The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

Arawak Cay came alive with the roar of engines and bustle of spectators trying to catch a glimpse of the fleet of classic cars at the official opening of 2012 Bahamas Speed Week Revival yesterday.

The drivers opened the event with a traditional “Le Mans” start, followed by a ceremonial lap around Arawak Cay headed by Sir Arthur Foulkes and Sir Stirling Moss.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson welcomed the event back to the Bahamas, and re-iterated the government’s pledge to give auto-racing a permanent home in the country.

“We are really really happy that Speed Week has found a home again in the Bahamas. Welcome back. We are here in full support of what you are doing. It is something that brands the Bahamas well, something that does it at the right time of year. Something that we used to have in the past that is now in the process of a vibrant revival. It’s a great pleasure to be here on your second annual Speed Week in Nassau.

“You know this is a wonderful time of year, we are having beautiful weather, you just missed the hurricane for those who just arrived, it was quick, fast but furious, just like some of these cars here,” he said. “When you visit the old site where Speed Week used to be, on the old Oakes Field runway that used to be the airport, that has now a fantastic hot rod track almost complete. We hope that in February or March you will begin seeing those races at that location.”

Introduced for the first time this year is a Junior Karting Series exhibition, a venture that has already captivated the attention of racing fans across the country and Bahamian students in particular.

“We also were very happy last Sunday when we witnessed the go- kart series and we saw young possible Formula 1 racers from high schools, and our school children came out and participated in that,” Johnson said.

“That is fascinating. There are so many things that have come together in and around this week, we can not do more to tell you how much we appreciate and fully support you.”

David McLaughlin, chairman and event director, echoed the importance of the kart series in fostering a relationship between the Bahamas and other countries.

“Some of you may not know but these kids have been about to the private and public schools and it”s really astonishing what they have been doing. They have been engaged with Bahamain children, the enthusiasm was absolutely remarkable, they were so excited. We have talked to them about their aspirations, they have talked to them about their schooling. Hopefully we can get some of your kids to visit our kids one day and see how they race and they can bring it back here,” he said.

“There is a great social commitmen amongst the kids and we haven’t told them to do this. It’s been a real exchange amongst these youngsters.”

Speed Week events are slated to continue with a reception at Graycliff Restaurant 7pm this evening.

And on Friday afternoon, there will be a viewing of the cars for the public on Bay Street 5:30-8:30pm.

The racing aspect of the weekend begins on Saturday with the Fort Charlotte Hill Climb, 8:30am-2pm, followed by the Pictet Speed Week Gala at the Sheraton Hotel 7pm-12pm.

The week’s events conclude Sunday with the Arawak Cay Sprint Day, 8:30am-5pm, immediately followed by the prize giving ceremony.

From 1954-1966, Nassau Speed Week was the highlight of the social calendar and many of the cars that raced a half century ago returned last year for the revival and reunion.

Sir Stirling Moss’ appearance drew masses of international attention and Speed Week was so hot that it showed up on a huge billboard in New York’s Times Square.

This year’s event is scheduled to run November 24 to December 2, which kicked off with a concert on Saturday, November 24, followed by a Miss Speed Week competition the following day, with visitors taking the next few days to explore the islands.

Official car events began Wednesday, November 28 and run through the weekend.

Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes is the patron of the Pictet Gala Ball and Auction of Promises, which raises funds for Bahamian charities, all set for December 1.