Overseas pair smitten by JA
THOSE who attended last Sunday’s exciting go-kart meet at Palisadoes International Raceway could not have missed two very colourful new faces on the track.
With swatches of shocking green on their racing gear, only thing more eye-catching than Floridians Kollin Stuart and Jordan Perry were their differing driving style when compared to the locals.
“It was awesome,” they said in unison, after completing the first round of finals.
Eight-year-old Kollin raced in the Rotax Minimax class, while the older 14-year-old Jordan plied his trade in the Rotax Juniors. Kollin would take a pair of third places, while Jordan finished fifth in both his finals.
“I love the track,” said Jordan, “the scenery makes it so beautiful like nothing I’ve seen elsewhere.”
The pair are normally found racing at Florida’s Karting hotspots, Homestead and West Palm Beach. Their Oyardie’ credentials come from being teammates with our own Joshua Sirgany when he races there.
“The Jamaicans are strong there as they are here,” Keith Stuart, Kollin’s father told Auto.
That fact didn’t deter either from coming to the island to drive.
“We just dropped in our seats and hit the track,” explained Jordan.
For Kollin, his was a more subtle start, in line with his fresh Karting career.
“I’ve only been racing for two months now. My friend got me into it. My own kart is a Tony Kart chassis, so I’ve been adjusting to driving what you guys have here,’ Kollin explained.
Jordan’s performance was more in line with his eight years of experience.
Both youngsters rated the racing as competitive and fun, but only one is on the cards to return anytime soon.
“We might just ship a kart down to Jamaica and have it kept here,” said Mr Stuart.
When questioned why he would be the one not to return Jordan replied, “I’m moving on to cars.”
He may not be old enough to have a driver’s license in his home state, but Jordan has the talent to take part in a Mazda-sponsored spec race series utilising the Mazda Miata.
“Don’t worry, we’ll convince him to come back,” added Mr Stuart.