Dover circuit racing season returns on Labour Day after hurricane damage

Jamaica’s leading circuit racers are due back on track Monday for the Labour Day Carnival of Speed at Dover Raceway in St. Ann, as the local season resumes after seven months without competition.

The break followed major damage blamed on Hurricane Melissa, with repairs at the venue said to have cost more than $14 million. The first meet of the year is expected to restart rivalries across several racing classes and give fans a long-awaited return to circuit action.

JRDC chairman Tero Marshall said familiar names are expected to help lift the event. He listed Doug Gore, himself, Sheldon Morgan, Swift Tune and Sebastian Ray among those expected, along with other competitors from different racing categories.

Marshall also said Tallman, from riding, had indicated an interest in bringing a team, though confirmation had not yet been received.

Former Jamaica Millennium Motoring Club chairman Steven Gunter said Dover was still recovering from storm damage, adding that hurricanes over two straight years had badly affected Jamaica’s motorsport infrastructure. He said the track was being rebuilt ahead of the weekend meet, but that the repeated weather setbacks had slowed the sport’s momentum.

Organisers are urging fans to attend, saying stronger public support can help make the sport more attractive to sponsors. The race meet is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m.