In a recent club meeting at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston, Charles Chen outlined his vision to breathe new life into the dwindling state of local circuit racing in Jamaica. As the newly appointed head of the Jamaica Race Drivers Club (JRDC), Chen is determined to propel the sport forward despite the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
With the support of his team, including vice-chairman and secretary Chressmore White, as well as treasurer Patrick Patterson, Chen is set on ushering in a new era for the JRDC. One of the key changes he plans to implement is the delegation of race meet organization to a business partner, allowing the club to focus on enhancing the experience for its members.
By shifting the responsibility of seeking sponsorship and promoting race meets to an external party, Chen envisions that the JRDC can concentrate on improving its offerings for drivers. This strategic move aims to streamline operations and pave the way for a more sustainable future for local circuit racing in Jamaica.
However, the road ahead is not without its challenges. The JRDC is currently facing financial constraints, exacerbated by infrastructure damage at the Dover venue caused by Hurricane Beryl. As efforts are underway to address these issues, the fate of the traditional Heroes’ Day meet hangs in the balance.
Despite these hurdles, Chen remains optimistic about the future of local circuit racing in Jamaica. His commitment to fostering a new generation of leaders within the JRDC and his emphasis on collaboration with external partners signal a promising shift in the club’s direction. With a renewed focus on the core mission of supporting drivers, the JRDC is poised for a revitalization under Chen’s leadership.
As the wheels are set in motion for the JRDC’s evolution, the Jamaican racing community eagerly anticipates the positive changes that lie ahead. With Charles Chen at the helm, the future of local circuit racing looks brighter than ever before.
