The French-side fire brigade (sapeurs-pompiers) gave a demonstration of how they deal with a serious accident, in this case between scooter and car. (Robert Luckock photo)
MARIGOT--Association Moto Action du Nord’s (AMAN) first professionally-organised drag race in Grand Case since 2017 provided hundreds of spectators on Sunday with a thrilling spectacle of speed and power under strictly controlled security and safety measures.
The event was complemented by a road safety village organised with the support of the Collectivité and Préfecture. Coralled onto the commercial-side of the Hope Estate embankment, safely away from the drag strip, spectators had an excellent view of the action throughout the morning. The main area of activity with tents for the competitors and teams was located at the entrance to Hope Estate with the 200-metre drag strip facing south towards La Savane. Security was particularly tight with race officials, Territorial Police and Gendarmes controlling the area with motorbikes and scooters preparing to start and returning after their runs. The air was regularly filled with revving engines and burning rubber.
Assisted by a Race Director and timing officials from Guadeloupe, the day began with three testing sessions before moving onto three qualifying rounds for the five categories that included Quad, Scooters, T-Max Scooters, Street Bikes, and Prostock. Some 40 amateur and professional riders took part from Curacao (7) Guadeloupe (6) Anguilla (1) and the remainder from St. Maarten. Each rider in each category was timed on three qualifying rounds before the elimination round.
All participating machines were inspected beforehand for race-worthiness and it was mandatory for every rider to wear a fully-integrated helmet, the leather suit, boots and gloves. “Safety was our main concern in organising this event. With that in place professional bikers know what to do, “said Miguel Mingau, President of AMAN. “We had no accidents. We hope that seeing how these riders protected themselves, it will send a message to young people to protect themselves and help save lives.” Results were not based on times but on the last man standing from the elimination rounds.
Therefore the “King of the Track” titles (one winner only for each category) were earned by Bashan Chitick (SXM-Yamaha T-Max 530cc), Sajid O’Neil (Curacao-Street Bike BMW 1,000cc), Jean-Marc Chaville (Guadeloupe-Suzuki 1,000cc Prostock), Ilegio Illidge (SXM -scooter Piaggio 125cc), and Kerrone Hodge-Carty (Anguilla-Quad Yamaha Banshee 350cc).
There was only one Quad entry which was a machine constructed in Anguilla. Stéphanie Ramirez from Guadeloupe riding a BMW 1,000cc bike was the only girl participating against the men, attracting applause after her runs. No prizes were awarded. Mingau said a debriefing and discussions will now be held about organising the next event which will most likely have prizes. During a break in the racing, a demonstration was given by the Pompiers on how they attend to a victim of an accident The scenario was a collision between scooter and car. Over at the road safety village, the Titles Department of the Collectivité give information on obtaining licenses and other documents. At the Association SXM Routière stand the public could try walking a course wearing goggles of different strengths to simulate being drunk or high on cannabis.
The same goggles could be worn for a motorbike simulator. Caribbean Eagles also had a stand promoting safety. President Jane Netto said Harley members take pride in always wearing protective gear. President of the Collectivité Louis Mussington and other elected officials were present to support the event.
