Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

Seven-year-old Senna Summerbell taking the chequered flag to complete his victory lap after winning two of three races in the 50cc class at Sunday's go-kart meet at the Palisadoes Raceway. - Junior Dowie

He positioned himself close to the finish line, waiting with great anxiety for the race to be over. It was the moment he had been longing for, the eyes of David Summerbell were glued to kart number 91 in the 50cc race.

The kart was driven by his seven-year-old son, Senna, who was participating in his first official race meet as a non-rookie. This enabled him to take part in the qualifying session. He topped the session and qualified in pole position.

The Hillel Preparatory student went on to win two of the three 50cc races in convincing style. It was the greatest day of his motor racing career. Senna represents the third generation of Summerbells in motor racing.

His grandfather, David Summerbell Sr, was an excellent driver and made a significant contribution to motor sports in Jamaica. His aunt, Jodi Summerbell, is also one of the top local female drivers.

"I could not have asked for more. It was fantastic. My only disappointment is that my father is not around to see him," said an emotional David Summerbell.

The focus of the 50cc races is not for the young karters to win at all cost, but to develop and improve their driving skills. On Sunday, the Jamaica Karting Association provided the 50cc engines, so it was a level playing field for all the 'baby' karters.

On Sunday the local go-kart fraternity also said goodbye to French national, Jean-Noel Foulard. He is scheduled to leave Jamaica at the end of the month. After being presented with a plaque, he completed several laps around on the world-rated track which he helped to renovate.

Dane Lawson, who has been absent from go-kart racing for four years, returned on Sunday in the Rotax International Class. He qualified in pole position in his opening race, but was hit by technical problems which denied him victory. He later bounced back and won the final race in the class.

This class was dominated by André Anderson who took the chequered flag twice.

Jonathan Law, who participated in the 80cc class, registered two wins in three races. Phillip Myers was another big winner on the card, taking all three races in his class.

Meanwhile, Samantha Summerbell and Matthew Williams gave a good display in the Rotax Junior Class.