The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

GOVERNOR General Sir Arthur Foulkes officially opened Speed Week with a ceremonial lap in one of the classic cars at Arawak Cay yesterday.

Participants lined their cars up in front of the Fish Fry in the Arawak Cay Heritage Village for their first opportunity to lap the newly extended, widened and resurfaced outdoor circuit.

Sir Arthur, who is serving as patron of the event, welcomed the drivers to the Bahamas and gave them a history lesson of what speed week used to be more than 40 years ago.

“We are delighted that you have chosen to participate in this historic event now in its second year and I trust that you will enjoy all the activities planned for the coming days. Let me also extend a warm welcome to all our visitors who are here for this event, please enjoy and please come again,” he said.

“Bahamas Speed Week as you already heard was a very important event in the 1950’s and 1960’s,  attracting the best known drivers from around the world. It was at Oakes Field where there was a permanent track and I think before that it started down at Windsor field. Today’s speed week is right here at Arawak Cay, where the beauty of our waters provides a special back drop for the elegance of the cars participating in the races.

“It is quite wonderful to welcome back Sir Stirling Moss and Lady Moss as patrons of speed week. As one of the elite of the racing world back in the day, Sir Stirling’s patronage and presence underlines the authenticity of this celebration of nostalgia. It is a special pleasure to welcome the junior carting team who will add a whole new dimension to speed week, a youthful dimension. These young carters will I hope inspire some Bahamian youngsters to become involved in the building of box car racers and maybe one day have a presence in an international race.”

The drivers will participate in a speed tour of some of the island’s best sights today, including some of the famous Bond Film location. They will also stop at the ultra exclusive Lyford Cay estate, home to the actor who made James Bond a household name, Sir Sean Connery, who was a spectator last year.

On Friday , the Bay Street Roadshow is scheduled while on Saturday, December 1, cars will experience two timed runs up to Fort Charlotte.  Sunday, December 2, has a full day of timed sprint around a challenging 1.5 mile circuit.

Tickets are at the Speed Week website http://www.bahamasspeedweek.com/