Director of Sports on Nevis, Jamir Claxton recently confirmed that the Independence Drag race event is definitely on.
He noted that he is aware that drag racing fans across the island would have been sorely disappointed when the much planned for Culturama races, had to be cancelled due to the passage of a severe weather system.
He however, pointed out that Junior Minister of Sports, the Hon. Hazel Brandy- Williams, has ensured that extensive rehabilitative work has been completed at the St. James’ raceway and the track is more or less ready for the upcoming event, which is now slated for this coming Sunday-18th September, as part of the Independence 33 celebrations.
A lot of the work is geared towards the safety of the drivers and the spectators and a new timing system has been purchased and an expert was due in last weekend to do some testing of the equipment.
As regards the concerns raised about the safety of the end of the track, Claxton indicated that the braking distance has been increased; the berm has been raised and a lot of tyres have been placed in the area, which would help to stop vehicles in the case of an emergency.
He also stated that the event is expected to attract participants from Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Maarten and Anguilla. He noted that the local drivers are keen and rearing to go.
There are cash prizes and trophies to be won by the winners.
Adults will pay $20.00 to get; children $10.00 and persons requiring a pit pass, which would give them close up privileged viewing of the race cars, would pay, $40.00.
The event is set to commence at 3.00 pm sharp but the drivers are expected in by 1.30 pm.
The test and tune activities would be completed on Saturday 17th September.
There will be much food, music and drinks on hand, aided by the fact that a spanking brand new sound system has been acquired which would serve to update spectators around the ground, with what is going on with the races.