As with the 2 previous rounds of the Dexterity Driving Challenge, fans made use of every vantage point, not wanting to miss any of the action. Action was in abundance and from the first 2 competition cars rolled off their respective starting lines, the North-side parking lot at Julie'N in Haggatt Hall was engulfed in euphoria. Even before that, as Paul "The Surfer" Bourne did the demonstration of how the course would be run there was an extra addition: in car audio and commentary. The person chosen to take a drive with Paul had a microphone with them and was given the opportunity to "narrate" what was going on, or if they felt the need, to describe the rush that they felt while on board. What added to the atmosphere was the in-car audio. Hearing the engine and the noise from the differential added to the sight of Paul spinning his Impreza WRC gave you the feeling of being right there with him.

Tension was in the air. With Geoff Ullyett and Tony Pile separated by only 1 point, an epic battle was looming, and fans waited with baited breath to see who would be victorious. That time however wouldn't be too soon in coming, as there were 4 elimination rounds before the final round. Ullyett and Pile weren't the only ones fans kept their eyes on. Crowd favourites Andrew Jones, Karl Waterman, Ryan Wood, and Rhett Watson were all eager to put their skills on display and that's just what they did. Even some first-timers in the event put on a good showing for the crowd. Sean Corbin, Lawrence Bayne and Nigel Reece were 3 first-timers in this round of the Dexterity Driving Challenge who were definitely hits with the crowd.

One driver to make an immediate impact was Andrew Jones (Ford Escort). Having missed the second Driving Challenge, Jones wanted to make a statement, and that's just what he did. Offsetting and spinning his car around the barrels with ease, Jones made it clear what his intentions were, he was a man on a mission. What was even more exciting than Jones' manoeuvres around the barrels were his entrances to the various sections of the course. Upon exiting one section and entering another Jones sent his car sideways, thus making for some serious eye candy. Jones was consistent and earned some very respectable times. Karl Waterman (Toyota Starlet) picked up where he left off and yet again thrilled the crowd with his car control and skill. Not only did he awe the crowd with his relaxed demeanour he added a new dimension to his arsenal…he flicked the lights at the crowd. One could say that it was Waterman's way of showing the crowd respect for their support. The crowd responded in kind as well. Each time they were given the lights, cheers erupted. Karl was as amazing and consistent as ever truly endearing himself to the hearts of the fans who witnessed his feats. One can only hope to see Karl in more competitions in the future, maybe driving in a rally or 2.

Another driver who must be given props is Ryan Wood (left). Ryan, who shared the Toyota Starlet with Karl was quite fun to watch as well. Ryan, who is more widely known for his navigational exploits (he co-drives for Paul Bourne's team-mate Brian "The Iceman" Gill), has shown that he is quite capable as a driver as well. He too, showed lovely car control and spellbinding skill. Also, like Karl, Ryan flicked the lights of the crowd in recognition of their unwavering support. The ease with which Ryan and Karl piloted and positioned their Starlet was definitely a sight to behold. Rhett Watson is another competitor who showed extreme potential as well. Like Ryan, he's known for his accomplishment in the navigator's seat (Rhett navigates for Cliff Roett). Rhett competed in a Datsun shared with Sean Corbin and Nigel Reece. Rhett is truly talented and has lots of potential. Seeing him make his way around the course with such ease and nonchalance makes one wonder what it would be like to see him in his own machine in a speed event. One thing is for sure though, Rhett definitely has some mad skillz (more on this later).

First-time dexterity competitor Sean Corbin (left) was impressive as well. Taking the Datsun through its paces, Corbin was smooth around the barrels, even taking the time to look onto the top of the barrels as he spun around them. Nigel Reece was the 3rd person sharing the Datsun, and he too, was at his sideways best. His hand speed was incredible as he made his way around the course. With the Datsun's wheels in full opposite lock, Reece was just spectacular as the rear of the car just hung out all over the course. Lawrence Bayne is his brown Datsun was a hit with the crowd. He seems to be a sideways specialist in the making. He was quite skilled in navigating the course, but one got the feeling that he was holding back, and when he finally let it all hang out, he left it all on the tarmac. Another driver worthy of mention is Kenrick Husbands. His Toyota Starlet was very impressive: it's aggressive exhaust and impressive torque made it a fan favourite. Kenrick not only possessed an impressive car, but he has impressive skill and car control as well. Teasing the car as it slid on the wet tarmac, tumultuous cheers erupted from the crowd upon hearing the results of Kenrick's "sweet foot".

Corey Mitchell (Toyota Corolla) was his usual consistent self, being one of the better front-wheel drive competitors. It still is hard to believe that Corey's machine is a front-wheel drive; this is because of the ease with which he spun it. He definitely is a gifted driver. The best of all the front-wheel drive competitors would have to be Adrian Linton. He too, drove a Toyota Corolla. Even though he wasn't about looking spectacular, Adrian got the job done, putting down consistent times in each round. He showed that you don't have to be flashy in order to be competitive. Clean, neat and consistency gets the job done. Dwayne Beckles, Sheldon "Puss" Browne and Gregory "Cheese" Catwell were quite outstanding as well. All 3 of these drivers competed in Datsuns and were clean and consistent. Browne and Beckles, even though not being competition drivers like Catwell, showed improvement in each round, and deserve kudos for their performances.

