Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

Champagne corks are expected to pop and jubilant fans celebrate in style this afternoon when the respective class champions are announced at the grand finale go-kart meet, scheduled for the Palisadoes International Raceway, Kingston.

"We will continue our celebration today by winning all our races," a smiling Andrew Jackson told Automotives on Friday.

His son Sean has already been declared the winner of the Rotax International Class, with daughter Justine finishing in second place. Three other fathers who will be in high spirits this afternoon are Colin Daley Sr, Sam Law and Guy Eaton, whose sons all had a good season.

First race

After yesterday's qualifying session, the first race will get under way at 10 a.m. The first special race will be a Formula Yamaha Race with competitors from the era of Abe Ziadie, former Jamaica Karting Association (JKA) president, to whom the race meet has been dedicated. Among the stars of yesteryear scheduled to participate are Doug Donald, Gary Gregg, Paul and Lisa Lee and Michael 'Mex' Lodenquai.

The programme comprises a pre-final at lunch and a final just after the regular rounds of racing. The other special race will be a handicap event for all the Rotax and Shifter drivers. At least 30 karts are expected to take part.

These two special races should add to the excitement of the last race meet of the year with many of the drivers racing for class championship trophies.

Immediately after the meet, there will be prize-giving ceremony. According to the JKA, the prize ceremony is very special as it covers the trophies for not only the Abe Ziadie Meet, but also the two last race meets in September and October.

Overseas specialists

Reports are that everybody is hoping to ring out the old year in style. Some have gone as far as bringing down overseas specialists to help tune their engines today. The meet have attracted two overseas-based karters, Jamaican-born Andrew Simmons, who will be teaming up with his father Mike, and Shane Alley of Guyana, who will be racing out of the Peter Rae camp.

"I am hoping to win some races today," said Alley, who have been involved in karting for more than a decade.

He will be participating in the Shifter Class. Apart from friendly rivalry, Alley is hoping to persuade the JKA to come on board and organise a Caribbean Karting Championship.

"I spoke with Stuart Maloney of Barbados and he is interested. We in Guyana are also interested," Alley concludes.