10 year-old Colin Daley Jr. (right in kart 12). hopes for victory. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Defending Rotax Junior champion, Matthew Williams, produced a late burst and crossed the finishing line in a flash to pip Colin Daley Jr on the line in what was the most exciting showdown at yesterday's go-kart meet held at the Palisadoes International Raceway, Kingston.

It was so close that the commentator, Gerald Tyndale, had to wait a couple minutes before announcing the winner. After a ding-dong battle for the lead, Daley seemed like he would win comfortably, approaching the finishing line, with a lap to go.

"I never gave up. I believe it was my technique in negotiating the corners that helped me," the 14-year-old Williams told The Gleaner shortly after the event.

He won two of the three races in the Rotax Junior Class, the other was won by Daley. Both karters are part of a contingent preparing for separate championships in Miami, Florida. Williams and his team are scheduled to leave the island this weekend, while Daley and his team will depart the following week.

"He looks ready for the Florida Winter Tour. He has been training very hard, going to the gym three times per week," commented Neil Williams, Matthew's father.

Among the highlights of the meet was the hat-trick of wins by nine-year-old Joshua Sirgany in the 80cc Class. Garth Genus took a double in the Super Masters Class, while William Myers dominated the Rotax Mini-Max Class. Although they never took the chequered flag, Jonathan Law and Thomas Issa were impressive.

"Though there were not enough entries, it was a successful and entertaining event," said Peter Rae, president of the Jamaica Karting Association.