As the coronavirus pandemic has taken hold across the world, motor sport in the island has been suspended for the foreseeable future. Bushy Park Motorsports Inc’s (BPMSI) March 15 race meet, featuring the opening round of the Radical Caribbean Cup, was the last event to be held at the facility before the first cases were confirmed in Barbados and the Government moved into the first stage of its Covid-19 protocols two days later. Thursday’s (March 26) further announcement of the step up to Stage 3 of the Government’s strategy means that all activities at the facility are suspended until further notice.
The Barbados Association of Dragsters & Drifters (BADD), which had already cancelled the opening round of its 2020 Championship on February 23 through lack of entries, has confirmed that round two on April 5 has now been postponed. The Barbados Karting Association (BKA), which was due to share that date with BADD, has also cancelled. The Barbados Auto Racing League (BARL), which postponed its AGM on March 21, has also now cancelled all events scheduled before July 1.
The Barbados Rally Club (BRC) has confirmed the postponement of Flow King of the Hill and Sol Rally Barbados; scheduled for the last two weekends of May, these events have included action at Bushy Park in recent years (pictured), along with Rally Central, home to many overseas visitors, being based in the Pits. Club Chairman Mark Hamilton said: “The Club remains totally committed to running our major events in the latter part of the year, when we hope the environment allows. We have already identified potential dates, but it is critical that we provide the best options for all our stakeholders, from the competitors to the Club’s commercial partners, as well as the thousands of spectators.”
BPCI Operations Manager Amy Willis added: “Apart from the dates listed by the Clubs, we have also been informed that Rep Ya Ride, which was scheduled for May 3, has been postponed.”
