CHARLESTOWN, Nevis, August 12, 2010 - Minister of Sports on Nevis, the Hon Hensley Daniel yesterday revealed the Nevis Island Government’s intention to take the sport of Drag Racing on Nevis, to a level of regional and international appeal.
In an interview with Sports caster Curtis Morton on his sports program, ‘Sports Menu’ the Minister informed that the Nevis Island Government had contracted the firm of Pudgy Productions of Trinidad to enhance the product which he referred to as a ‘gold mine’.
Daniel explained that a Drag Racing Unit is in place and there is also Drag Racing Association. Over a year ago, there was a disconnect between the two bodies and he in his wisdom intervened and allowed the Drag Racing Association to take free reins in the organizing of Race meets and allowed them the privilege of keeping the revenue derived.
He however noted that the NIA has decided that the time has come to reap more dividends from such a major investment and so the firm of Pudgy Productions has been contracted with their main responsibility of enhancing the Drag Race way and marketing the races to attract more regional and international participation and spectatorship.
The Pudgy production team will interact and liaise with the Drag Racing Unit in the organizing and hosting of events with input from the Drag Racing Association whose members will now be able to concentrate on building their membership and adequately preparing themselves for races without the additional headache of organizing the event.
A portion of the revenue collected will also be given to the Drag racing Association.
Before going public, Minister Daniel met with members of the Drag Racing Unit and the representatives of Pudgy Productions and later with members of the Drag Racing Association and clearly outlined the intentions of the NIA in terms of the way forward and the involvement of all of the parties concerned.
With the assistance of Pudgy productions, the ultimate goal will see general improvements of the racing facility from aesthetics, to stands, to PA system improvements and improvements to the holding facilities for race cars etc. There will also be a definite improvement in safety standards and general guidelines for racers and spectators alike.
The aim is to attract racers from the Southern Caribbean and beyond with the possibility of race cars being brought to the island from places like Trinidad, Grenada and others to be housed and maintained here in readiness for the various race days.
Minister Daniel stressed on the endless possibilities as result of this major boost in Sports tourism and noted that the facility will not only be limited to hosting car race meets but has the potential for several other activities.
Two of the representatives of Pudgy Productions, Managing Director Andre Chrislow and Operations Manager Christopher Cozier also spoke to their training in engineering and auto mechanics respectively and highlighted their many years in car and boat racing and also their marketing ability which includes work with the popular ESPN network.
Both gentlemen were quick to point out that they do not know it all and will be relying on local knowledge for guidance. They have committed to working closely with the Drag Racing Unit and the Drag Racing Association towards the ultimate goal of making Nevis the Drag Racing center of the Caribbean.
The next race is scheduled for the anniversary date of September 19th and the two gentlemen have indicated that the Nevisian sporting Public can look forward to something really special on that day.
