Race-car driver Joel Jackson and co-driver Dmitri Dawkins are pleased with their performance and that of their Subaru Impreza, in the recent Rally Jamaica '09.

The duo, the youngest and most inexperienced drivers in the event, finished in the top 10 from a field of over 30 cars which raced over three days, and ended at the National Stadium on Sunday, December 6.

The event saw drivers testing their dexerity at courses in Bog Walk, St Catherine and Moneague in St Ann.

"Dmitri and I spent Wednesday and Thursday pace noting ... that is, making notes," said Jackson.

The driver said there were anxious moments as several parts they had ordered for their vehicle arrived the week of the rally. And, as fate would have it, things did not go as smoothly as planned.

warm-up

"P&L Racing installed the restrictor for us and fitted a new axle after the CV joint had unexpectedly gone bad. All this at the last minute," he said.

So, Jackson said it took some time for the team to warm up on the Friday.

"We never got into the rally psychologically until after lunch. Up until then, we had problems organising service points, as the crew were unfamiliar with the area ... . They had to raise the rear of the car as it was too low," he said.

In the following days, the team developed in confidence and was more comfortable driving in the orange groves of Bog Walk.

"We are looking forward to 2010," Jackson said.

The Subaru was made rally-ready by Jetcon and was sponsored by The Spanish Court Hotel, Catherine's Peak water and LeaPro Group.

Jackson