Former National Red Bull Car Park Drift champion Nicholas “Tazz” Barnes will represent Jamaica at the upcoming FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup set to take place from October 2–5 in Riga, Latvia.

This marks a historic first for Jamaica, as Barnes becomes the nation’s inaugural competitor in an FIA drifting championship event.

The Montego Bay native is no stranger to the international stage, having represented Jamaica at the 2022 Global Car Park Drift Finals in Saudi Arabia.

Stephen Gunter, Chairman of the Jamaica Millennium Motoring Club (JMMC), praised the milestone achievement:

“This is a proud moment for Jamaica. Nicholas ‘Tazz’ Barnes has worked tirelessly to refine his craft, and his victory at Drift Ruption has earned him the right to showcase Jamaica’s talent on the world stage. This historic opportunity not only highlights his dedication but also shines a spotlight on the growth of drifting in Jamaica.”

This year’s edition of the Intercontinental Drifting Cup features a new format designed to strengthen global representation and competitiveness. For the first time, FIA Member Clubs were given the opportunity to nominate a single driver, creating fresh opportunities for emerging motorsport nations like Jamaica.