Ignition Weekly Jamaica #11

ISSUE_011

INSIDE

Thomas Hall getting airborne at one of Frome’s many jumps.

dusts Jackson

F

the competition

rome, Westmoreland was filled with heat, heavy dust and heartbreak as the Raynor King Memorial Rally took its toll on all involved last week Sunday.

The rally, which is the second round of the Jamaican National Rally Championship, returned to its original venue on a key date, the birthday of its namesake, Raynor King. This gave the event extra meaning to those on the western end of the island, one in particular his son Daryl King.

P.4 >>

JULY 28TH

Drag Racing returns today -

2

Exotic cars ‘n fashion -

3

Dexterity season opens up -

6

INTERNATIONAL

Kia goes comics -

8

July 28, 2013

EDITOR’S COMMENTS

Up in yah

O

grill

ur cover girl from last week found herself in a little controversy at the Miss Jamaica World beauty pageant. I’ll spare the details, but after conferring with the photographer at the scene his appraisal was a bit more positive than Dr. Dayton Campbell’s and she was fully clothed when our lens caught her on camera.

Maybe politicians like a bit more ‘fat’, however Jenaae’s slim and trim physique best demonstrates how beautiful and efficient the Jamaican economy should be.

There’s a lot to do this weekend with a wide spread. For the lighter more sophisticated crowd there’s Exotic Car ‘N Fashion which clearly explains itself. Show up, look at exotic cars and then even more exotic women in very fashionable clothing. Cool cars and hot girls always go down well.

The big news is the return of drag racing to Vernamfield, legal drag racing anyway. It’s been no secret that there is a pent up demand for the sport, but not enough to force everyone to drive all the way to Westmoreland for JamWest. Fortunately for that side of the island there’s still enough of their own market to keep that facility viable. Kingstonians on the other hand have been slowing taking back over Vernamfield since it lost the interest of the current government. Lucky for us the National Drag Racing Circuit (NDRC) was looking out for us and managed to snag managerial control over the property to bring back legitimacy to the straight line racers.

No more bench racing, as they it’s not legit without a time slip. ignitionweeklyja@gmail.com

2

Legal drag racing at Vernamfield during the peak years of the NDRC.

Drag time

T

he National Drag Racing Circuit (NDRC) is back in action this Sunday at Vernamfield with Drag Challenge #1, the first of their two events for the year.

After a major effort since 2008 to return drag racing to Vernamfield, which saw success in 2012, and their Test & Tune session last weekend, the NDRC is set to see a huge revival in the sport due to pent up demand.

As usual the NDRC will provide proper timing and safety to the sport in a professional and organized manner in line with international standards. For 2013 there have been precious little rules changes, the main centring on competitor safety. One major alteration will be evident, the shifting of the lanes over to avoid what the NDRC considers a problem at the end of the track. Reported at a recent meeting the shift is to ensure cars don’t run the dip at the faster end of the drag strip while facilitating spectator comfort as well.

Qualifying will start at 8am allowing competitors to set their times and respective classes. At 1pm the real action begins with a ladder format that whittles down the each class to the top two contenders. There’ll be more than bragging rights on line as prize money up JA$90,000 will be up for grabs dependent on class.

July 28, 2013

LOCAL

One of the many models set to appear at Exotic Cars ‘N Fashion tonight.

Get Exotic B

MW Innovations Exotic Cars ‘N Fashion at Gee Wee Restaurant was a car show with a difference last Saturday night.

In its fifth staging, the show took a slightly more relaxed and high-end look at car life with a euro-centric theme. It wasn’t an exclusive event, as all the main tuner teams made their presence felt as they did in December. Making their present felt there were Tezzaworld, 876-Racing, Team Myzery, and the Jamaica Classic Car Club just to name a few. All were competing for six available trophies. The organizers also handed over a lifetime achievement award to a veteran in the automotive performance sector, George Sherwood.

The other side of the program was the late evening fashion show featuring several of the top local designers. It gave fans what they expected as it was bigger and better than the previous ones, with some risqué body art mixed in. Musical selections were spun all night while there were live performances from special guest artistes who dropped by.

3

July 28, 2013

July 28, 2013

MOTORSPORTS Joel Jackson on his way to winning his second national level rally for 2013.

<< P.1 Frome’s gravel stages are a mix of long straights and narrow twists, however the major challenge would be the low hanging dust which caused the organizers to run the cars at two minute intervals between the vision impairing clouds thrown up by each car.

The rally season has been thin, with the first round in Bog Walk only fielding three competitors.

Frome saw that increase four-fold, but by the end of the day only six of the nine that started would complete the event.

Right off the bat Jordan Powell felt his Honda CRX was no match for the tough stages and didn’t take the start. Leading them off was Dave Lee, his presence adding some challenge to the winner of round one Joel Jackson. Both men ply their skills in the JN8 class for 2-litre turbocharged four-wheel drive cars. At the drop of the flag it was Lee’s Evolution verses Jackson’s Impreza WRX STI. The battle would go on until lunch where Jackson took and held the lead. The two of them were now dealing with their relative issues, Jackson an ailing clutch, and Lee a lack of grip from his tyres. The intensity was such that not even losing his parked pace noting car to two errant members of the driving public would affect Jackson and he raced to end taking his second outright rally victory of the season.

