Jamaican race automobile drivers Senna Summerbell and Christopher Issa accomplished a powerful season within the 2024–2025 European TCR endurance calendar. Their outcomes throughout Italy and Europe introduced consideration to Jamaican motorsport and created help for Hurricane Melissa restoration efforts. Additionally they grew to become the primary Jamaican drivers to win a European Drivers Championship after securing the TCR European Endurance DSG class title in Misano. The season included a win at Mugello and a podium end in Vallelunga, exhibiting progress in every spherical.
Robust Begin at Mugello in Season Opener
The season started on the Formulation One Mugello circuit in Italy. Summerbell and Issa drove a Cupra Leon DSG TCR for Wimmer Werk Motorsport. The automobile carried Jamaica’s colors throughout the circuit. The workforce completed the opening weekend with a win. It was Issa’s first skilled race in additional than three a long time, and Summerbell continued his growth in European racing. Their consequence positioned Jamaica within the highlight early within the championship. The Mugello win additionally set the tempo for the subsequent occasions, as each drivers ready for longer endurance rounds and continued to construct on their teamwork.
Podium End at Vallelunga in Spherical Three
In September at Vallelunga, Italy, the pair secured third place within the DSG class at Spherical Three of the TCR European Endurance Sequence. The Jamaica Millennium Motoring Membership (JMMC) recognised the achievement, noting Jamaica’s continued progress in European racing. Vallelunga served as an necessary step within the season as groups made plans for the ultimate championship occasion. Scores remained shut within the standings because the Misano spherical carried 50 p.c extra factors and allowed the exclusion of every workforce’s lowest consequence. The construction created a variety of attainable outcomes for the season finale.
Last Spherical in Misano and Main Championship Milestone
The decisive spherical occurred on the Misano World Circuit in mid-November. Summerbell and Issa entered the occasion with an opportunity on the DSG class title. They accomplished the race with a category win and positioned second total behind the sooner SEQ class automobiles. Their end secured the TCR European Endurance Championship DSG class title, making them the primary Jamaican drivers to win a European Drivers Championship. The consequence added one other milestone for Jamaican racing and accomplished a season that included constant placement throughout a number of circuits.
Race to Restoration: Fundraising for Hurricane Melissa Reduction
Earlier than the Misano finale, Hurricane Melissa precipitated main harm in components of Jamaica. As information unfold, the drivers used their look on the championship spherical to launch a fundraising effort referred to as Race to Restoration. They invited different groups, sponsors and followers to help. The trouble raised J$500,000, and the S Resorts Basis matched the quantity. The ultimate whole handed J$1 million for Hurricane Melissa help programmes. The funds can be directed towards restoration initiatives for households affected by the storm. The S Resorts Basis will launch the precise plans as particulars are confirmed.
Social Media Recognition from Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange
Jamaica’s Minister of Tradition, Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange, shared a message on her social media pages acknowledging the drivers’ work and their win at Misano. She famous that they made historical past as the primary Jamaicans to win a European Drivers Championship. She additionally recognised their work in elevating greater than J$1 million for Hurricane Melissa restoration efforts.
Season Impression on Jamaican Motorsport
The mixed outcomes from Mugello, Vallelunga and Misano replicate a gradual 12 months of progress for Jamaican drivers on the European circuit. Summerbell and Issa gained factors in every spherical, achieved a race win, earned a podium and claimed a category title. The season created extra visibility for Jamaican motorsport in European endurance racing and added a global title to the nation’s motorsport report. The marketing campaign additionally confirmed how sporting presence can help nationwide causes, as seen within the Race to Restoration initiative. Their work units a base for future Jamaican participation in endurance racing and helps keep curiosity in worldwide motorsport growth.
Photo – Senna Summerbell
