Bushy Park invests in competitors, spectators and volunteers

Bushy Park Circuit Inc (BPCI) is continuing its phased investment programme at the St Philip facility for the benefit of competitors, spectators and volunteers. The most recent enhancements will come on stream for the first time at the Williams Industries Digicel International Race Meet (September 12/13), featuring round three of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC).

For competitors and volunteers, the most obvious upgrade will be the first use on the full 2.01-kilometre International Circuit of the newly-installed ALITRAX Flag Point Light (FPL) system. The remote-controlled system uses automotive-grade multi-coloured LEDs to replace and replicate all the standard flag requirements of the FIA, allowing for officials to keep a safe distance from the action. Fourteen light sets have been positioned around the International and Kart circuits, eight of which are solar-powered. Thanks to their ease of installation, the lights can be repositioned to suit any track configuration.

Facilities Co-ordinator Kurt Seabra explained: “There are many benefits to implementing the system, foremost being safety. Bushy Park has quite a tight layout and there are places where we need to have a flag, but it is too dangerous to have a marshal. Visibility is another key factor: we are often told by drivers that the flags are very difficult to see, also that they change colour when they get wet. We can place the FPL system in the best viewing positions, they remain constant in colour and are clearer and brighter than a flag.

“While a certain number of volunteers will still be required at every event, installing FPL can reduce the number required by clubs to host their events; this will place less pressure on the island’s small pool of volunteers, increasingly stretched as the motor sport calendar has grown. In addition, Track Days can now be managed from a central location, with a single operator, via the touch-screen FPL control software.”

Regional racers returning for the first time since last July’s International will notice a number of other changes; these include the starting grid having returned to the traditional position below the Clubhouse, the construction of the three-storey Race Control building and more extensive infrastructure in the Automotive Art Pits Complex.

From the spectator perspective, the addition of a North Ticket Office, alongside Gate 3, will allow for smoother access – tickets for VIP, Clubhouse and the two 4x4 Zones only will be on sale, with VIP, Clubhouse and Accessible parking nearby. General Admission parking remains in the south and there will be express no-bag check lanes at both Gate 1 and Gate 3, to allow easier access for patrons not carrying coolers or other bags.

Business Development & Marketing Manager Zoe Manning said: “We have been taking a careful look at access for patrons and are confident that the addition of a second Ticket Office will make it smoother. We are also introducing our ‘Mix-n-Mingle’ ticket concept from the CMRC weekend, which will allow ticket-holders to move around the facility more freely, rather than being restricted to one area. For instance, Clubhouse and Open Air Suite tickets will also allow access to the 4 x 4 Zones, while VIP tickets will also allow access to the Clubhouse, the 4 x 4 Zones, Corporate and VVIP areas, with a valid invitation. Full details can be found on our web site.”

Three races for each of the CMRC categories on two and four wheels are featured on a 23-race programme organised by Bushy Park Motor Sports Inc (BPMSI), which will also include the Suzuki Challenge Series SR3 Cup and Swift Cup and the Club’s own 2015 Championship. Once the circuit sessions have come to an end each day, the Barbados Association of Dragsters & Drifters (BADD) will take to the 1/8th-mile drag strip and run into darkness to stage round three of Drag Warz 2015.

The Williams Industries Digicel International Race Meet (September 12/13) is organised by Bushy Park Motor Sports Inc (BPMSI) and promoted by Bushy Park Circuit Inc (BPCI); title sponsors are Williams Industries Inc, Digicel Barbados Ltd and Seaboard Marine Ltd:

Sunday, September 13 (gates and ticket booths open 7.00am): General Admission Bds $25; Clubhouse (food and drink on sale) Bds $50; VIP (food on sale, drinks free) Bds $125; children 12 and under are free. Hilti 4 x 4 Hammer Zone vehicle pass Bds $25, Cyclone 4 x 4 Zone vehicle pass Bds $40, plus General Admission pass for each occupant

Admission to Testing on Friday, September 11, and Practice and Qualifying (from 11.00am) on Saturday, September 12, is free.