Tony Pile (right) was a man on a mission from round number 1. Trailing Geoffrey Ullyett by 1 point, he had everything to drive for. Pile was quick and virtually flawless, positioning the front of his Escort inches away from the barrels and spinning the car with amazing speed. He wanted to place as much pressure as he could on Ullyett, knowing that the slightest mistake Ullyett made could cost him the championship. Pile's penultimate run was blistering, and the crowd was left breathless as Pile completed his run in what seemed to be easily the fastest time of the day. It was definitely on. However, Pile didn't bargain for one thing…Ullyett not making any mistakes.

Geoffrey Ullyett was perfect as he executed his manoeuvres on the course. He wanted to make sure that the $10 000 grand prize was his. Ullyett was unbelievably fluent in his turns, completing his runs in incredible times. The notes from his Datsun resonating in the air, Ullyett was a man at one with his car, and this was reflected on him setting fastest times in each of his runs. After seeing Pile's penultimate run (which was lightning quick) the crowd wondered if Ullyett could match his performance. Ullyett did that and more. He was quick, very quick in fact, and eclipsed Pile's time. The crowd were just amazed at Ullyett's performance; going into the last round it was going to be quite a battle.

The final round lived up to its expectations: clean runs and highly competitive head-to-head driving. Each driver giving it his all on the tarmac, and the crowds assisting in the adrenaline rush by breaking out in rapturous screams of approval. Finally, it was time for the showdown everyone had been waiting for…Tony Pile vs. Geoff Ullyett head-to-head. The aural volume was incredible as Pile's Escort and Ullyett's Datsun rolled to their respective starting line. As these two drivers rocketed from the line that said aural volume increased instantaneously. Both cars seemed to be going around the barrels at the same time, appearing that no driver had any clear advantage over the other. As the cars entered their respective second sections of their courses, the crowd was euphoric. Yet again, the symmetry between the cars as they were propelled around the barrels was uncanny. However Ullyett was able to call on a little more power from "Yellow Fever" and it was enough to take him to a spectacular victory over Pile.

The fun wasn't done yet, however. As before in the 2 previous events, the drivers came out to leave a little something for the crowds who came out to see and support them. You had your "usual suspects": Tony Pile, Rhett Watson, Karl Waterman, Ryan Wood, Gregory "Cheese" Catwell and Corey Mitchell. Also, you had Kenrick Husbands and Lawrence Bayne joining in the fun. And fun it was, both for the drivers and the spectators. The tarmac was made extra wet for this session and boy did the drivers take advantage of this. Tony Pile, with a co-driver on board thrilled the crowd on the Eastern course. While the Escort around the barrel, Pile's co-driver placed his hat on the barrel and as the Escort came around for another 360° spin, the co-driver lifted the hat off. The crowd was thrown into a frenzy… it was all too unreal. What was Pile doing while this was going on? Simple…he was smiling. Pile then upped the tempo as he went into the second section of the course. Pile placed the front of his Escort directly on the barrel and spun the car, keeping the barrel in place…the right front of his car remaining in contact with the barrel. Euphoria engulfed the North-side Julie'N parking lot, and what spectators were to see next would send them even crazier. Rhett Watson and Lawrence Bayne (both in Datsuns) did some synchronised sliding. These 2 drivers let it all hang out on the tarmac, sliding the cars with ease. Bayne and Watson were amazing, using his quick hands and feet. As Bayne left Watson by himself, Watson decided to step up. Imagine sitting in rush hour traffic with your right hand propped on the door, and your left hand on the steering wheel. Watson (right) was doing this exact same thing… except for the fact that his car was spinning around the barrels as he did it. As I said before, Rhett is very talented and showed great car control and the aforementioned feat is testament to that.

Enter Gregory Catwell (right). Wheelspinning his Datsun at a standstill with the door open and one hand outside was his opening trick, but what was to follow was off the hook. Owner of www.justbajan.com Himal Reece want over and shook Catwell's hand and after a brief exchange of words Himal became the "centre of attention" so to speak. Himal stood on the course as Catwell spun his car around him as if he were one of the barrels. The crowd went crazy at the sight of it, and from the looks of it, Himal and Gregory seemed to be enjoying themselves as well. Ryan Wood and Kenrick Husbands did some synchronised sliding as well. Wood with his relaxed composure and smooth, flowing style and Husbands with his "sweet right foot" teasing his beast of a Starlet were a treat for both the eyes and ears. Husbands soon had the course for himself, and the notes from his machine as he teased it were resonating all through Haggatt Hall. Soon after, marshalls were waving red flags, signalling the end of the event. The crowd was still on a high, even right through the presentation of prizes, and were thrilled to one last slide fest by Tony Pile and Geoff Ullyett. A huge success no doubt, with everyone who attended feeling quite satisfied.

Kudos must be given to PB Events Limited, Paul "The Surfer" Bourne, sponsors: Zephyrhills, Orchard Vibe, The Boatyard, Jolly Roger Cruises, Banks, NP Motor Oil, Canada House, Nestle and everyone else who made this event a success. Drivers, organisers, the members of the Royal Barbados Police Force, and all who in some way made this Dexterity Driving Challenge an enjoyable event deserve special thanks. Congrats to Geoffrey Ullyett on his 1st place finish. There are plans in the making for another Dexterity Challenge in the future, so stay tuned.