Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Racer Darren Luck set a new motorcycle lap record for Dover Raceway in St. Ann, Jamaica October 18 during the Heroes of Speed Invitational Grand Prix, sanctioned by the Jamaica Cycling Federation.

Riding a Suzuki GSX-R750 on Dunlop DOT-labeled tires, Luck recorded a lap of 1:23.33 on the 1.6-mile, 13-turn track to better the old mark of 1:23.76.

“There were concrete walls everywhere,” said Luck, when asked what the track was like. “They needed one wall because there was a 300-foot cliff on the other side. Most of the corners were slow, second-gear, and on the longest straight I got up to the top of fourth gear with 17/48 gearing.”

In addition to setting the new lap record, Luck said he won all four Open Superbike races he ran, including the last one, which was run with a reversed grid.

Luck said he was invited to the event by race promoter, and former racer, Hilary Jardine. Race promoters flew Luck to Jamaica first-class and provided him with beach resort accommodations, all meals and ground transportation. Luck was not allowed to keep any purse money, however.

“They want more American racers,” Luck told Roadracingworld.com Wednesday at Road Atlanta. “They’re throwing a lot of money at trying to get more American racers to come over and help build up this event. But going through customs is a pain in the ass. It’s all paperwork, but it’s a pain in the ass.”

Luck said promoters are trying to organize another event before the start of the AMA race season, and interested racers can get more information directly from him at (239) 949-2799.

The online edition of the Jamaica Observer previewed the Heroes of Speed Invitational Grand Prix with an October 18 article by staff writer Hurbun Williams, who wrote in part, “Seven motorcycle racers out of the USA will get a quick lesson from the star Jamaican riders Dennis Chin-Quee, Stefan Chen and Domar Lee when they take to the track.

“Two-wheeled racing has proven to be immensely popular at Dover, and this time around it should be more so with the foreign riders, headed by Darren Luck. Luck, with 149 wins under his belt, will put it on the line riding his Suzuki GSXR.”