Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

On a day when she looked poised to demonstrate her prowess in a predominantly male sport, 14-year-old Samantha Summerbell missed taking the chequered flag for the second time in last weekend's meet following a crash which sidelined her.

The incident occurred near the end of the second race in the Rotax Junior Class during the Jamaica Karting Association (JKA) race meet held at the Palisadoes International Raceway, Kingston.Reports are that a collision with fellow karter Collin Daley Jr sent young Summerbell crashing through a chain-link fence.

"She is all right now, except for some bruises," said her father, David Summerbell, who spoke with The Gleaner on Tuesday.

Elder Summerbell, in recounting the race, said the event was keenly contested and, nearing the end of the race, his daughter was overtaken by Daley to assume the lead, and the next thing he knew was that another kart slammed into her.

Young Daley's manager, Winston Brown, said both karters were involved in a tussle for the lead and, on approaching one of the corners the accident occurred."Daley was not injured," said Brown. "The race was later red-flagged," he continued.

Another spill

This was not the only incident of the meet as Mark Anthony Eaton was also involved in a spill. He was taken to hospital but it was revealed that there were no injuries.

Despite the accidents, the day was dominated by Thomas Issa in the Rotax Minimax Class, Richard Lechler in 80cc Class, and Dr Mark Minott in the Rotax Masters Class."It was a condensed meet, but the events were very competitive," said Dave Wong, president of the JKA in describing the day's proceedings.Driving coach Peter Rae lauded his charges, Issa and Fraser, for their dominance in the Rotax Minimax Class. Though he did not take the chequered flag, it was Garth Genus's best day with his third-place finish.

A much better performance was expected of Jonathan Law who finished outside of the frame, but his father Sammy explained that his engine was not up to par."Jon is not competing for any championship, he is just gearing up for next year," the elder Law said.