Mayers crushes Summerbell’s lap record

Nov 08, 2009 Sports

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– Summerbell qualifies ahead of Mark Maloney

By Rawle Welch
Just as he had promised, Barbados’ Roger Mayers, driving a Black Ford Focus, registered a blistering time of 34.585 seconds to crush the previous lap record of 34.98 set by Jamaican David Summerbell during qualifying sessions which ended yesterday, at the South Dakota Circuit.
Mayers’ time ensures that he will start on pole in Group 4 of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC), while Guyana’s Andrew King recorded a fast time of 35.109 which was good enough for him to be placed second on the grid.
Leader in the points standing and strong favourite to grab the title Summerbell clocked the third fastest time of 35.510.
Another Jamaican Chris Campbell recorded a time of 36.057 seconds for fourth place on the grid and he was followed by Mark Maloney, who returned a time of 36.228 with his father Doug bringing up the rear with 36.278.
Speaking with Mayers, he said that he was not surprised by the car’s performance since it has been working well all weekend.  “It feels good to erase the previous mark, we had a pretty good day and the car has not given us any problems since our arrival in Guyana,” Mayers commented.
He said that he feels the car could go low 34’s, but needed more time to do the final preparatory work.
Asked whether he disappointed by not being able to vie for the Caribbean Championship title, Mayers in response stated that he is not really fussy about the title, but rather he is an individual who go for wins.  “My goal tomorrow is to win all three races and if I can do that I will be very happy.”
Summerbell on 48 points and whose only real threat in the title race could come from Mark Maloney on 39 said he was right where he wanted to be.
“The major stake here is the Caribbean title and I’m happy where I am just behind Roger, but the focus has to be on Mark and winning the title,” he pointed out in response as to whether he would attempt to regain his lap record.
He said if they happen to secure the championship after the second race then they could think about going a little faster and try to attack the record.
Asked how important winning the title is, Summerbell revealed that a lot of effort has gone into the preparations and sponsorship and add to that the bragging rights and prestige that goes with it, it makes you very proud.
He, however, downplayed the importance of the record, saying that he has won many races and established many track records, so whether he re-establishes it or not, it is no big deal.
Summerbell added that the cars are getting better and better and drivers just cannot sit back and relax and believe that everyone is just going to do the same.
He welcomed Roger’s addition to the championship and the sport, indicating that he has taken it to another level.
Mark Maloney in his remarks blamed not getting in a full lap as the reason for his poor showing, but was still upbeat about his chances come today.
“I know what the car is capable of and I know what I have to do,” Mark said.
He added that even though the Caribbean Championship is very important he is here for the fun and is really enjoying the development of the car.
Asked to comment on Mayers achievement, Mark said he was happy for him, but felt he has a clear advantage in the four-wheel driven machine and was not really surprised.
Barbadian alike, Mark disclosed that there will be no team orders and every man will have to fight for himself.
“Roger has his team of sponsors to deal with and I have mine as well, so we will be battling for the top spot,” he envisioned.
Guyana’s Andrew King said he was pleased with the car’s performance, adding that it is the best it had performed for the year.
He too reckoned that eclipsing Mayers’ record will be a difficult task, but cautioned that today will not be a one-lap affair, rather 10 laps and feels his chance is as good as any other.
“Tomorrow you could look forward to a much better display,” King promised.
In full results: Group 4- 1st R. Mayers (34.585), 2nd A. King (35.109), 3rd D. Summerbell (35.510); Group 4 (locals) – 1st Paul Vieira (36.127), 2nd Mohan Rangasammy (38.279), 3rd Irfan Kalamadeen (38.611); Super Bikes- 1st Kevin Graham (35.664), 2nd Stephen Vieira (35.969), 3rd Maurice Menezes (37.112); Group 2B- 1st Kurt Thompson (39.064), 2nd R. Rahaman (39.639), 3rd Kemal Rahaman (40.580); Group 3- 1st R. Rahaman (37.592), 2nd Kemal Seebarran (38.194), 3rd Ravi Singh (38.273); Go-Karts- 1st Marcus Fiedtkou (44.349), 2nd Alex Fiedtkou (44.574), 3rd Shane Ally (44.982); Group 2A- 1st Raymond Ally (40.293), 2nd Kenrick Husbands (40.321), 3rd Chet Singh (40.777).

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