He now sits in the lead of the Rally Championship.

Lee drove through the final time control in second.

Capturing the final podium position was Matthew Gore. Hampered by a gearbox that left him with a lower top speed than his rivals he would benefit significantly by a host of retirements. With Powell a non-starter that was one less person in his class to deal with, but he did share a moment of empathy as Daryl King retired only three stages in. King, who has been trying to get this event’s trophy on his mantle for several years now, once again retired due to engine failure. Dean Corrodus, also in Gore’s class, dropped out when as he said, “second gear refused to play well with the rest of its friends in the box.”

Rounding out the remaining three finishers were Thomas Hall, Marvin Porteous, and Keith Saunders.

Hall made a fine return to the sport threading the needle between his usual speed and a newfound sense of vehicular-preservation to stay on the road until the end. Porteous and Saunders, while not setting the stages on fire, continue to show up teams with better budgets that reliability is a key factor in getting to the end of an event.

David Lee wrestled with his own problems to finish 2nd.

Matthew Gore had no competition in his class by the end of the day to take 3rd place overall.

It was nothing but hearbreak for King as he once again was unable to have a chance of victory.

An ailing Andrew Balbour on his way to an early retirement.

Saunders, like Jackson, was one of three drivers from round one in the event.

4

5

July 28, 2013

Stewarts Auto Sales

dominates dexterity series

Christopher James making full use of the four-wheel drive traction of his Subaru Forester STI in the wetter sections of the course.

6

T

MOTORSPORTS

he long awaited return of an organized sanctioned dexterity championship happened on July 13 at the Palisadoes International Raceway parking lot.

The Drivers’ Rallysport Club (DRC) put on a double-header for their Chad-Ad Autodexterity series.

Sticking to the now traditional formula of wetting the surface to keep a balance between the different drivetrains that frequent the sport, both events saw drivers from the Stewarts Auto Sales (SAS) stable and several of the brands they carry walk away with many of the top awards. Leading the SAS charge was multiple dexterity champion Christopher McFarlane. However, they didn’t have it all their way as the action dexterities promise could be seen by the only driver to have a look in, Spencer Whittingham.

McFarlane and Whittingham could not have been further apart in their approach and machinery, but their battle continues to show why this form of motorsports generates champions. McFarlane came equipped to win in his competition prepped Mitsubishi Lancer GT rally car. Front-wheel driven, it relied on its hydraulic handbrake to dance through the cones with ease. Whittingham opted for something a bit more mundane a stock turbocharged four-wheel drive Subaru Legacy sedan. Not the most exciting car on paper to challenge a fully prepared piece of rally hardware, but it did the job, pressuring McFarlane into a mistake on the final lap of his championship run. Round one went to Whittingham. The Mitsubishi wouldn’t make another error for the rest of the day and McFarlane won round two over Whittingham with the faster less complex redesigned course.

Behind them both a battle ranged.

P.7>>

July 28, 2013

MOTORSPORTS

Spencer Whittingham was the only driver to break the Stewarts Auto Sales dominance with a round one win.

<< P.6 Embroiled in a timed fight were head of the Stewarts Automotive group Duncan Stewart and his son Timothy. Elevating the tussle was the fact that they were sharing the same car, a BMW 1M. Times were close, but the elder more experienced Stewart consistently nailed it when it counted in the championship laps. He would place fourth in round one bested by McFarlaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team-mate Courtney Wilson, then move one spot up for round two finishing on the podium in that event. Timothy, despite best efforts during the regular runs, followed behind in the championship runs that count for overall series points.

Despite efforts to bring other dealers into the fold, it was SAS alone that responded in force capturing all the major awards between McFarlane and the Stewarts with the added bonus of having their brands heavily represented.

The event also saw extra performances by Paul Fraser in his Honda Integra Type R, Phillip Myers testing the limits of his BMW M3, Ryan Simmons in his Toyota Vitz RS, and the lone female entrant making a welcome return to the sport Tanee Green. The next round of the Chad-Ad DRC Autodex series heads to Dover Raceway as part of the support program.

Not settled with second place Christopher McFarlane turned up the heat in his Mitsubishi Lancer GT for a round two win.

Got drift seemed to be the keyword for Duncan Stewart in the BMW 1M.

Paul Fraser showing that the wet circuit formula works as a great equalizer in his Integra Type R.

7

July 28, 2013

INTERNATIONAL

Kia Motors America teams up with comic book legend Jim Lee for charity

DC Entertainment (DCE) opened San Diego ComicCon with a blend of artistry and giving, unveiling the JUSTICE LEAGUE-inspired Kia Sorento, the eighth and final custom vehicle built in partnership with Kia Motors America. The Sorento’s eye-catching design was penned by legendary comic book artist and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee, who completed the customization of the car before a live audience. Created to raise awareness of DC Entertainment’s “We Can Be Heroes” giving campaign, the collection of all eight JUSTICE LEAGUEinspired Kia vehicles was on display throughout Comic-Con at the Interactive Zone at Petco Park, Official Comic-Con Partner.

