The Montego Bay Racing Association (MRA) brought Jamaica’s 2024 rally season to an electrifying close with the Rally Rampage, held at Spot Valley in St. James last weekend, December 8. The event introduced a thrilling Rally Sprint format, challenging drivers with progressively added stages throughout the day and delivering an action-packed finale for motorsport enthusiasts.
Leading the charge was Demar Lee, whose commanding performance in his Subaru Impreza secured him the overall victory and top honours in the JN8 class (four-wheel drive, twin-turbos). Lee clocked an exceptional time of 13:27.92, showcasing remarkable precision and speed. His victory not only set the tone for the day but also highlighted the intense competition across all six classes.
In the JA1 class, Jonathan Graham, driving a Hyundai Accent, emerged victorious with a time of 17:57.63, while Jason King dominated the JA2 class, clocking 15:20.38 despite mechanical setbacks sidelining his closest competitor, Maurice Whittingham.
Jordan Powell delivered a standout performance in the JA3 class, with a time of 14:50.44 securing his class victory, the fastest 2WD time of the day, and 4th overall. Powell’s exceptional driving was followed by strong performances from Marvin Porteous and Bobby Marshall.
The youngest drivers shone in the JA4 class, where Omary Paragon-Singh claimed the top spot with a time of 22:37.61, edging out Nahjair Bernard and Myles Addison.
In JA8, RallyCross and Extreme E star Fraser McConnell made an impressive debut in his Mitsubishi Evo 9, clocking 13:32.92 to secure 2nd overall. Felix Headly followed closely, taking 3rd overall with a time of 13:54.55. The fastest times of the day belonged to Demar Lee (13:27.92), Fraser McConnell (13:32.92), and Felix Headly (13:54.55), with Jordan Powell also earning accolades for his standout 2WD performance.
Though not finishing in the top spot, McConnell enjoyed his time saying it was good that rally racing was back in the parish. “Happy to be back in a car in Jamaica. Big up to the MRA and everybody involved in putting this event on and Spot Valley for hosting us,” the internationally acclaimed racer said. “Better late than never, it’s December, would have loved to seeing some more races in the year. When the sport was gone you could see the need.”
McConnell was also impressed with the turnout of supporters.
“We had a good turnout today. I want to congratulate Demar. I really enjoyed myself. We really had a fun day.”
The Rally Rampage was as much about strategy and adaptability as speed. Drivers contended with evolving stages that tested their skill and endurance, creating a spectacle for fans and competitors alike. While some drivers faced mechanical issues, others rose to the occasion, delivering unforgettable performances.
The MRA extended its gratitude to sponsors who made the Rally Rampage possible, including Spot Valley Raceway, Double 7 Energy Drinks, Elite Concepts and Solutions, KFC, True Juice, Rose Hall Development, and more. Their support ensured a seamless event and underscored the growing enthusiasm for motorsport in Jamaica.
As the curtain falls on the 2024 rally season, the Rally Rampage not only provided an exhilarating conclusion but also set the stage for future innovations in the sport. Fans now eagerly look forward to what the MRA has in store for the 2025 season, as motorsport continues to thrive in Jamaica.