RALLY Jamaica 2013, the second largest rally event in the Caribbean, is experiencing a bumpy ride ahead of its November 29 to December 1 run dates.

“Things have not been as smooth as I’d like, but we have a rally to put on,” said event organiser Lawrence Henriques of Rallysport Promotions Limited.

Joel Jackson will attempt to capture his first ever National Rally title

Henriques is facing challenges attracting the sponsorship. Rally Jamaica was recently bolstered by its inclusion as the final round of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile’s (FIA) North American Central American (NACAM) Rally Championship. And given the potential for large-scale international exposure, the overall response has been less than expected. He chalks it up partly to the difficult financial climate.

So far, Rally Jamaica will see a large contingent of overseas teams, five from Trinidad, two from Barbados, and eight NACAM regulars including the series leader Ricardo Trivino. And for the first time, foreign competitors may outnumber locals.

Up to press time, only seven entries were confirmed including the driver leading the local rally championship Joel Jackson.

Rally Jamaican 2012 winner Jeffrey Panton is also on that list.

Among other difficulties arising is construction on one of the signature stages, Lydford.

“The airstrip has been removed in preparation for construction related to the Highway 2000 project and we’ve had to adjust the route,” explained Henriques.