Daddy lays down the Law

Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

Though Jonathan Law sits in third place behind Thomas Issa and William Myers in the 2013 Jamaica Karting Association (JKA) Rotax Junior Championship race, Samuel Law is convinced that his son can upset the apple cart and snatch the class title this year.

His confidence level was boosted even further after young Law took the chequered flag twice at the June JKA race meet, held at the Palisadoes International Raceway, Kingston.

"Currently he is competing in the ROK series on the Florida circuit, where he is getting a lot more experience. With six months gone into the local championship, Jonathan still has enough time to win the Rotax Junior title," an upbeat Samuel Law told Automotives on Thursday.

In its introductory year, ROK Cup USA extended benefits exclusively to ROK Cup entrants in the 2013 Florida Karting Championship Series. This is one of several championships on the Florida circuit in which Jamaica's young go-karters have been participating.

At one of the overseas meets held two weeks ago, in competing against the bigger boys, Jonathan demonstrated that he has what it takes to compete at the international level.

Putting his mouth where his money is, Samuel Law disclosed on Friday that he intends to replace his son's current kart with a brand new one, a move that should enhance Jonathan's chances of winning the title. "A new CRG LH kart is on its way from Florida and should be here anytime now," said Law.

Jonathan's driving coach, Peter Moodie Sr, said consistent work has done him wonders. "When we began working with Jonathan, he was lacking focus and easily distracted. Since then, there has been a dramatic improvement. He thinks much quicker now and is more balanced and mature in his driving. He is doing much faster lap times consistently now," said Moodie.

He further stressed that the future augurs well for Jonathan, who is one of the youngest drivers in the Rotax Junior Class. According to Moodie, karting has been helping Jonathan to perform much better academically.

A year ago Jonathan scored a 96 per cent Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) average, which landed him at Jamaica College. There he is now focusing on making steps towards his childhood dream of becoming an engineer.

Head of the JKA, Neil Williams, says membership continues to grow and stressed that the current batch of youngsters is very talented. "They are doing well. They have been consistent on the Florida circuit," Williams said.