Jamaican-born Matthew Mair will challenge seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher in today's SKUSA Supernational Karting Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada.

A contingent of Jamaican karters departed the island on Wednesday to throw their support behind Mair. The group, which include Rotax Junior champion, Matthew Williams, Comer 80 cc champion driver, Joshua Sirgany, his dad Ricky and the boys' driving coach, Peter Rae, will be hoping to have a brief meeting with Schumacher.

Contacted yesterday, president of the Jamaica Karting Association (JKA), David Wong, said he is hoping that Rae and company will ask the seven-time world champion tips on how to improve the driving of Jamaica's young go-karters.

"Some of the things I would love them to ask Schumacher are suggestions on how the JKA can grow and increase our membership," said Wong.

Today's event has attracted over 300 drivers, include Sebastien Buemi. The latter and Schumacher are entered in the Super Pro KZ2 class. They will battle it out around a 0.66-mile circuit constructed in the grounds of the Rio Las Vegas Hotel and Casino.

Among the other famous names taking part are ex-Renault Formula One star Nelson Piquet, former Indy 500 winner Buddy Rice, and Pietro Fittipaldi, grandson of the two-time F1 world champion Emerson.

Young Fittipaldi was among a contingent of overseas drivers who participated at the JKA's international race held at the Palisadoes Inter-national Raceway in July.