BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Nevis Drag Race strip in Butlers Village was once again under the regional spotlight when it hosted the annual Winfest Invasion Finals last Sunday (Jun. 8).
In an exclusive interview with this publication, CJ Bartlette of the Nevis Drag Racing Unit recounted the events.
“The recent event that we had was real successful. The countries came out and they represented. We had St. Kitts, Nevis, Antigua and Montserrat. The crowd participation was very good we had about 1 500 spectators who came out and showed support.”
He added that it was an international event they annually stage during the Winfest festival season.
“It was a usual Winfest event that we host during the Winfest festival season. It was an international event, so annually we have it around Winfest. We keep six events per year...three local events and three international events.”
Bartlette was also questioned as to who were the biggest winners on that day.
“We had seven cars from Montserrat, 13 cars from Anguilla, six from Antigua, eight from Nevis and four from St. Kitts. I would say that it was not really one particular country winning all the categories. We had nine different categories and Montserrat did very well, also Anguilla as well as St. Kitts and Antigua. Nobody really dominated.”
He also outlined plans for the next event which will be held during Culturama celebration.
“Our next event will be for the Culturama weekend. That would be July 26 and 27 and that is an international event. We are expecting to have big participation for that from the usual countries.
“Plans are underway as usual! This time we are going to do marketing and be more aggressive. We will have a band and a DJ; a lot will be going on that weekend.”
Bartlette thanked all who were involved in making the June 8 event a reality, including sponsors and fans.
“I would just like to thank everyone who came out and gave support to the Nevis Drag Racing event. I would like to thank the sponsors who were onboard with us and also urge the fans to continue their support and lets have a good clean fun event every time.”
He then made a call to the general public to refrain from racing on the public roads.
“I would like to also reach out to the general public, those who get excited after a drag race, please be careful on the streets and I am not encouraging racing of any kind on the public streets.”
The following are the first and second place winners at the Winfest Invasion:
14 Seconds Class:
Winner: Samuel Matthew (Nevis)
2nd Place: Fredrick Parris (Nevis)
13 Second Class:
Winner: Kwesi Ryan (Montserrat)
2nd Place: OJ (Anguilla)
12 Second Class:
Winner: Rodney Brown (Montserrat)
2nd Place: Regiwell Francis (St.Kitts)
11 Seconds Class:
Winner: Dwayne DeCosta (St.kitts)
2nd place: Terrod Chalmers (Montserrat)
10 Seconds Class:
Winner: Renee Edwards (Antigua)
2nd Place: Joseph Woods (Anguilla)
Open Class:
Winner: Mark De Silva (Antigua)
Kobie Paul (St.Marrten)
Outlaw Class:
Winner: Gavin Clark (Nevis)
2nd place: Roger Blanchard (Anguilla)
