Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter
Matthew Williams at the races. - CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
ALTHOUGH FINISHING second to Matthew Mair at the Palisadoes International Raceway, nine-year-old Matthew Williams
created quite a stir on his debut at last Sunday's go-kart meet.
The Hillel Preparatory student showed maturity that belied his tender years. He had spectators jumping with jubilation and fists in the air. Competing in the Junior Sportsman Class, the youngster got off to an even start, and by the end of the
second lap he began to overtake his rivals one by one.
On the penultimate lap, he kept his line to stave off the
challenges and snatch second place ahead of Mario Mair.
"I was probably more nervous than him, but it was a great feeling seeing him competing out there," said Matthew's father, Neil Williams, whose eyes were glued to event from start to finish.
HOOKED
Unlike other young boys who preferred football and cricket to motor sports, Matthew got hooked to the go-kart racing five months ago when the former JKA president, Andrew Jackson, provided him with the opportunity to practise around the track.
Shortly after he acquired his own kart and under the expert advice of veteran race driver, Duncan Stewart, Matthew not only improved, but his times got better and better. His performance has suggested that he is one of the nation's bright prospects.
Apart from Matthew's
fantastic performance, there
was a fierce battle between
the meet's top driver, Timothy Stewart, and Andre Anderson
in the Light Class. Both drivers showed no sign of fear and did not ease up while negotiating sharp corners, which can only facilitate one kart at a time.
On two occasions, Stewart ran off the track and came back on. Although the rivalry generated a lot of excitement, the race meet officials are expected to reprimand both youngsters.
HIGH POINTS
Hats off to Timothy Stewart who won one of the four Light Class events and registered a hat-trick of wins in the 125 cc Rotax Junior Class.
Another high point of the meet was the return of Chad Phillips.
Phillips, who made a name for himself during his rookie years at the track more than eight
years ago, is at present based in Cayman. Displaying superb skill and maturity, Phillips easily dominated the 125 cc Rotax International Class, by winning three of the four events. His readiness suggested that he
is a top contender to represent Jamaica in the world champion-ship scheduled for later this year.
The consistent Kyle Gregg who qualified on pole with a time of 41.18 seconds, took
the chequered flag for the first time, winning one of the Light Class events. Joel Jackson, who
produced the fastest time of
the meet, 39.58 seconds in
the 125 cc Shifter Class, won three races.
