2011/05/17th
Article by Glenn Beckles
Photos by Glenn Beckles
Motorsport fans can expect an even greater level of excitement and satisfaction for the 2011 edition of SOL Rally Barbados. During a Media Conference held today at the Hilton Hotel, details were given with regard to the innovation and initiatives which had gone into this year’s activities. SOL Rally Barbados Chairman Barry Gale expressed his amazement at the response to the committee’s aim of attracting more two-wheel drive entrants. “We had made a particular effort from early to target two-wheel drive cars from Europe, and it’s definitely paid off. We have trophies for the top 10 two-wheel drive cars, while the highest placed front-wheel drive crew and highest placed rear-wheel drive crews will have their fees reimbursed. Added to that, out of the 16 cars that qualify, 8 of them are newcomers to the event and they’re bringing some really different and exciting cars.”
The SOL Group has embarked on a second three-year title sponsorship deal with SOL Rally Barbados. Andrew Niles, General Manager of SOL Barbados Ltd, remarked on the growth and results that this partnership has wrought. “SOL Rally Barbados attracts thousands of fans, scores of local and overseas journalists and plenty of tourists to our shores. SOL is happy to be able to contribute to the overall development of Barbados in this way.”
From the spectator’s side of things, there is plenty of food for thought and loads of action to look forward to. Night stages have returned, so too has the Bushy Park Super Special – but it’s not just the same old show. There’s also a new venue for the Shell V-Power King of The Hill, which throws a twist at how Automotive Art Canefield, by far the most popular stage of SOL Rally Barbados will be run. Shell V-Power King of The Hill come off on May 29th and will be run from Hangman Hill to Lion Castle. There will be one practice run and three official runs. As a result of King of The Hill’s route utilizing a portion of the Canefield stage, a remodeling of sorts has been done to the stage route, with the stage starting Content, St.Thomas. As for the SOL Aviation Super Special at Bushy Park, this event will bring the curtain down on the two-day event. What’s refreshing about this year’s approach is that it will be run under floodlights, with the first pair of cars set to leave the start line at 6:15 pm. There will only be one timed run for this year’s rallysprint-style format – there’s also the small matter of seeing who catches the most air over the bridge!
Here’s a look at SOL Rally Barbados by the numbers:
Ø 100 crews on the provision al entry list – an event record
Ø Drivers or co-drivers from 14 countries (Barbados included) with Australia and Germany being represented for the first time
Ø 40 International drivers or co-drivers, of which 20 are new to the event
Ø 10 female competitors – one driver, nine co-drivers
Ø 23 Special stages to be contested; 13 on Day One at three venues, 10 on Day Two at two venues
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