News

Circuit race and rally fans in Barbados can look forward to a “watershed season” for their favourite sport in 2014, according to the island’s National Sporting Authority, the Barbados Motoring Federation (BMF) . . . and the months of May and June look set to break all previous records for motor sport’s contribution to the island’s vital sports-tourism product.

Roger ‘The Sheriff’ Skeete will be in “maximum attack” mode when he leads the home team out for Sol Rally Barbados 2014, targetting his 13th victory in the Barbados Rally Club’s (BRC) blue riband event. He will again be partnered by co-driver Louis Venezia in the Sol/Simpson Motors/Michelin Subaru Impreza WRC S12, the combination which won in 2010 and 2011.

More than one-third of the 60-plus entries so far received for Sol Rally Barbados 2014 will compete in the event’s four-wheel-drive classes, with strong support from overseas crews. Repeat UK visitors Tom Roberts and Simon Wallis are certainly looking forward to their return . . . both were in action last Sunday (January 12) in near-freezing temperatures in the annual MGJ Brands Hatch Stages in the south of England.

Britain’s Kevin Procter, favoured by island motor sport fans for his flamboyant and attacking driving style, has started his preparations for Sol Rally Barbados 2014 on a high note. Last Saturday (December 28), with regular co-driver Dave Bellerby, he won the Christmas Stages Rally in the North of England for the fifth time in six years in the Procters Coaches Subaru Impreza WRC S7.