Kenneth Timoll, director of KenT Racing and main organiser of the Drag Rivals event in Clarendon, says Sunday’s fatal incident has cast a shadow on motorsports in Jamaica right at the point when fans were just getting reacquainted after a two-year ‘impound’ by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Timoll, in a statement this morning (July 18), assured that Drag Rivals organisers enacted safety and precautionary measures as stipulated by the governing Jamaica Millenium Motoring Club (JMMC) and that the Vernamfield airstrip was certified safe for racing.

According to the KenT Racing director, as the Vernamfield Aerodrome was flooded by scores of motorsport enthusiasts, the team had installed several protective measures including “integral barriers, caution signs, ambulances, fire marshalls and adequate security personnel”.

KenT Racing confirmed four injuries from Sunday’s freak accident. Of the four victims, a woman later died.

The status of the other three injured spectators had not yet been disclosed.

KenT Racing also made no mention of the implicated Toyota Supra motor vehicle, its driver, disciplinary actions, if any, and sabotage allegations as suggested by social media users who cited footage before the incident showing what appeared to be spilt oil on the track. 

See statement in full below: 

“At the time we made the decision to host this event we contemplated an opportunity for our spectators to embrace a sense of normalcy that has eluded us over the past two years. 

We envisioned a funfilled, entertaining and electrifying afternoon for everyone.

It is unfortunate and regrettable that four of our spectators were injured, one of whom later succumbed to her injuries despite our organization taking all reasonable steps to ensure their safety. 

Our team is in dialogue with those spectators and their families to closely monitor the state of their health and recovery at this time. 

Most importantly, we offer our sincere condolences to the bereaved family and friends and will assist as best as possible during this difficult time.

Undoubtedly, we took all necessary and mandatory precautions sanctioned by the Jamaica Millennium Motoring Club to ensure the safety of each spectator, participant and team member. 

Permits from the Clarendon Municipal Corporation, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Jamaica Constabulary Force and Jamaica Millennium Motoring Club were all obtained. 

We erected integral barriers, caution signs, had ambulances and fire marshalls on site as well as adequate security personnel on the ground to consistently monitor and enforce our safety protocols.

Similarly, the track was certified safe at the start of today’s activities.

This is a matter that is being investigated by the relevant authorities and our legal team has been duly notified. 

We, therefore, request the public’s patience and understanding while we address this unforeseeable incident.”