DON’T look for four-time Sol Rally Barbados champion Jeff Panton and his navigator Mike Fennell to relinquish their throne anytime soon.
In a meet and greet held at their seven years sponsors Sandals Barbados yesterday morning, Jamaican Panton declared that they would be looking to hold on to their record run.
“Being the defending champions makes us a target but that is something positive in putting pressure on the other competitors to step up their game,” said Panton, who will be at the wheel of the Rubis/Sandals Barbados/KIG Ford Focus WRC06.
“It also puts pressure on us so it is a catch 22 situation where we want to excel and give the Bajan public an exciting show. The great thing about the Bajans is that they support Caribbean drivers over non-Caribbean competitors and that support has been great for us,” he added.
The Bajan brothers Roger and Barry Skeete, who are also backed by Sandals were part of the media session with Roger expressing confidence in his two-wheel drive section of the competition where he dominates.
“I have suggested to Jeff that he needs to come into the two-wheel section so that we can dance and see who has the better steps. Until he decides to accept my challenge, I intend to continue putting on the best show for the racing fans,” stated Roger.
The 30th running of the Barbados Rally Club’s premier event will start on Friday and conclude on Sunday.
(KB)
BROTHERS Roger (left) and Barry Mayers. (KB)
