Motorsport stars shine at Barbados Rally Club awards

The Barbados Rally Club’s (BRC) Annual Prizegiving at Savvy on the Bay, Bridgetown, last Friday celebrated champions and recognised volunteers for their commitment to motor sport.

The lively gathering of competitors, marshals, and officials from rallying, off-road events, and autocross witnessed the presentation of trophies and keepsakes.

Chairman Neil Corbin expressed gratitude to corporate backers, including BCIC and First Citizens, and government ministries for their support. He acknowledged the achievements of the award winners and the sacrifices and commitment of volunteers especially during challenging weather conditions.

“Both on-event and behind the scenes, with hours in the hot sun or pouring rain, and we had a lot of that last year. My thanks to you all,” Corbin said.

Stuart Maloney, who was absent from the event, received recognition for his Champion Driver, 4wd, and FIA R5 titles, with Jeff Panton accepting the trophies on his behalf. Rhett Watson secured the 2wd Championship and the SuperModified 2 class.

Chadane Holder, the Group B Champion, was named Rookie of the Year. Kayleigh Catwell, Emily Kinch, and Natya Soodeen were recognised in the Female Co-Driver and Driver categories following a record-breaking season with 24 female participants in Rally Barbados. Michelle King, the manager of Motorsport Services, received a standing ovation and the Richard Roett Memorial Trophy for her services to the sport.

In the Chefette MudDogs Safari Championship, Simon Parravicino and Andrew Croney were crowned Champion Driver and Navigator, respectively, with George Mendes and Leslie Evanson as Class B Champions.

Evanson was also recognised as the highest-placed female navigator, while Rebecca Clarke received the award for the highest-placed female driver. Stephen Nicholls secured his second Champion Driver title in Autocross, with Callum Kirton as Junior Champion, David-Anthony Balgobin winning the Motoring News Rookie title, and Cheryl-Ann Hurley as Ladies Champion.

(BRC/BT)