Drifting on the Pier: ‘Rambo’ Singh tops ‘Tazz’ Barnes

Western Bureau:

National Red Bull Car Park Drift champion Nicholas 'Tazz' Barnes says getting in some competitive practice was his main objective at Sunday night's 'Slippery When Wet - Drifting on the Pier' at the Falmouth Cruise Ship Pier Parking Lot.

Earlier this month, Barnes won the national title at Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, and qualified to represent Jamaica at the Red Bull Car Park Drift final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on December 7 and 8.

"Tonight (Sunday) was a regular day in the office, just to stretch the legs and keep me in the mood, fit and tidy. I'm ready, the team is ready," said Barnes, who finished second in the main event which was won by Randall 'Rambo' Singh.

Barnes, who scored perfect 300 points in the qualification and final rounds, narrowly missed out on the top spot in the professional class. The organisers had to go back to the elimination (first) round where he scored 285 points to separate him and winner Singh who scored 295 points. Zackary Isaacs placed third with 280 points in the final. Singh said work and family activities have been keeping him from getting behind the steering wheel but he was happy to just come out and have some fun.

"It feels great to come back out here after all these years of not driving. My little brother is doing it and my son just started and I see them coming out and having fun. I felt like I missed it so I came out to have some fun," Singh said.

The rookie class was won by Richard Ryan who scored 280 points in the final round ahead of Marc-Dayna Graham with 270 and Brandon Wright, 250.

Rockie-class winner Ryan is looking to use gain valuable experience as he aims to step up to the Professional-class.

"It's a very good feeling because I've done a lot of work also on the car to reach this point. I am really grateful for what I have achieved tonight and just want the go up the ladder from here, move up to the pro and keep improving," Ryan said.

Event organiser Kingsley Scott promised Trelawny another edition of what he described as a successful meet.

"Very good turnout and they really got what they wanted. It's the first time an event like this has been held in Trelawny and we are definitely coming back," said Scott, who was happy to have the national drift champion in the competition.

"It was good especially for Barnes to get some practice before he goes off to Saudi Arabia," he added.

Barnes will have one last competitive outing before going to Saudi Arabia, at Drifters Paradise in The Manning's School Car Park in Westmoreland on November 27.