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Motor Sports Dexterity Challenge Rnd 2
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MCBI/P.B. Events Ltd - Dexterity Challenge - Event 2
Julie'N Car Park, Haggatt Hall,
Sun, Mar 9, 2003
 
Index
Intro Page Day's Report 1 2 3 4 5 6 Videos
 
The Day's Report
By Glenn "Evo Thug" Beckles
 
Tony Pile (right) showed incredible skill and car control as he won the second round of the Dexterity Driving Challenge. He beat sliding ace Geoff Ullyett into second place, and Cliff Roett placed third. Thousands of spectators descended upon the North side parking lot of the Julie'N complex in Haggatt Hall to witness another session of car gymnastics. Those who attended were not disappointed in any way. With coolers, umbrellas and cameras in hand the crowd was ready for action, and they got it in abundance. With every vantage point being utilised, all that was left to be done was to witness the spectacle which was to unfold before their very eyes.

From the first head to head match-up of the day, the tone was set for the rest of the day. The level which was set never dropped and fans paid rapt attention, captivated and spellbound. First up were the 2 sliding aces of the competition: Geoffrey Ullyett (Datsun 200 Y) and Tony Pile (Ford Escort). Picking up from where they left off in the last round, these 2 extremely talented drivers once again put down scintillating runs. Pile was just a live example of a man being at one with his machine. Positioning the front of his Escort as close as possible to the barrels, he spun his car with a nonchalance equal to the likeness of a man just out for a Sunday afternoon drive. Ullyett (right) was his usual self; impeccable car positioning and exhibiting the ultimate example of rear wheel drive drifting. This was a close run, and it was like this for the rest of the day between these 2 competitors.

Cliff Roett in his Toyota Starlet was incredible as well. Exerting just the right amount of aggression, he too showed how to spin a rear wheel drive vehicle. Cliff left the crowd in awe with his amazing manoeuvres, seeming to be at peace with his machine. What really got the crowd going was the way he offset his car upon approaching the first barrel which he had to go around. With a flick of the wrists and a stamp on the accelerator, he set up his car perfectly to begin spinning his machine like a top. His consistent times earned him 3rd position. Adrian Linton was once again a model of consistency as he drove his Toyota Corolla to 4th place. Although not as spectacular as the aforementioned names, he nonetheless turned in some competitive times, quite ably representing the front wheel drive competitors.

Without a doubt, Karl Waterman (left) has endeared himself to the hearts of practically all of the fans who have witnessed him drive at the 2 dexterity challenges thus far. In a Toyota being shared with Ryan Wood, Waterman repeated his feats at the last dexterity challenge. He is at one with the Starlet, offsetting and spinning it as if it was child's play. His relaxed driving posture is even more incredible, with a likeness to that of Tony Pile. This being only his second competitive event, one can only imagine what Karl has in store for the Vaucluse Raceway. Speaking of Ryan Wood, he too has to be given props for his performance as well. Like Karl, he handled the Starlet with ease, making light work of the course. He even had a special treat for the fans at the end of the event (more on this later).

Rhett Watson (left), behind the wheel of a RWD Mitsubishi Lancer was also a crowd pleaser. Tossing and spinning the Lancer with ease, Rhett got the crowd into a frenzy with his antics. He performed admirably, showing superb skill and ease on the course. Dylan Foster shared the Lancer with Rhett, and he too was entertaining to watch. It could be seen that he had made an improvement on his performance from the previous challenge, and he gave a creditable performance. Dwayne Beckles in his Datsun was also entertaining. He too made a vast improvement from the previous dexterity challenge, and it showed in his consistent times. All drivers gave creditable performances, and with only one more round left, one can only imagine what these drivers will do in the final round.

There wasn't only keen interest in the races, but on the pace cars as well. Patrons got to witness the inclusion of another course car, the Toyota Starlet (right) of Barry Mayers (which was driven by his brother Roger). One of the favourite cars of many motorsport fans; there was quite a buzz when this machine rolled to the line. Paul Bourne's Subaru Impreza WRC was there as well, this time equipped with slicks, instead of the loose tires, which were present for the first round of the dexterity challenge. Even though these 2 cars weren't in competition, both driver put on scintillating displays for the crowd, making one think for just a second that Paul and Roger were trying to outdo each other. Roger was quite impressive, offsetting and spinning the Starlet at will. Paul equalled Roger's skill, pushing the crowd to the brink of untamed euphoria. It seemed Paul was "a bit too happy" as he drove the course. His Impreza now shod with slicks, it spun easily and even more quickly than before, and Paul was having a field day. What left the crowd in utter disbelief was watching Paul's hands flick the steering wheel from left to right with a deft, yet nonchalant confidence.

