After making history as the first Jamaican racers to climb the podium in the prestigious ADAC GT4 Germany series, emerging motorsport talents Tommi Gore and Senna Summerbell are now on the verge of a landmark partnership with renowned German automaker Porsche for their 2025 campaign. This anticipated sponsorship deal could place the Caribbean pair in prime position to capitalize on the momentum they built during their breakthrough season.
Gore and Summerbell’s journey from the Jamaican racing circuit to the heart of Europe’s motorsport arena has been nothing short of extraordinary. In 2024, their bid to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Europe’s elite began modestly, first behind the wheel of an Audi R8 under the SAPE Motor Sports banner. When that initial setup faced setbacks, the duo pivoted mid-season, inking an agreement with W&S Motorsport that introduced them to the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport. This switch not only helped stabilize their performances but also set the stage for a jaw-dropping podium finish—an accomplishment that reverberated from Jamaica’s shores to the paddocks of Europe.
Doug Gore, father of Tommi and a celebrated Jamaican racing icon himself, expressed deep pride during a reception honoring the team’s supporters at S Hotel on December 14, 2024. “It’s been an astounding year, with these young men surpassing expectations on every level,” he said. “They’ve carried Jamaican colors to new heights, and as we look toward 2025, our focus is on building an even stronger framework of sponsorship and support that reflects their growing stature on the international stage.”
That support system has been instrumental. Chief among the partners who stepped forward early was Sherwin Williams. Its district manager, Kenneth Richardson, spoke of the company’s pride in backing a groundbreaking endeavor that fused Jamaican heritage with world-class competition. Other supporters—ranging from the S Hotel and Q8 Oils to the Jamaica Tourist Board and Barita Investments—were similarly lauded for placing their faith in Gore and Summerbell at a time when it was uncertain how the duo would measure up against European rivals.
Christopher Issa, CEO of the Crissa Group, which owns S Hotel, noted that this achievement wasn’t merely a sporting triumph, but a defining moment for “Brand Jamaica.” The result, he said, underscored the potential of Jamaican racers to not only enter global arenas but stand proudly on the winners’ platform. “It’s a testament to teamwork and resilience,” Issa said, “and we’re honored to have played a part in this bold new chapter of Jamaican motorsport.”
The racing heritage that flows through Gore and Summerbell’s veins is undeniable. Sons of legendary Jamaican drivers Doug “Hollywood” Gore and David Summerbell Jr., both young athletes spent their formative years carving out their own racing identities. Before stepping into European GT4, Tommi sharpened his craft in series such as the Caribbean Radical Cup and Radical Cup UK, and later took on the Formula 4 Central Europe field. Meanwhile, Senna, a four-time Jamaican karting champion with stints in Formula Prototype Canada and the Radical Caribbean Cup, brought valuable international experience to the cockpit.
Despite the towering competition they faced in 2024, Gore and Summerbell managed not only to secure a coveted podium finish but also register a top-five final race result. With these achievements under their belts, their presence in Europe has redefined what’s possible for racers hailing from smaller nations. The pair’s stunning breakthrough also yielded a respectable 14th-place overall finish in a championship that stretches across legendary circuits in Germany and Austria.
As negotiations with Porsche advance, the excitement builds. The racers themselves remain composed but eager, fully aware that the upcoming season could mark a defining moment in their careers. “The start felt like a dream,” Gore remarked. “Now, with a year of experience, we’re ready to aim even higher. Porsche’s involvement would be a huge vote of confidence, and we intend to prove we deserve every bit of it.”
Summerbell echoed his teammate’s enthusiasm. “We’ve learned, adapted, and proven that we belong,” he said. “Jamaican racing has a unique story to tell, and we’re just getting started. If 2024 set the stage, then 2025 is where we truly shine.”
By forging new alliances and locking down one of the world’s most respected automotive sponsors, Gore and Summerbell are on course to turn their remarkable European debut into a long-term presence at motorsport’s highest echelons—ensuring the Jamaican flag continues to fly proudly in racing paddocks far from home.
