Auto Profile | Doug Gore

Starting off our new Auto Profile section is professional driver Doug Gore, who showcased his new 2017 KIA race car yesterday at the brand's head office at Oxford Road. His new race car comes with a six-speed sequential gearbox matted to a 2L turbocharged engine with all wheel drive.

It is inspired by Rally Cross race cars, which are built in Europe, and it has been modified to suit the two race tracks in Jamaica Dover Raceway and Jamwest.

The suspension, body shell, differentials, and gearbox are all specially built for optimum performance on the Caribbean racetracks.

Gore stated that he is very excited to race it at the next race meet at Dover from April 1-2.

What is your favorite destination to drive to in Jamaica and why?

The stretch of road from Montego Bay to Falmouth has a [bit] of everything. Some of it is straight while other parts have corners, and the corners vary drastically, which, as a driver, I like.

What was the first vehicle you owned, and what type of trouble was it known to give?

It was a 1984, VW Rabbit GTI, and when I got it, the first thing I did was put in a turbo charger, so it was moving like a pocket rocket. The problem is that the engine was not built to have a turbo, so it kept breaking down. Eventually, I took off the turbo, and surprisingly, I had more fun with the stock engine.

What is one auto activity you would love to do with your children when they get older?

Well, I have raced go-karts with my son already, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. As for my daughter, she is my little princess, so I am really protective of her. One time she wanted to race, and I was like, 'What?' [laughs] The irony, right.

What foreign country road do you like to drive on and why?

I think Canada and North America have very easy roads to drive on. They are smooth and have signs all over. That's why it's so easy to get a driver's licence up there.

If you had to choose two friends who are amateur drivers to represent you in a circuit race, who would you choose and why?

Wow! David Bell. He was my crew chief for my Audi team. Ian Banks. He is a nine-time Jamaica skeet shooting champion, and to win at that level requires a lot of discipline, which would work to his advantage on the track.

What is your dream vehicle?

It has to be a Lamborghini. Most of my family likes Ferrari, but Lamborghinis are so bold and angular. They always cause heads to turn whereever they are parked.

What is your favorite car movie, and which, character would you play in it?

I think the Fast and Furious movies are so unrealistic, so I would have to go with Jason Bourne. I love the car chase scenes. They are very practical. Obviously, I would be Jason, so you can bank on me getting away.

What is the most challenging road in Jamaica?

Bethel Town, Westmoreland. The road is very slippery, and the corners are off camber, which can cause your car to drift.

Where is your best roadside spot for a food stop?

That's easy. Middle Quarters, St Elizabeth, for pepper shrimps. The people there know me. Usually, I call them in advance to let them know I am passing through.