Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

A new president has been elected to lead the Jamaica Karting Association (JKA) for the 2009 season. Dave Wong, managing director of Catherine's Peak Bottling Company, was elected during the club's annual general meeting, held on Wednesday.

The St Andrew-based businessman is no stranger to the sport. He has been actively involved over the past three years, supporting his son, Justin, who competes in the Rotax Jr Class.

"Prior to getting involved, I was a sponsor of one of the karters," said Wong who, during his younger days, co-owned a go-kart with his brother Peter Wong.The newly elected president intends to stick with the programmes started under the watch of his predecessor, Neil Williams, who is now the vice-president.

"We want to increase the sponsorship and improve on a few infrastructural projects and continue to build the sport," said Wong.

The other members of his cabinet are Calvin Chung - treasurer, Neil Williams - vice-president, Mark Evans- secretary. Three persons were named as directors - Duncan Stewart, Dr Mark Minott and Peter Moodie Jr.

Fifth president at new home

Wong is the fifth president since the JKA found its new home at the Palisadoes International Raceway, Kingston, more than 15 years ago. When the club secured the lease for the property in the 1990s, Abe Ziadie was the president. After his death, Andrew Jackson took over a few years later. Jackson was succeeded by Dwight Moore, who passed the baton on to Neil Williams.

"Next year looks very positive, in spite of the global recession. We are hoping for the best and that our sponsors increase the sponsorship," said Mike Simmons, who has been racing at the track since the inception.

The JKA is expected to stage at least one international race meet which, hopefully, will take place in the summer.