Meals for the wheels

Joyce Harris cooks up a storm at racetrack

Opal Davidson, Gleaner Writer

Though she may not be one of the female drivers at Dover Raceway, off the track 69-year-old Joyce Harris is being celebrated as the darling of circuit racing. For the past two decades she has been the unofficial 'chef', feeding the race drivers, patrons and meet officials.

Her scrumptious, mouth-watering meals have earned her a place in the annals of Dover.

At last Sunday's Independence of Speed race meet, the aroma of well-seasoned and prepared chicken, fish and rice and peas easily led the masses to her stall. Affectionately known to many as 'Miss Joyce', she has been dubbed a veteran in the business.

"Mid deh here long time, over 20 years, from de place a red dirt, until dem asphalt it," she recounted.

The Brown's Town resident explained that when she heard about circuit racing coming to Dover, she hastily inquired about renting a space. Granted the opportunity, she was then required to pay for her stall four times per year - April, May, August and October - at race meets.

A delighted Harris told Automotives how business has got better over the years, the success attributed to not only how well she cooks but also how she operates.

"Is your personality and how you treat people and talk to them," she proudly said. "People love me, them look especially for me," she said, explaining her broad client base.

Harris' presence has not gone unnoticed. "She is one of the unsung heroes of Dover. Miss Joyce has made a significant contribution to the development of circuit racing. I remember her from the early days; she was always reliable and flexible," said Junior Lincoln, one of the current shareholders of Dover.

Another shareholder, Richard 'Dickie' Crawford, described Harris as an amazing businesswoman, hard working and willing to assist anybody who needs help. "She has made an important contribution to the sport," argued Crawford.

Past president of the Jamaica Race Drivers Club, Hilary Jardine said Harris is somebody who one can talk and reason with. "She is a very responsible, business-like lady, who has been at Dover since the inception. Indirectly, she has made a tremendous contribution to the sport," said Jardine.