The Tribune

BAHAMAS Speed Week organisers have signed a a three-year agreement with a Bahamian infrastructure company for the provision of bleachers at this year’s Speed Week Revival.

C3 Seating, headed by Crispin Cleare, will also be responsible for a 25,000 square foot tent for the VIP Paddock Club pavilion and covering, keeping millions of dollars worth of exotic and classic race cars participating in Bahamas Speed Week, from November 26-December 2, safe from the elements.

Some 4,000 aluminum seats - the same ones used in Boxing Day Junkanoo -are being installed for Speed Week spectators, who will pay $30 to view the action on a daily basis.

VIP Paddock Club tickets go for $100 for the vehicle pavilion, $225 for the VIP Paddock Club membership with full catering, fine furnishings, appointments and amenities on Saturday, and $400 for Sunday.

The series of events includes the Pictet Gala Ball and Auction of Promises on December 1, with the auction raising money for several Bahamian charities. Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Foulkes will once again serve as patrons of the charity component, while racing legend Sir Stirling Moss will return as Bahamas Speed Week 2012 patron.
 The revival of Speed Week in 2011 after a 47-year hiatus was a shot in the arm for the Bahamian economy.

According to Speed Week president Jimmie Lowe, the latest contract demonstrated Speed Week’s commitment to generate revenue from the event for the Bahamian economy.

“Last year, we rented the tents and bleachers from a company abroad, not realising that there was a local company that could provide all of the equipment we need,” said Mr Lowe. “Once we learned of C3 Seating, the decision to keep the money at home was an easy one and they have already proved their reliability, coming out here every morning this week to do the installation right on time if not ahead of schedule.”
 For Crispin Cleare, president and managing director of C3 Seating, the contract is not only financially profitable, but it demonstrates confidence in a local company.

“It is important for me because it means three years of work, but more importantly, it shows the trust that Speed Week has in Bahamians in providing the same level of service that they would have gotten from abroad,” said Mr Cleare.

“The fact that the money is staying here is excellent. It’s another way that Speed Week is contributing to the local economy and demonstrates that the organisers are looking after suppliers and vendors who
are Bahamian.”

While time trials, races, the Fort Charlotte hill climb, island tour and other events are still over a month away, the area at Arawak Cay that will serve as the centre of activity is being readied for rare cars being shipped in from the UK. The first shipment is expected to arrive within two weeks.