Jamaican race car drivers Senna Summerbell and Christopher Issa completed a strong season in the 2024–2025 European TCR endurance calendar. Their results across Italy and Europe brought attention to Jamaican motorsport and created support for Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts. They also became the first 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 finish in Vallelunga, showing progress in each round.
Strong Start at Mugello in Season Opener
The season began at the Formula One Mugello circuit in Italy. Summerbell and Issa drove a Cupra Leon DSG TCR for Wimmer Werk Motorsport. The car carried Jamaica’s colours across the circuit. The team finished the opening weekend with a win. It was Issa’s first professional race in more than three decades, and Summerbell continued his development in European racing. Their result placed Jamaica in the spotlight early in the championship. The Mugello win also set the pace for the next events, as both drivers prepared for longer endurance rounds and continued to build on their teamwork.
Podium Finish at Vallelunga in Round Three
In September at Vallelunga, Italy, the pair secured third place in the DSG class at Round Three of the TCR European Endurance Series. The Jamaica Millennium Motoring Club (JMMC) recognised the achievement, noting Jamaica’s continued progress in European racing. Vallelunga served as an important step in the season as teams made plans for the final championship event. Scores remained close in the standings as the Misano round carried 50 percent more points and allowed the exclusion of each team’s lowest result. The structure created a wide range of possible outcomes for the season finale.
Final Round in Misano and Major Championship Milestone
The decisive round took place at the Misano World Circuit in mid-November. Summerbell and Issa entered the event with a chance at the DSG class title. They completed the race with a class win and placed second overall behind the faster SEQ class cars. Their finish secured the TCR European Endurance Championship DSG class title, making them the first Jamaican drivers to win a European Drivers Championship. The result added another milestone for Jamaican racing and completed a season that included consistent placement across multiple circuits.
Race to Recovery: Fundraising for Hurricane Melissa Relief
Before the Misano finale, Hurricane Melissa caused major damage in parts of Jamaica. As news spread, the drivers used their appearance at the championship round to launch a fundraising effort called Race to Recovery. They invited other teams, sponsors and fans to assist. The effort raised J$500,000, and the S Hotels Foundation matched the amount. The final total passed J$1 million for Hurricane Melissa support programmes. The funds will be directed toward recovery projects for families affected by the storm. The S Hotels Foundation will release the specific plans as details are confirmed.
Social Media Recognition from Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange
Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange, shared a message on her social media pages acknowledging the drivers’ work and their win at Misano. She noted that they made history as the first Jamaicans to win a European Drivers Championship. She also recognised their work in raising more than J$1 million for Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts.
Season Impact on Jamaican Motorsport
The combined results from Mugello, Vallelunga and Misano reflect a steady year of progress for Jamaican drivers on the European circuit. Summerbell and Issa gained points in each round, achieved a race win, earned a podium and claimed a class title. The season created more visibility for Jamaican motorsport in European endurance racing and added an international title to the country’s motorsport record. The campaign also showed how sporting presence can support national causes, as seen in the Race to Recovery initiative. Their work sets a base for future Jamaican participation in endurance racing and helps maintain interest in international motorsport development.
Photo – Senna Summerbell
