OK to drag - Racing to resume at Vernamfield in July

Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

After a five-year hiatus, the old Vernamfield runway in Clarendon will once again be buzzing with the excitement of revving engines and screeching tyres in July. Hundreds of diehard motorsport fans are expected to cram the one-time airstrip, as the Government has given the National Drag Race Circuit (NDRC) the green light to resume drag racing there.

"We received a letter from the
Ministry of Transport and Works, giving us permission to resume drag
racing until further notice," said Christopher Elliot, an executive
member of the NDRC.

Under the previous Jamaica Labour
Party (JLP) administration, then Minister of Transport and Works Mike
Henry, had proposed a major development project for Vernamfield. It
would have included an air cargo hub, airline maintenance facility and
accommodation for the Jamaica Defence Force Air
Wing.

However, is seems that is all on hold, as the
NDRC is welcoming the news that they can resume hosting events at the
facility, which is on a property of about 1,773 hectares of land in
south-west Clarendon. It is the bare nucleus of a military airbase once
operated by the United States during the 1940s.

The
first of two planned drag-racing events is scheduled to get underway on
Sunday, July 28. According to Elliot, the last drag-racing event was
held at Vernamfield in 2007, then they were asked to
discontinue.

Elliot is looking forward to a strong
turnout. "We are expecting at least 100 drag racers, who will be
competing in 10 classes. Right now we are busy bushing the facility and
doing some additional work to get the race surface ready," the NDRC
executive member said.

Senior public relations officer
at the Ministry of Transport and Works, Leo McEwan, confirmed to
Automotives that the NDRC has been given the
go-ahead. "Yes, the ministry has given permission for a group of
individuals to continue drag racing at Vernamfield, while discussions
continue in relation to the proposed development project," McEwan said
on Friday.

Elliot is confident that residents of
communities around the Vernamfield facility welcome the drag racing
restart, as the crowds it attracted contributed to their livelihood. He
said since the resumption was made official, the NDRC has retained some
members of the community to assist with preparing the facility, while
others are setting up stalls and shops to serve the expected influx of
visitors.

And the NDRC is also extending a charitable
hand. "We will also be providing assistance for three early-childhood
institutions in the community. They are Gi Mi A Bit, Power of Faith and
Springfield basic schools," said Elliot, who is an IT consultant by
profession.