place for the start. Based on the names on the list, I am expecting a very competitive event, but the Jamaicans should dominate the 80cc Class," said Wong.

The big names to look out for today are Andrew Lewis, Matthew Mair and Robert Kerr. They are all been busy on the Miami circuit. Lewis and Kerr are sons of two popular former drivers, Derrick Kerr and Michael Lewis.