Moodie remembered as motor sports pioneer
Published:Monday | March 22, 2021 | 12:16 AMRobert Bailey/Gleaner Writer
Many-time national rally champions David Summerbell Jr and Doug Gore says a void has been left in Jamaican motor sports after the death of veteran race car driver Peter Moodie Sr.
Moodie, who is regarded as one of Jamaica’s best drivers of all times, passed away on Saturday afternoon after a brief illness.
Summerbell says Moodie was a pioneer of the sport who had worked hard during his career to develop the sport in Jamaica.
“I think that he will go down as the most dedicated motor racer ever in Jamaica,” Summerbell said. “I think nobody has committed themselves to racing as much as he did. All his life, motor racing came first and foremost over everything else, and he was also probably the most knowledgeable person in the sport.”
Summerbell says that Moodie always brought the highest level of competition and, therefore, he will be missed by all.
“He consistently raised the bar in the sport, because you are never going to race against him and not be at the top of your game in every way,” he said.
Gore says Moodie was an icon in motor sports in Jamaica.
“I had the pleasure of racing Peter in both rally and Dover settings, and he was a fierce competitor in both of them, and he won a few, and so did I; so there have always been battles like that,” Gore said. “He has tutored a lot of youngsters throughout his career, which is phenomenal; so he will be truly missed because he is an icon in motor sports for sure.”
Sport Minister Olivia Grange says Moodie earned himself a place in what she describes as the top drawer of motor sports in Jamaica.
“His superb skills as a race car driver were matched only by his phenomenal knowledge of the workings of motor vehicles,” Grange said. “In fact, he was one of the pioneers and for the last four decades, the leading figure in circuit and go-kart racing.
“In addition, Peter was a top-notch instructor, ensuring that the knowledge was passed on to the succeeding drivers in the sport.
“With the passing of Peter Moodie Sr, Jamaica has lost one who was totally dedicated to the development of his sport and his country. My heart goes out to his family, his friends, and all those involved in motor sports in general. May his soul rest in peace.”