Drag racing enthusiasts in Saint Lucia are making a determined bid for greater recognition and promotion of the sport on island.
On December 13 – Saint Lucia’s National Day, The Base in Vieux Fort came alive with the return of “Drag Battle”.
From all accounts, reports indicate that ‘quarter (¼) mile racing’ is very much alive and well in Saint Lucia. According to the major stakeholders in the sport, the December 13th event, referred to as “The Nationals” by the St Lucia Motor Sports Association (SLMSA), lived up to expectations.
Four car categories, namely the 12sec, 13sec, 14sec and 15sec classes made it to the podium finish.
The results were as follows:
12sec – 1st Kenneth Tobierre, 2nd Shanil James, 3rd Vance Philbert
13sec – 1st Brian Evans, 2nd Mashack Biroo, 3rd Mc Grath Placide
14sec – 1st Kenneth Tobierre, 2nd Waseen Janoura, 3rd Ruben Joseph
15sec – 1st Jerry St Marthe, 2nd Ryan Auguste, 3rd Shayne Deshong
Eager participants also competed in motorcycle events, and the newcomer riders found it very difficult to contain their excitement and had to partake.
The results are as follows:
1st Sylvester Clement, 2nd Ashley Clement, and 3rd Michael Williams.
The highlight of the day was the “Grudge Matches”, where bragging rights were settled- Electric vs Gas, Car vs Car and Motorcycle vs motorcycle.
Reports state that all competitors put in impressive and outstanding performances. There was talk that December 13th was just a warm up and February 21st and 22nd 2024 will paint the true image of what’s it is to be fast, faster and fastest.
The Executive and partners of the St Lucia Motor Sports Association (SLMSA) acknowledge the input of the persons that helped make The St Lucia Nationals a flawless and incident free event.
“Kudos to all participants and we look forward to more of the same on February 21st and 22nd for “The Regionals”, where we expect participants from Anguilla, St Vincent, Barbados, Dominica, Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis,” stated an SLMSA spokesperson.
The SLMSA also recognizes the assistance of the Ministry of Youth & Sports (Alternative Sports), Invest St Lucia, M&C General Insurance, The Royal St Lucía Police Force (SSU & Traffic), The St Lucia Red Cross, Pan American, ECCO, Automotive Art, St Lucia Air & Sea Ports Authority and Timeline Events.
Plans are already in motion preparing for The Regionals, which the SLMSA is hoping to kick up a notch or two.