Three motorsport simulation centres planned to train young Jamaican drivers

Three motorsport simulation centres are expected to open in Jamaica, giving young drivers a lower-cost way to build racing skills across several driving disciplines.

Stakeholders in the sport say the facilities could make a major difference for local competitors, especially because motorsport requires significant spending on vehicles, preparation and track time. The simulators are being designed to place drivers in the types of cars currently used in Jamaican competition, allowing them to test different setups and gain experience without first buying the vehicles themselves.

Supporters say the technology will allow drivers to practise on a range of tracks, work on race craft and receive coaching in a controlled environment. They also point to international motorsport, including Formula 1, where drivers now spend extensive time on simulators because the systems have become highly realistic and useful for preparation.

The announcement was made recently at the S Hotel, where the centres are to be housed. The hotel already has a simulation centre, and young Jamaican driver Zayn Burgess used the facility for practice while he was recently in the island.

Stakeholders believe the recent progress of Jamaican drivers overseas is encouraging younger racers to see international success as possible. They cited Alex Powell, who in 2019 was signed by Mercedes-AMG F1 as the youngest person to be taken on by a Formula 1 team, as well as a young driver referred to in the transcript as Mr Craigy, who was also signed by Mercedes two years ago and is said to be performing strongly.

The transcript also pointed to the promise shown by Zayn Vis as he moves into European events. Stakeholders say Jamaica’s natural driving talent, combined with more structured training through simulators, leaves open the possibility of a Jamaican driver reaching Formula 1.