‘Tarmac Takeover’ ignites SVG’s Motor sport

by: Megan Francis

On October 28, 2024, the much anticipated ‘Tarmac Takeover’ event, organized by 784Streetz and Hyperspeed, roared through the decommissioned ET Joshua Airport Tarmac, delivering an adrenaline-fuelled day for fans and racers alike.

CHARLIE THOMAS took 1st place in the 2WD category

Drawing large crowds, the event showcased thrilling races, with racers from St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and Saint Lucia battling for top honours in various categories. Tarmac Takeover highlighted not only the skill and precision of the sub-regional drivers, but also the rising potential of motor sport as a tourist attraction and economic driver for SVG.

A release from the organisers explains that in the days leading up to Tarmac Takeover, 784Streetz and Hyperspeed spearheaded school tours aimed at sparking the interest of young people in motor sport, and opportunities within the motor sport industry.

These tours encouraged students to think about motor sport not only as a thrilling spectacle, but also as a community of skilled professionals and passionate enthusiasts, thus paving the way for the next generation in this sport.

The event itself did not disappoint. Racing fans were treated to spectacular performances, culminating in standout victories across two major categories- All Wheel Drive, and Two Wheel Drive.

In the All Wheel Drive (AWD) category, the results were as follows:

– 1st place: Mark Daniel, who earned a set of four high-performance tires, courtesy of Coreas Auto.
– 2nd place: Zachareous Williams, who took home a service kit that included branded merchandise from Mannol, and an $800 service voucher from Tha Hook Up Garage.
– 3rd place: Brian Evans from Saint. Lucia, who won a year’s supply of 10w30 oil, coolant, and premium extreme pressure grease, also from Coreas Auto.
In the Two Wheel Drive (2WD) Category, the winners were:
– 1st place: Charlie Thomas, who received an Xstream and a year’s supply of octane booster valued at $1,000 from OSV.
– 2nd place: Devin Daniels, who earned a $500 gift voucher from Cash Money Auto.

– 3rd place: Glenton Evans from Saint. Lucia, who won a year’s supply of 10w40 oil, coolant, and premium extreme pressure grease from Coreas Auto.

Tarmac Takeover 2024 went beyond being just another racing event; it demonstrated the potential for motor sport to positively impact the local economy. With fans from nearby islands contributing to a busy weekend for local restaurants, hotels, and businesses, the event underscored the dual value of motor sport as a thrilling experience and a valuable tourism product. The organisers have extended gratitude to participants,sponsors and fans who supported ‘Tarmac Takeover’.