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.
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