By Stephan Sookram
F1 CHAMPION Lewis Hamilton is heading to Barbados later this year for that country’s Festival of Speed and a possible on-track run-in with overseas-based Guyanese and Suzuki SR3 Radical Superstar Calvin Ming is not being ruled out. With the Mercedes driver already confirming his participation for the May 7-8 event at the Bushy Park Raceway in Barbados, speculation is rife as to his input in the action.
Chronicle Sport yesterday contacted Chairman of the Bushy Park Motor Sport Inc. (BPMSI) Sean Maloney, who contended that while the Brit is confirmed, no solid plans as to his exact roles are in place for the two-day meeting in the Eastern Caribbean Island.
Maloney did not, however, rule out the possibility of the Silver Arrows driver as a guest in their ongoing Suzuki SR3 Radical series.
“It could or could not happen but I can’t speak to it until it’s agreed by Lewis and all the other parties,” said the BPMSI Chairman Maloney, adding “That’s something that will be made public when it is confirmed but it’s not at that stage yet. I wouldn’t want to speak to rumours.”
He continued, “Lewis will be participating in the various events on the day and all of that is still to be confirmed. How it happens whether it’s racing, whether it’s exhibition, whatever it is, is to be confirmed.”
The mouth-watering prospect between the two is one that Ming’s fans, and by extension Caribbean racing enthusiasts, will be sure to want to witness as the overseas-based Guyanese virtually mopped the floor with the local competition on debut there in January.
He picked up two first-place and one fourth-place finishes while also clocking an unofficial time of 58.48 secs during the practice session in the series, leaving many with the belief that he is one of the prime competitors in the series.
The current official lap record is set at 58.9 by Maloney and adding the BPMSI boss to the possible mix would mean that fans would be in for a treat.
According to the Bushy Park website, “The nine-hour programme will be packed with a broad cross-section of motoring and motor sport action on two and four wheels, including British Superbike and Micro Banger Champions from the UK, Monster Truck and Stunt Bike stars from the USA, along with local and regional contingents, including the Suzuki Challenge Series Swift Cup and SR3 Cup.”
It continued, “The family-friendly day will also include a lunchtime show featuring Rupee, music from the Barbados Defence Force Band, a parade of classic cars and other activities that will give this new event on the annual motoring calendar a very specific Caribbean twist.”