There wasn't only entertainment of the vehicular kind, but that of the musical variation. The winning vehicle in the sound off of the Checkered Flag Car Shop Car Show was on hand to provide a little "demonstration" as it were. The Toyota Hiace of Perkash Babani sponsored by the Liberty Store was an instant hit with the crowd. It was soon evident why this particular vehicle won the sound off. As the bass line from "My Princess Gone" by Jah Mason dropped, the crowed screamed their approval. Crystal clear audio quality spewed forth from its equipment. One might even described it as a DJ set on wheels. There was such enthusiasm within the crowd that the music sparked an impromptu dance session. Some fans couldn't help themselves… they came onto the course and started dancing to the music. Those who weren't as daring stayed in the main body of the crowd and swayed and nodded their heads to the music. No words can adequately describe the atmosphere or the crowd response. As the van drove out of the course, fans gasped in disbelief of the sight that greeted them. The state of the art equipment contained in the rear of the van evoked surprise and nods of approval from the onlookers.

Having been witness to the spectacle at the end of the previous round of the dexterity challenge, fans waited with baited breath to see what was in store for them. What unfolded before them was nothing short of amazing. First a motocross rider performed some stunts. With an arsenal of wheelies, front wheel glides and even donuts, he put on a great show for the thousands of fans. Unlike last time, there was no announcement of any synchronised sliding to be done, and some fans seemed a bit disappointed. This disappointment soon turned into unbridled euphoria as Rhett Watson, Kirk Thompson, Ryan Wood, Tony Pile, and Dwayne Beckles came out to leave a lil something for the fans. Ryan Wood and Tony Pile left the crowd begging for more as they did their version of synchronised sliding. These 2 talented drivers were just unbelievable as the matched each other spin for spin. What really made the crowd even more ecstatic was when Wood and Pile slid around the barrels with one hand on the steering wheel and the other hand being used to point at each other. The drivers were smiling and so was the crowd. While Pile and Wood entertained fans on the western course, Rhett Watson and Kirk Thompson thrilled those on the eastern course. They did Pile and Wood one better, with Rhett doing donuts with one hand and one foot out the window. He even did a few with the door help open. As Tony and Ryan left the course, Dwayne rolled in. his donuts were spectacular as well. He too displayed great showmanship with his one-handed, one-footed donuts, as well as his no-handed donuts. With all 2 hands outside the car, thunderous cheers erupted from the crowd. Did I mention that while all of this was going on, Rhett and Kirk were still going at it? It seemed as if these 2 didn't want to stop…not as if the crowd wanted them to anyway. Without warning, the white Toyota Corolla of Corey Mitchell appeared on the course. Upon entering the eastern section of the course, it was offset and then in one smooth motion, slid into the course going around the barrels with ease. What is interesting to note, however is that this Corolla is front wheel drive, and was spinning like a rear wheel drive. During the official runs this Corey amazed the crowd, and he wanted to get in on a piece of the action before the event was over. Alas, all good things must come to an end, and the marshalls began to wave their red flags, signalling the completion of what can only be described as a spectacular day.

Kudos must be given yet again to PB Events Ltd, the MCBI (Motoring Club of Barbados Incorporated), ARC Irrigation (right) (for keeping the course nice and wet) and Rally Timing for another well organised and action-packed event. The Royal Barbados Police Force must also be commended in their efforts of crowd control. The DJ and MC kept the crowd informed and entertained throughout the day, and they too must be given kudos. Gratitude must be extended to the management of the Julie'N complex for allowing the use of their facilities. The sponsors: Banks Breweries Ltd, Nestle, Zephyrhills, Orchard Vibe, The Boatyard and all those who assisted in making this event yet another success. With only one round left, the stage is set for a close finish between Tony Pile and Geoff Ullyett. However, it can only be seen what will happen on that particular day. Make sure that you're there, I know I will.

 
 
Index
Intro Page Day's Report 1 2 3 4 5 6 Videos
 
 
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