The seven-seat Sorento marks the final chapter in a 10-month, eight-vehicle partnership between DC Entertainment and Kia based on the iconic characters that make up the JUSTICE LEAGUE – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg – each of which are featured on their own car designed by Lee. The final car captures the entire JUSTICE LEAGUE, as drawn

by Jim Lee, with world-famous West Coast Customs recreating Lee’s artwork through hand-painted, custom air-brushing.

Following the unveiling, DCE President Diane Nelson announced that the newly revealed JUSTICE LEAGUE car would be the centrepiece of a special online charity auction on eBay which benefits the “We Can Be Heroes” campaign. Nelson announced that the 10-day charity auction was now live through July 27, 2013 at www.ebay.com/wecanbeheroes.

“Our goal in 2013 was to bring our fans and the JUSTICE LEAGUE Super Heroes together in unique ways to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa. That effort started with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities we’ve been able to offer through our crowdfunding campaigns that have raised over $285,000 to-date,” Nelson said. “Now, through these tremendous partnerships with Kia and eBay, the auction will take the offerings to a whole new level with a truly one-of-a-kind, and fully driveable, CUV customized by Jim Lee.” Lee responded in kind. “This project has been challenging and rewarding for me as an artist and Kia has been a terrific partner. It was a lot of fun to finish the last car in front of the live audience and

8

Justice League kia Sorento.

I think anyone that visits the exhibit this week will really enjoy seeing all eight cars together.”

Meet the real Honda lawnmower

Innovation, pushing boundaries and creating extraordinary pieces of engineering is what Honda is all about so Honda (UK) teamed up with their title winning British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) partner, Team Dynamics, to create what is believed to be the world’s fastest lawn mower.

The brief for Project Mean Mower was very straightforward. To build a super-fast mower which retained its original look, but, crucially, could still cut grass. The staggering result is a lawn mower setup and geared to achieve a top speed in excess of 130mph, weighing just 140kgm, producing 96Nm of torque and an incredible PTW ratio of 532bhp/ tonne. In testing to date the mower has topped 100mph on a circuit, belting out a remarkable 130db at three-quarter RPM and 98db at idle.

Team Dynamics re-engineered a Honda HF2620 Lawn Tractor from the ground-up, adding an all-new fabricated chassis, custom-made from 4130 chromoly, to provide a strong, safe but very light platform.

A 1000cc engine from a Honda VTR Firestorm was used, along with a bespoke suspension and wheels from an ATV. The ability to still cut grass was also a key element of the brief, and the super-fast mower still can, admirably, thanks to two electric motors on the cutter deck, spinning 3mm steel cutting cable at an incredible 4000rpm. The mower can cut grass at around 15mph, more than double the flat-out speed of the original HF2620 from which it is derived.

Mean Mower has already been put through its

paces by reigning BTCC champion and Honda Yuasa Racing driver Gordon ‘Flash’ Shedden - check out the video here http://bit.ly/MeanMower, or for more images and all the latest updates on Mean Mower activities follow Honda (UK) on Facebook and Twitter or simply use #meanmower.

Based on feedback from Honda Yuasa Racing drivers, three times BTCC champion Matt Neal and reigning champion Gordon Shedden, the mower features a custom-made paddle shift six-speed gear system. Additionally it has a custom-made Cobra sports seat, a Scorpion exhaust system and a steering rack taken from a Morris Minor.

Most valuable car sold at public auction

The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R Formula 1 SingleSeater breaks the following auction world records: -Most valuable motor car ever sold at auction -Most valuable Formula 1 racing car ever sold -Most valuable Mercedes-Benz Automotive history was made at the Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale today, when the car that took five-time champion Juan Manuel Fangio to the second of his Formula 1 world titles achieved a record-breaking figure of £19,601,500 (US$29,650,095, €22,701,864).

The car becomes the most valuable motor vehicle ever sold at auction, beating the previous record of £10,086,400 set by a Ferrari in 2011.

“I have handled some of the world’s most desirable and important motor cars during a motoring auction career spanning five decades, but I have reached a peak today with this legendary Grand Prix car. It was a personal privilege to preside over the sale of this vehicle, which is not only one of the most significant motor cars of the 20th century, but also the most important historic Grand Prix racing car ever offered for sale,” said Robert Brooks, Bonhams Chairman.

The 2½-litre straight-8 W196 – chassis number ‘00006/54’ – was the car in which Fangio won both the 1954 German and Swiss Grand Prix races. These great victories were the first two to be achieved in succession by the frontier-technology MercedesBenz factory Formula 1 team in its post-war racing comeback. Chassis ‘00006’ also has special significance as the first open-wheeled ‘slipper’-bodied post-war Mercedes-Benz to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix race.