The Barbados Karting Association (BKA) 2004 Frutee Championship opened sensationally with the McEnearney Quality Round One on Sunday February 8, 2004, at the Bushy Park racing facility in St. Phillip.

The weather was a key factor intermittent downpours and brilliant sunshine set the stage for an exiting event. The karters did not disappoint the small crowd who braved the elements to witness the day's proceedings.

In the 310lb premier class, a sense of urgency was visible from outset as the seniors made the most of the absence of 2003 champion Ryan Gonsalves who moved to the shifter class, leaving the club championship up for grabs. Orry Hunt (right) driving the ADO Trading Wright kart for the first time in the 310lb class, made his presence felt by finishing the day in first position with 89 points.

The race of the day belonged to Michael Lambert (right), also racing in the 310lb class for the first time in a new Gold chassis, found himself starting race three at the back of the grid because of a lack of power and setup problems. As the heavens opened, Michael overtook the entire field in the wet and slippery conditions to finish first, and end the day with 75 points, tied in second overall with Matthew Staffner in his Structural Systems Top Kart.

The 250lb Sportsman class now includes newcomer Nicholas Blades (right), son of former champion jockey Hugh Blades. It was a sight to behold to see the youngsters, some as young as 8 years old, manoeuvre their racing karts with skill through a rain-soaked Bushy Park circuit. In the end it was Dane Skeete, driving a self-sponsored Birel, to finished in first position overall with 96 points, ahead of Conor Roach in a Gold kart with 88 points and in third, Jessy Kelly in the CGM/Herrs Birel with 72 points.

Ryan Gonsalves, racing the shifter class for the first time, was denied the opportunity to show his mettle against the fierce competition in the gearbox kart class as he suffered mechanical problems all day. In the end it was Stuart Maloney (right) driving a Maranello 125 Rotax who exacted revenge on his sibling rivals to come out on top with 96 points overall. Also driving a Maranello kart was Sean Maloney whose 88 points and second position overall, belies his tremendous efforts as he duelled with eventual winner Stuart. Ryan was award with third position and 54 points for his efforts.

The next race meet is scheduled for February 29th at Bushy Park.